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

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

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

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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:

5. Mary Janes

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(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

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:

Freelance Fashion Editor

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.