Hands up who owns a midi dress? The likelihood of everyone owning one is pretty high considering they are one of the most reliable (note: never boring) items around. In fact, they deserve a place in any capsule wardrobe as much as any trench coat, good-quality white T-shirt or blazer does. Sure, there are tonnes of new summer dress trends out there, but when the midi works across all seasons for any occasion and is universally flattering, it’s no surprise we choose this style again and again. While we’ve been pairing said dress with knee-high Western boots and any form of ankle boots, from heeled to stomper, for the cooler months, it's time to think about what to wear them with for summer. Enter flat shoes.
Be brave. Ankles are about to be bared, and we are so ready for the freedom of going sock-less. While most flat shoes work with the humble midi dress, there are some styles that are as reliable as the dress itself. We’re talking the fisherman sandal that adds a chunky edge to feminine silhouettes and the sporty sandal that’s back for yet another season. Here are the five flat shoes we recommend wearing with your much-loved midi dresses.
Chic Flat Shoes to Wear With Midi Dresses This Season:
1. Ballet Flats
Styles Notes: Simple, chic and incredibly versatile, it's little wonder that ballet flats have comeback to take 2024's flat-shoe crown. Where other shoes might feel too harsh against lightweight midi dresses, the ballet flat's soft shape loans itself well to warm-weather styling.
Shop Ballet Flats:
A classic black pair to go with everything.
No one does minimalism like The Row.
A pretty pop of pink for summer.
This pair comes in so many different colours!
2. Fisherman Sandals
Styles Notes: A cross between the gladiator and the nostalgic jelly we all loved as kids, these hybrid sandals are here to stay for summer. With an open or closed toe, the chunky, strappy sandal looks effortless paired with a more delicate midi dress.
Shop Fisherman Sandals:
So Sleek.
Khaki is just as versatile as black and white for the summer.
I love the more intricate weaving on this pair.
A chunkier pair to elevate your midi dress outfits.
3. Clogs
Style Notes: You know how every fashion editor and influencer has worn Birkenstock Bostons on repeat the last few years? They've just had a new-season restock. Proving clogs are well and truly here to stay, Monikh shows how effortless they are to wear. The throw-on-and-go shoes we can all appreciate are as cool as they are comfy.
Shop Clogs:
These are the most comfy shoes I own.
Don't these look way more expensive?
This pair has been on my wishlist for awhile now.
The studs add an edgy twist.
4. Retro Trainers
Styles Notes: It may sound obvious, but a great pair of trainers will be a forever go-to when it comes to midi dresses. Adding a laid-back vibe to even the dressiest of styles, it's all about opting for slightly retro kicks that'll let your dress shine.
Shop Retro Trainers:
Stylish and practical.
Every fashion person I know swears by New Balance trainers.
These come in so many chic colourways.
Salomon trainers are known for their all-day comfort.
5. Mary Janes
Style Notes: We called it, and Mary Janes are having a moment this year, and Sofia Richie Grainge cements this. Adding flat, closed-toe shoes to a midi dress is the perfect transitional outfit. To keep it feeling fresh, add bright accessories just like Grainge did.
Shop Mary Janes:
I love the velvet finish on these.
When it comes to expensive-looking shoes, Charles Keith never disappoints me.
Metallics have become a staple in my summer wardrobe.
COS has some great flat-shoe options this summer.
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