While I love layering as much as the next girl, there's something to be said for throwing on a single item of clothing and leaving the house in five minutes flat. Such is the case with summer dresses: Except for the occasional light jacket for chillier evenings, they can—and should—stand up as outfits on their own.
However, hopefully, no one's going barefoot while walking around the city, so footwear, at least, is an essential consideration. But when do you break out the simple slides versus the strappy gladiators? And when does an outfit call for ballet flats over a pair with a little more height?
To answer a few of these pressing questions, we took a look at the dress-and-shoe combinations celebrities gravitate toward. Keep scrolling to see easy-to-copy summer looks from Emily Ratajkowski, Dakota Fanning, and more.
Slip Dress + Ballet Flats
On Lily Aldridge: HVN dress; Chloé Lauren Scalloped Ballet Flats ($515); Prada Wicker and Canvas Bag ($1480)
Feminine, classic, and easy as can be—this is perfect for a picnic or Sunday brunch.
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Available in sizes XS to L.
Available in sizes 35 to 38.
White Dress + Black Heels
On Priyanka Chopra: 3.1 Phillip Lim dress; Burberry trench; Garrett Leight sunglasses; Giuseppe Zanotti shoes
Light sandals might seem like the obvious choice, but here, the high-contrast look toughens up the ruffled skirt.
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Available in sizes 12 to 28.
Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.
Wrap Dress + Slides
On Dakota Fanning: Gabriela Hearst Nina Bag; Super by Retrosuperfuture Panama 50M Sunglasses ($267)
Whether you're in L.A., NYC, or anywhere in between, this combo is a no-brainer for summer days.
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Available in sizes S to L.
Available in sizes 6 to 10.
Maxi Dress + Thong Sandals
On Maria Borges: Baja East Sleeveless Maxi Dress ($657)
The dress brings the drama on its own, but the flat sandals give it a more low-key vibe.
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Available in sizes XS to L.
Available in sizes 35 to 40.
Gingham Dress + Gladiators
On Emily Ratajkowski: Reformation dress; K. Jacques Epicure Sandals ($280); Maison Margiela Mini 5AC Bag ($2255)
Full day of flea-market bargain-hunting ahead? Here's what you want to wear.
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Available in sizes XXS to to L.
Available in sizes 36 to 37.
Halter Dress + Metallic Sandals
On Hilary Rhoda: Monique Lhuillier Embellished Pleated Dress ($8495)
For a more formal occasion, try a halter style with a low back to show off your shoulders.
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Available in sizes 0 to 14.
Available in sizes 6 to 9.5.
Shift Dress + Platforms
On Elle Fanning: Prada dress; Laurence Dacade Lilas Satin Platform Pumps ($390)
The retro vibe of this pairing is so, so cute (and short girls, take note—these pumps are a whopping six inches tall).
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Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
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