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The ultimate styling cheat sheet.
The mini dress is a powerful piece of clothing, but it can be challenging to figure out how to take it up a notch, especially when choosing shoes. For some people, this can be a real fashion dilemma since the right shoe can make or break an outfit. (As the sartorially wise Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City once said, “A good shoe will make the walk a little more fun.”)
We put together the ultimate guide on what shoes will bring your mini dress up to par. And if it makes you feel any better, there is no right or wrong shoe—it’s all about finding what works for you according to your personal style and the occasion. So get ready to elevate the mini dress and see nine shoe ideas we promise you’ll never get sick of.
Chunky Shoes
Sometimes, the answer to a wardrobe (life) problem is a good chunky shoe. The platform silhouette will quite literally elevate your mini dress to new sartorial heights with little effort. This works well for any occasion, whether at the office or heading to late-night plans. You can incorporate different platform styles into your closet the next time you wear a mini dress, from clogs to sandals or even—gasp—espadrilles.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have returned to our fashion radar for good amidst the ever-rising balletcore trend. It’s effortlessly elegant, chic, and extremely comfortable. Next time you plan to wear a mini dress, opt for the girly shoe. No matter what style you choose to slip on, like mesh to studded flats, your mini dress will get the high fashion week treatment.
Combat Boots
There’s no such thing as a sartorial limit, especially when speaking of something as timeless and classic as a mini dress. With that said, if you want to add some much-needed edge to the feminine silhouette, you might want to consider the combat boot. Go for lace-up ankle boots to add an element of surprise the next time you go out. Throw on a denim jacket or flannel of your choice, and you’ll officially transform back onto 2014 Tumblr in all the best ways.
Kitten Heels
Kitten heels were once deemed a polarizing style, but now, the pointed-toe pump has become a closet must-have. Opt for the refined style to give your mini dress some oomph. The tiny pump heel still keeps you comfortable all day long, meaning your feet won’t feel on fire by the end of the night.
Casual Kicks
I’m a strong believer in the “wrong shoe theory.” There’s power in an unexpected combination, and despite what critics have said over the decades, sneakers can never do any wrong (Cue Demi Lovato’s iconic question of the century: “Who said I can’t wear my Converse with my dress?”). No matter what pair of sneakers you wear, it will always take your mini dress the casual route.
Tall Boots
If you’re searching for the perfect shoe pairing to go with your mini dress, look no further than a cute pair of tall knee-high boots. It’s a versatile pairing that works for all seasons. The sleek leather silhouette adds a chic addition to any look and will keep you warm on chilly days. These over-the-knee boots play around with the proportions as they’ll add height to your look. You can also opt for a pair of thigh-reaching boots, only if you dare.
Preppy Loafers
Add a subtle prep to your step with a pair of sleek loafers. As seen on stars like Hailey Bieber over the years, loafers are another “wrong shoe” gone right. Put an elevated spin on the short hemline with Bieber’s shoe of choice. Throw in some slouchy socks, and you’re all set.
Strappy Sandals
I hate to say it, but I’m anti-flip flops, even on a hot summer day. I usually like to take my mini dress with a side of sandals instead. Sandals, whether strappy or adjustable at the ankle, are a classic choice that will never truly go out of style. You can experiment with different types of sandals—such as metallics, colors, and heel height—to give a different feel to your look.
Cowboy Boots
Thanks to A-listers like Beyoncé and Kasey Musgraves (among many others), the country look is trending more than ever. As a born-and-raised Southern girl, I’ve always been fond of wearing a mini dress with cowboy boots. There’s something so playful and almost festive about the Western style—and luckily, it’s not just reserved for concert season. The cowboy boot will add so much fun to a flirty mini dress. Embrace your inner cowgirl and throw on the hat for the complete look. Yeehaw!