Unlike black or brown dresses, I’ve always found navy pieces just a little trickier to style, especially when it comes to choosing the right shoes. I love the richness of a deep navy hue, but I often find it doesn’t pair quite as naturally with the rest of my footwear collection. Black, although classic, sometimes gets a little lost, while other dark tones don't necessarily feel relevant, especially given the season we're currently in. So when I spotted Dakota Johnson wearing a navy dress in the most elegant and seamless way—thanks in no small part to her shoes—I couldn’t help but take note.
Wearing a sweeping midi in a classic navy tone, Johnson elevated the look with a pair of fresh cream heels. The soft contrast brought lightness to the outfit without introducing a jarring pop of colour—an inspired combination that made the darker shade feel unexpectedly fresh for summer.
Where stark white can feel too sharp and jet black can weigh the look down, a soft cream feels just right. It’s warm, elegant and quietly sophisticated—everything you want when wearing a deeper tone like navy in the warmer months.
Beyond being a clever pairing, cream colourways are shaping up to be a key shoe trend this summer. Zara’s minimalist kitten heels are destined to sell out, while COS’s refined flats have firmly cemented a spot on my wish list.
Read on to discover edit of the best navy dresses and cream shoes to style now.
SHOP NAVY DRESSES AND CREAM SHOES:
If I'm ever unsure of what to wear, an elegant draped dress is always my first port of call.
The slingback heel trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Be quick! I can't see this staying in stock for long.
Every great summer wardrobe starts with an elegant pair of ballet flats.
This comes in sizes XXS—4XL.
Style with denim or pair with a rich navy dress.
While I love this in the rich navy blue, it also comes in black, brown and red.
The light cream shade makes these so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
Style with fresh cream shoes to brighten up this heavy shade.
I'm banking these for all of my summer weddings.
-
Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Girl's Quiet Go-To For a Night Out in ParisA classic choice.
-
Flip-Flop Fatigue? Fashion People in Ibiza Are Wearing Bikinis and Skirts With This Flat Shoe Trend InsteadYour new go-to summer shoes.
-
FYI: Outfit Experts Are Now Wearing *This* Pretty Dress Trend With FlatsOlivia Rodrigo is one of them.
-
Black Heels Are Fine, But in France, Everyone Knows This Shoe Color Looks Better With White DressesSpotted at Versailles.
-
Warning: *This* Uncommon Dress Color Will Earn You Heaps of ComplimentsMeghann Fahy's Reformation dress is still in stock.
-
These Are the Classy, Expensive-Looking Shoes Cool Girls in NYC Are Wearing With Shorts This SummerThey make your outfit look more expensive.
-
Spotted in Venice: Kylie Jenner Just Wore Summer's Most Controversial Dress TrendWe approve.
-
If You're Over Kitten Heels, This French-Girl Heel Trend Is What Stylish People Are Wearing InsteadSpotted on Charlize Theron.
