It's Official—These Are the 5 Best Flat Shoes to Wear With Summer Midi Dresses
Hands up who owns a midi dress? The likelihood of everyone owning one is pretty high considering they are one of the most reliable (note: never boring) items around. In fact, they deserve a place in any capsule wardrobe as much as any trench coat, good-quality white T-shirt or blazer does. Sure, there are tonnes of new summer dress trends out there, but when the midi works across all seasons for any occasion and is universally flattering, it’s no surprise we choose this style again and again. While we’ve been pairing said dress with knee-high Western boots and any form of ankle boots, from heeled to stomper, for the cooler months, it's time to think about what to wear them with for summer. Enter flat shoes.
Be brave. Ankles are about to be bared, and we are so ready for the freedom of going sock-less. While most flat shoes work with the humble midi dress, there are some styles that are as reliable as the dress itself. We’re talking the fisherman sandal that adds a chunky edge to feminine silhouettes and the sporty sandal that’s back for yet another season. Here are the five flat shoes we recommend wearing with your much-loved midi dresses.
Chic Flat Shoes to Wear With Midi Dresses This Season:
1. Ballet Flats
Styles Notes: Simple, chic and incredibly versatile, it's little wonder that ballet flats have comeback to take 2024's flat-shoe crown. Where other shoes might feel too harsh against lightweight midi dresses, the ballet flat's soft shape loans itself well to warm-weather styling.
Shop Ballet Flats:
2. Fisherman Sandals
Styles Notes: A cross between the gladiator and the nostalgic jelly we all loved as kids, these hybrid sandals are here to stay for summer. With an open or closed toe, the chunky, strappy sandal looks effortless paired with a more delicate midi dress.
Shop Fisherman Sandals:
3. Clogs
Style Notes: You know how every fashion editor and influencer has worn Birkenstock Bostons on repeat the last few years? They've just had a new-season restock. Proving clogs are well and truly here to stay, Monikh shows how effortless they are to wear. The throw-on-and-go shoes we can all appreciate are as cool as they are comfy.
Shop Clogs:
4. Retro Trainers
Styles Notes: It may sound obvious, but a great pair of trainers will be a forever go-to when it comes to midi dresses. Adding a laid-back vibe to even the dressiest of styles, it's all about opting for slightly retro kicks that'll let your dress shine.
Shop Retro Trainers:
Every fashion person I know swears by New Balance trainers.
Salomon trainers are known for their all-day comfort.
5. Mary Janes
Style Notes: We called it, and Mary Janes are having a moment this year, and Sofia Richie Grainge cements this. Adding flat, closed-toe shoes to a midi dress is the perfect transitional outfit. To keep it feeling fresh, add bright accessories just like Grainge did.
Shop Mary Janes:
When it comes to expensive-looking shoes, Charles & Keith never disappoints me.
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.
-
That's It—I'm Only Wearing Net Shoes the Pamela Anderson Way This Fall
Pure genius.
By Eliza Huber
-
Elsa Hosk Wore the Shoe Trend That's More Elegant Than Ballet Flats to the Airport
Everyone needs a pair.
By Allyson Payer
-
With Pieces This Chic, I Can See Why Red Still Reigns Supreme Among the Fashion Set
Plus, some stellar outfit ideas to get you inspired.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These Elegant Belts, Bags, and Flats Will Make Your Favorite Jeans Feel So Chic
Let's talk fall accessories.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Anne Hathaway Wore the $50 Flats Nordstrom Shoppers Are Obsessed With
They come in six colors.
By Eliza Huber
-
5 Chic Skirt-and-Shoe Combos Fashion People Will Be Reaching for All Fall Long
100% adding these to my current outfit rotation.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm Forever Loyal to a Chic Black Shoe Style—5 Standout Picks I'm Eyeing Right Now
Incredibly cool *and* comfortable.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Ashley Olsen Just Showcased How Fashion People Will Be Wearing Flip-Flops This Fall
Immediately copying.
By Nikki Chwatt