10 Dress-and-Shoe Pairings That Make Getting Dressed for Spring So Much Easier

Spring in the UK is an unpredictable time. One day you might be battling rain showers and a chilling breeze en route to work, then 24 hours later the clouds part and suddenly you’re wearing two layers too many. Torn between the desperation for sunshine and the fear of winding up wishing you'd worn a coat, not a jacket, dressing for this time of year can be a challenge.

Thankfully, the fashion gods have blessed us with one item that makes building an outfit so much easier. You guessed it, dresses. Each week, a drop of fresh frocks lands in every store on the high street (and online); All you need to do is slip one on and your look is 90% complete.

Now that boot season is almost behind us, you might be wondering which shoes to wear with all those dresses on your wish list. Is it too soon for sandals? Do trainers work with every silhouette? From voluminous minis to denim midis, we've figured out exactly the right footwear route to go down for different dress styles.

The beauty of the looks we've gathered is that they can be easily tailored to colder weather with the simple addition of a chunky knit, bomber jacket or trench coat. See for yourself—scroll on for 10 dress-and-shoe outfits worth trying this spring.

1. Black Midi + Loafers

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679500319558-main

(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: You might not get away with wearing top-to-toe black in the balmy Mediterranean, but here in the UK, we enjoy the luxury of rocking this staple shade year-round.

Shop the Look:

2. Pastel Dress + White Trainers

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679501919926-main

(Image credit: @so.candice)

Style Notes: Once spring finally arrives, we can't resist the temptation of pastels. I'll be wearing ice-cream hues with casual trainers, like Candice.

Shop the Look:

3. Slip Dress + Ballet Flats

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679500829319-main

(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Style Notes: Slinky slip dresses scream summer, but while we wait for it to arrive, chuck a fluffy cardigan on top. Ballet flats are an elegant choice for this look.

Shop the Look:

4. Cotton Dress + Slides

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679500688610-main

(Image credit: @meccajw)

Style Notes: Give me a structured cotton dress with puff sleeves, and I'm happy. I'll also be stepping into slides at the first sign of warmth, or if I decide to book a weekend getaway somewhere sunny. In the meantime, I'll be pairing a similar-style dress with trainers and a trench.

Shop the Look:

5. Slip Dress + Slingback Heels

White slip dress with slingbacks and olive blazer

(Image credit: @thandimaq)

Style Notes: It doesn't get more classic than a slip dress with slingback heels. Spring weather often calls for an extra layer, a look Thandi executes perfectly. Whether it's a sleek, tailored blazer or a more casual denim jacket, there's no better dress for pairing underneath than this straight-cut style.

Shop the Look:

6. Cotton Dress + Mary Jane Flats

White poplin dress with black shiny Mary Jane flats

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Long-sleeve cotton dresses were made for the early days of spring. Effortless and lightweight without straying into strapless summer territory, this modern-day staple will meet your needs.

Shop the Look:

7. Denim Dress + Loafers

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679503050829-main

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: You've probably noticed we can't get enough of denim lately. Use sleek black loafers to smarten up this casual fabrication.

Shop the Look:

8. Floral Dress + Converse

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679503152381-main

(Image credit: @modestmira_)

Style Notes: Florals are to spring what stripes are to French girls. Classic converse will keep this timeless print feeling cool and down-to-earth.

Shop the Look:

9. Side-Split Dress + Mary Janes

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679505484601-main

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: With brighter evenings come more opportunities to go out-out. Take advantage and wear something eye-catching, paired with platform heels.

Shop the Look:

10. Monochrome Mini + Clogs

dress-and-shoe-outfits-299005-1679503727070-main

(Image credit: @charlottekuhrt)

Style Notes: It's never too early to start working on that tan. Choose a leg-baring mini and comfy clogs for a laid-back weekend look.

Shop the Look:

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.