It's Here: The Chic 2026 Way to Wear White Shoes With Dresses
White shoes can go either way, but styling them like this will always look good.
White shoes are one of the hardest fashion items to style well. I own just one pair because finding shoes that feel elevated instead of tacky or cheap is difficult, which is why I often default to black, tan, burgundy, and brown when it comes to footwear. Recently, though, Alexa Chung introduced a style into her regular early-summer wardrobe, and the way she styled it with dresses, in particular, stuck with me. The look was so easy and cool—nothing like the white-shoe outfits I'm used to seeing. Just like that, she convinced me to give white shoes another go, but only in this silhouette and styled like this with dresses.
The London-based It girl posted a slideshow of photos to her Instagram, and the hero image was a picture of her lounging on an extraordinary leopard-print couch and wearing a knee-length, short-sleeve printed dress with white ballet pumps from Repetto. She finished off the look with sunglasses and a large top-handle bag.
On Alexa Chung: Repetto Camille Ballet Flats ($470)
According to Eugénie Trochu, a Who What Wear editor in residence and the former head of editorial content at Vogue France, white shoes are the perfect twist for every outfit, which is exactly what Chung's pair did for her ensemble. She went with casual ballet pumps that work for any occasion and provide a slight heel without sacrificing comfort, but by choosing white instead of black, she added intrigue to her otherwise simple, understated look.
To mimic her outfit, you'll need a pair of white shoes—ballet pumps or another option, like derby flats, loafers, or kitten heels—and a knee-length dress that's not overly formal. Think a T-shirt dress, simple shift, or boho slip. Keep your accessories to a minimum to avoid overdoing it. Remember: White shoes are the excitement, and adding more will only give your outfit a try-hard feel. Below, find all the pieces you need to copy Chung's outfit this summer.
Shop White Ballet Pumps
Shop Knee-Length Dresses
Shop More White Shoes
