The best flat shoes to wear with dresses – from crimson ballet flats to supple tan suede loafers

Discover these on-trend styles that won't have you sacrificing comfort whilst wearing your favourite frocks this summer

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(Image credit: Birkenstock, Fracap, LK Bennett, FitFlop, Veja)

The best flat shoes to wear with dresses come in a range of styles, colours, and variations. And with flat silhouettes like Mary-Janes and ballet pump styles gaining much more interest in recent seasons, styling your favourite dresses with flat shoes is no longer solely about comfort-first; it's also an on-trend styling move.

If you find yourself stuck selecting the best flat shoes to wear with dresses, getting the pairing just right is easier than you think. And it doesn't matter what the occasion is, either; there is a flat shoe for every frock. We've studied the shoe trends of 2025 to ensure that you're feet are not only comfortable, but are on-trend too. It is undeniably easier to match casual dresses with your most comfortable trainers; however, when it comes to smarter events, there are a host of leather loafers, ballet flats, and other more structured styles that work just as well.

Balancing proportions plays a huge part in this process, and the longer the hemline of your dress, the more difficult it becomes to pair with a flat shoe, as you need to work out a way to elongate your legs without heels. Generally speaking, opting for pointed or almond-toed flat shoes naturally adds a little length to your silhouette, as does a low-cut flat that exposes a greater part of the foot. We've rounded up our favourites this season and the best outfits to pair them with.

Best flat shoes to wear with dresses this summer that offer lots of support and style in one

If heels look appealing but fill your feet with dread, then you need to know how to make flat shoes stylish with dresses. Flat shoes are now runway-worthy, with many designers producing dozens of flat shoes each season, as women demand both comfort and style. For this guide, we've specifically looked for flat shoes to wear with dresses that also offer great cushioning, arch support, and clever tech so you'll feel like you're walking on air.

Ballet flats

Sandals

Loafers

Trainers

When it comes to pairing the best flat shoes with dresses, the right choice will not only keep you comfortable, but it can also elevate your outfit, too. Ballet flats are an on-trend choice with designer brands such as Miu Miu and The Row heavily featuring them in recent collections. Their small silhouette works particularly well with the best summer dresses, offering a feminine finish without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

Loafers, on the other hand, feel more refined and structured, making them perfect for finishing off summer workwear like striped shirt dresses or tailored dresses. Neutral coloured loafers are a great choice as shoes to wear with navy, as classic blacks, tan, or cream colours will complement navy-toned dresses.

If you're simply looking for flats that work well with casual dresses, trainers will add a sporty edge to your attire. Meanwhile, your most comfortable sandals are the ultimate choice for the warmer season, pairing well with floaty maxi dresses or wrap dress styles whilst on holiday or simply out and about at the weekend.

Molly Smith
Fashion Writer

Molly is a fashion writer for woman&home, whose journalistic career began with her enthusiasm for fashion. Having always been an avid writer, she has contributed to publications covering a variety of topics.

After graduating from her master's in Fashion History and Cultures, she transitioned to teaching at London College of Fashion, where she taught in fashion studies. Now, passionate about writing on the significance of fashion, she is dedicated to inspiring others through the power of dress.

Molly loves staying in the know with the latest fashion trends, and following celebrities for inspiration. Outside of work, she enjoys browsing vintage markets, reading a good novel, or trying new restaurants around London.

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