When selecting shoes to pair with a red dress, there are a few key factors to consider including the shade of red, dress style, occasion, and personal preference. Typically, you’ll want to opt for shoes that complement rather than match the dress exactly. Let’s explore some of the best shoe colours to wear with a red dress.
Neutral Shades
Neutral coloured shoes like black, brown, tan, grey, and nude can work well with a red dress. These versatile shades will act as a solid base that doesn’t compete with a bold red hue. Black shoes, in particular, are a timeless classic pairing that helps ground the look. Consider sleek black pumps, strappy black sandals, or lace-up black booties as foolproof options. Brown leather ankle boots, nude pointy flats, or tan strappy heels would also coordinate nicely without clashing. The neutral shoes allow the vibrant dress to take centre stage.
Metallic Shoes
For a touch of glamour, metallic shoes are an eye-catching pairing with a red dress. Opt for gold, silver, rose gold, copper, or bronze footwear to complement a fiery red hue. The sheen of metallic shoes creates a glitzy, sophisticated vibe when combined with a red dress. From dazzling gold stilettos to rose gold ballet flats, metallic shoes lend a dose of glamour and luxury. Just take care that the metal tone ties in nicely with any jewelry you choose to wear.
Pink Shoes
Different shades of pink can make an unexpected yet chic pairing with red. Blush pink, light pink, or even hot pink shoes bring out the red undertones in a scarlet or crimson dress. Pink shoes in satin, suede, or leather can inject soft femininity into a red dress look. From barely-there kitten heels to bright pink pumps, a pop of pink on your feet can complement a red dress for events like weddings, date nights, parties, and more. Just ensure the red and pink shades are harmonious in hue and intensity.
Blue Shoes
Although an unconventional choice, blue shoes can actually work well with the right red dress. Navy, cobalt, royal blue, or electric blue shoes provide a striking color-blocked contrast against a bold red. The mix of primary colors is eye-catching and fun for making a statement. Match the vibrancy and depth of the blue to the particular red dress. Blue suede heels, studded blue booties, or navy flats make this combo work. Keep other accessories minimal to let the colors stand out.
Red Shoes
Wearing all red from head to toe can have major impact when done right. Matching red shoes to a red dress amplifies the look for events like red carpet appearances, black tie weddings, and holiday parties. Choose red shoes in a complementary or matching shade and style to the dress. Satin red pumps, lace-up red booties, strappy red sandals, and red ballerina flats all coordinate seamlessly with a same-hued dress. Just ensure the textures and details of the shoes and dress complement each other.
What to Avoid
When selecting shoes to pair with a red dress, there are a few colors best avoided:
- Green – Green and red can sometimes clash and look too Christmas-y as color combos.
- Orange or Neon – These bright, competing hues fight against red for attention.
- Purple – Although close on the color wheel, purple and red together can appear overly matchy.
- White – Stark white shoes contrast too harshly with rich red.
Of course, there can always be exceptions, but typically green, orange, neon, purple, and white footwear does not complement red dresses as seamlessly as other shoe shades.
Tips for Picking the Right Shoes
Beyond just shoe color, a few other tips can help you select footwear that perfectly complements a red dress:
- Consider dress length – Tall boots or booties balance out a short or mini red dress, while delicate heels suit a long, flowing red gown.
- Match formality levels – Casual sandals or sneakers pair well with a sundress, while stilettos are better for formal red dresses.
- Coordinate metal hardware tones – Pick silver, gold, or rosegold shoes that tie in with jewelry.
- Repeating dress colors in shoes brings cohesion – Such as red shoes with a red dress.
- Set a budget for splurge-worthy designer shoes or affordable finds to watch costs.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can effortlessly choose shoes to complement your red dress for any occasion.
Top Shoe Pairings for Specific Red Dress Shades
The particular shade of red your dress comes in can help guide the shoes you select. Here are top shoe pairings for popular red dress shades:
True Red
A classic, primary red hue pairs well with:
- Black pumps or booties
- Nude heels
- Metallic gold or silver sandals
- Matching red stilettos
Scarlet Red
A bright, rich scarlet complements:
- Black lace-up booties
- Navy blue flats
- Tan wedge espadrilles
- Silver-toned or multi-colored metallic heels
Crimson Red
The deeper crimson can pair attractively with:
- Black ankle strap heels
- Blush pink pumps
- Bronze lace-up gladiator sandals
- Burgundy booties
Maroon Red
For a dark, maroon red dress:
- Nude pointy toe flats
- Brown leather oxfords
- Metallic gold pumps
- Matching maroon suede heels
Red Orange
A fiery red-orange dress works with:
- Crisp white sneakers
- Tan strappy sandals
- Silver metallic wedges
- Neon yellow heels for contrast
Most Flattering Shoe Styles
Beyond color, the style of shoe you select to pair with a red dress matters for comfort and visual appeal. Here are some of the most flattering shoe styles to complement a red dress:
| Shoe Style | Features |
|---|---|
| Classic pumps | Slimming effect, elongates legs, works for any occasion |
| Ankle strap heels | Creates a leg-lengthening line, offers added stability |
| Peep toe heels | Flirty and feminine, shows skin in a delicate way |
| Wedges | Provides height while still comfortable for all-day wear |
| Pointy flats | Slimming silhouette, allows dress to take focus |
| Metallic sandals | Glamorous and eye-catching for making a statement |
Avoid heavy, clunky styles that can overwhelm a red dress. Keep the shoes streamlined to maintain a balanced, pulled-together look.
Conclusion
When styling a red dress, don’t be afraid to have fun with your shoe pairings. Neutrals, metallics, pinks, blues and same-hued red shoes are all stylish options that can complement a red dress beautifully. Stay away from clashes like orange, green or neon shoes. Focus instead on well-matched colors, complementary styles and ideal heel heights. With these tips in mind, you can pick shoes for a red dress that extends your outfit into a gorgeous head-to-toe look. Most importantly, choose footwear that makes you feel confident, comfortable and ready to take on anything in your bold red dress. The right shoes can truly elevate your look while showing off your personal flair.
