04 Mar What Color Shoes to Wear With Red Dress?

A red dress makes a bold and beautiful fashion statement. But choosing the right shoes to complement the rich hue can seem difficult. Finding footwear that enhances your red dress rather than competes with it is vital. Shoe color, style, and embellishments should all be considered. With so many options, deciding what color shoes to wear with red dress. That’s why I’ve compiled this guide on choosing the perfect shoes for your red dress. Whether wearing a sexy cocktail number for date night or an elegant gown for a formal event, these 30 color combinations will ensure your ensemble looks pulled together.

Keep reading for ideas, styling tips, and inspiration on what hues and types of footwear you can confidently pair with red dresses.

1. Red Shoes

Matching your shoes to an identical shade of red as your dress is a foolproof option. The monochromatic look elongates your frame and appears seamless and streamlined, from bright cherry red pumps to deeper oxblood-colored stilettos, an exact color that matches slims and flatters.

When pairing the same red tone, look for shoes with interesting embellishments like bows, buckles, or metallic accents to add visual interest. Or mix up textures, like pairing a satin dress with patent leather shoes. Just avoid shades that are too matchy-matchy. Go for a red that complements, rather than blending into your dress.

2. Nude Shoes

Nude shoes are a versatile neutral that makes your red dress pop. Flesh-toned heels create the illusion of longer legs, making you appear taller. Nude also acts as a blank canvas that lets the vibrant shade of your dress take center stage.

Look for nude shoes in a peachy shade that complements your skin tone. Metallic nude shoes with gold or silver accents also add subtle sparkle. Go for a platform nude heel for comfort and lift. And consider nude sandals or pumps for a leg-lengthening effect.

3. Black Shoes

You can never go wrong pairing red and black together. The dynamic duo is the epitome of chic color-blocking. Classic black pumps or strappy heels provide the perfect bold contrast to a fiery red dress.

Black shoes also ground the look and feel more formal and elegant. They provide versatility to transition a red cocktail dress into the night. Or add dressy sophistication to balance the romance of a red gown.

When styling black and red footwear, go for striking contrasts in texture. For example, a satin red cocktail dress contrasts beautifully with lace-up black leather booties. Accessorize with metallic jewelry to tie the look together.

4. Silver Shoes

Metallic shoes offer shimmer and shine to match a red dress. Silver is a failsafe option that complements the vibrancy of red without competing. The cooler undertone of silver balances the warmth of a red dress flawlessly.

From barely-there metallic sandals to sequin-covered pumps, any style of silver shoe will make your red dress shine. Look for on-trend metallic details like chain-link straps or metallic mesh panels. Silvery shoes with rhinestone embellishments or glittery finishes also pair perfectly with red.

5. Gold Shoes

Warmer metallics like gold, rose gold, and bronze work beautifully with red. The rich, complementary tones enhance one another. Gold shoes lend a luxe, glamorous feel that is ideal for formal red dresses for weddings.

From rose gold ankle-strap heels to shimmering gold pumps, embrace metallics in ankle booties, sandals, or classic court styles. Just avoid gold shoes with red bottoms or soles for a mismatched look. An all-over metallic gold shoe keeps things streamlined.

6. Neutral Shoes

Can’t decide between black, silver, gold, or nude footwear? Go for neutral-colored shoes that incorporate multiple tones. Taupe, beige, and tan shoes combine black and brown for a versatile, neutral base. Pair with metallic or snakeskin details in silver or gold for a multi-dimensional, mixed-media look.

Soft neutral shoes also work well, creating an earthy contrast to a bold red dress. Try pale brown, gray, or cream shoes in suede or textured leather. Neutral heels in lace-up or western styles add casual flair to balance feminine red dresses.

7. White Shoes

Crisp, clean white shoes pair elegantly with red dresses. White pumps add classic sophistication and luminosity. Or make a fashion-forward statement with red and modern white shoes like chunky sneakers, boots, or mules.

Keep the look chic by sticking to pure, bright white footwear. Ivory, blush, or off-white can blend too much with certain red hues. Go for exciting silhouettes like pointy-toe, d’orsay, or asymmetric styles. Add some texture with woven details.

Try white booties with red polka dots or floral patterns for a playful vibe. Strappy white sandals also complement flowy, floral red maxi dresses.

8. Blue Shoes

While cool tones may seem counterintuitive, shades of blue often pair surprisingly well with red dresses. Navy, cobalt, or sapphire shoes make the red pop while adding unexpected dimensions. Royal blue heels lend vibrancy and visual interest.

When styling red with blue footwear, stick to darker, richer shades. Lighter tones like powder blue can clash. Incorporate metallics or shimmery finishes on your blue shoes to tie everything together elegantly.

9. Pink Shoes

You don’t have to limit yourself to neutral or contrasting colors. Complementary shades can also accent red dresses perfectly. Pink shoes in varying hues add feminine flair.

Soft blush pinks work well with cherry or crimson red dresses. Try barely-there sandals or tie-up ballet flats.

Bolder fuchsia pink complements more bottomless wine or oxblood red shades. Metallic pink strappy heels dial the glam factor.

Just avoid pale bubblegum pink shoes with a bright fire-engine red dress. Go for pink with similar undertones to keep things sophisticated.

10. Burgundy Shoes

Deeper red-browns like burgundy and maroon make an ideal match with red. The richer tones enhance the vibrancy of the dress while providing an excellent neutral base.

Burgundy shoes also add fall and winter versatility to warmer red dresses. Try suede booties, loafers, or smoking slippers in burgundy to transition summery red into cooler months.

For a playful contrast, go for patent burgundy heels or Mary Janes. The mix of textures adds visual interest.

11. Snake Print Shoes

Animal prints like snakes or crocodiles instantly dress up a red dress. Neutral snake print shoes add texture and dimension that pops against vibrant red.

Strappy snake sandals or pumps elongate your legs and lend exotic flair. Snake booties toughen the femininity of a red dress for going out.

Opt for snake prints in metallic silver, gold, or neutral shades like tan or taupe. Avoid red-based snake prints, as matching colors compete. Go for snake-embossed leather or textured materials to avoid looking overly costume.

12. Patterned Shoes

Mix prints and patterns by pairing your red dress with lively, graphic shoes. Polka dots, florals, gingham, and plaids add striking contrast.

Stick to black-and-white or neutral patterns to focus on your red dress. Try patterned sling-backs, mules, or Oxford heels. Dressier bow or ankle-strap pumps work for formal occasions.

If your red dress already features a bold pattern, go for shoes in a complementary color, like black floral heels. Avoid matching red patterns, which can look cluttered.

13. Clear Vinyl or PVC Shoes

Make a bold, see-through statement by pairing your red dress with clear vinyl or PVC shoes. The transparent material allows the color of your dress to stand out underneath.

Vinyl sandal heels or boots let you show some skin while elongating your frame. Clear PVC pumps look modern and eye-catching. Accessorize with bright pedicure colors visible through the shoes.

Go for vinyl shoes with some embellishment, like metallic insets, straps, or acrylic heels. Avoid styles that are too minimal. The transparency of the material can make bare feet look unfinished.

14. Green Shoes

While not an obvious choice, the right shade of green can complement red perfectly. Deep jewel tones like emerald or forest green contrast gorgeously, allowing both colors to pop. Olive and sage greens in suede also work well.

Opt for richer shades of green over bright kelly greens, which can look mismatched. Incorporate metallic silver or gold accents on green shoes to tie everything together. Ankle straps, T-straps, or peep toes elongate the leg.

15. Yellow Shoes

Pairing primary colors can be tricky, but red and yellow are dynamic—mustard-yellow shoes with gold detailing pop against cherry red. Sunflower-hued heels lend summery vibes to casual red dresses.

Lean towards muted, earthy shades of yellow over bright neon varieties that can clash. Soft suede yellow booties or strappy sandals both complement red elegantly. Just keep the rest of your look minimal.

16. Orange Shoes

Similar to yellow, orange footwear brings out the fiery side of red dresses. Burnt orange, rust, or terra cotta shoes add autumnal flair. Metallic copper shoes also enhance the vibrancy of red.

For a neon pop of color, go for bold persimmon or coral shoes. Strappy, barely-there heels make the orange pop. Just avoid orange shoes with elaborate embellishments, which can overpower red.

17. Purple Shoes

Jewel tones also combine strikingly well with red dresses. Rich shades of purple like eggplant, amethyst, or lilac provide depth. Light lavender shoes soften the look for daytime.

Like in strappy or block-heel sandals, metallic purples beautifully complement red’s vibrancy. Experiment with different purple undertones. Bluer-toned purples pair better with excellent reds, while red-based purples match warmer reds.

18. Red-Orange Shoes

Somewhere between red and orange lies dynamic, bright coral and peach shades that balance and accent red dresses. Red oranges, especially in satiny shoes, add glamor.

Try coral suede pumps for a crisp contrast. Peach tie-up sandals inject playful color. Avoid going too matchy-matchy with shades too close to your red dress color. Go a few tones lighter or brighter.

19. Teal Shoes

Vibrant teal shoes refresh red dresses with a fun pop of color. The cool blue-green hue contrasts yet complements the warmth of red. From aqua to cerulean, any shade of teal works.

Metallic teal strappy heels look especially striking against formal red gowns. Patent teal shoes modernize casual redshifts or shirt dresses. Go for teal shoes in velvet or sequins for added richness.

20. Yellow-Green Shoes

Chartreuse, lime green, and other yellow greens make an unexpected yet complementary pairing with red. Bright acid greens lend youthful flair, especially with casual red sundresses. Muted olive shoes give relaxed vibes.

Look for greenish yellows that enhance (rather than compete with) red tones. Avoid matching exact shades for a clean, bold contrast. Metallic greens keep things sophisticated.

21. Red Boots

Don’t limit yourself to heels and flats. Boots provide a chic way to wear red and red dresses together: Over-the-knee, thigh-high, or knee-high red boots elongate legs, especially with shorter hemlines.

Try red suede ankle booties or western boots for all-season wearability. Cherry red rain boots add a quirky color for stormy spring days.

Just be mindful of matching your red boots closely to the shade of your dress. Go slightly lighter or darker so you don’t look head-to-toe red.

22. White Booties

For casual red dresses, white booties create effortless contrast. White cowboy boots balance flowy boho maxi dresses. Chunky white sneaker boots complement shirt dresses.

Crisp white boots with minimal detailing keep the focus on your red dress. Save embellished booties for plain dresses.

23. Black Booties

Another classic combo, black leather or suede booties ground red dresses with bold elegance. Black motorcycle boots enhance feminine red frocks. Pointy-toe ankle boots add date-night flair.

Let your dress shine by going for black boots with more uncomplicated silhouettes. Extra buckles, zippers, and other embellishments can compete.

24. Nude Booties

For a leg-lengthening look, team red dresses with nude suede booties. Neutral ankle boots visually extend your frame. Nude western boots work for winter layering.

Consider Chelsea, cap-toe, or almond-shaped nude boots. Just avoid embellishments that call too much attention to your footwear.

25. Metallic Booties

Dressy metallic booties lend a glamorous shine to cocktails or events. Silver, gold, and rose gold work well with red. Flashy ankle boots dial the va-va-voom factor.

When styling, look for metallics with coordinating undertones to your red dress. Cool silvery metallics match cherry or blue-based reds. Warmer golds pair with brick, rust, or orangey reds.

26. Red Sandals

Warmer weather calls for open-toed shoes. Red strappy sandals elongate bare legs and perfectly match red sundresses. Go for flirty tie-up flats or retro polka-dot sandals.

Look for red sandals that complement (rather than exactly match) your dress’s red hue. Patent and shimmery materials like satin or metallic avoid looking flat.

27. Nude Sandals

Delicate, barely-there nude sandals keep the spotlight on your red dress. Soft tan, beige, and blush nude straps flatter all skin tones.

Consider embellished details like braided straps or laser cut-outs. Just avoid heavy hardware that overpowers red’s vibrancy.

28. Metallic Sandals

Metallic sandals lend effortless glamor to summer cocktails and beachfront weddings. Silver, gold, and blush pinks shine against red.

Ankle wrap, gladiator, and lace-up metallic sandals elongate legs. Go for textures like snakeskin, iridescent, or woven metallics. Shimmery finishes like glitter or sequins complement red’s richness.

29. Patterned Sandals

Make a fun statement by pairing red dresses with lively patterned sandals. Florals, stripes, animal prints, and polka dots all work.

Balance busier prints with simple silhouettes like thong, ankle-strap, or slide styles. Black and white or neutral patterns keep the focus on your red dress.

30. Red Sneakers

Add casual flair by styling your red dress with matching red sneakers. White retro high-tops also create a crisp contrast.

Solid red or white sneakers keep things streamlined. Avoid chunky dad shoes that overpower dresses. Low-top or slip-on styles work best.

FAQs

What color shoes go best with a red dress?

Some failsafe options include nude, black, white, silver, gold, or perfectly matching red. But don’t be afraid to experiment with shades like blue, green, purple, or pink for unexpected pops of color.

What shoes should you avoid with a red dress?

Stay away from busy prints or embellishments that compete with your dress. Muted pastels and warm tones like orange and yellow can sometimes clash. The exceptions are jewel-toned yellows and oranges.

Do you have to match the red dress and shoes?

No, matching exactly isn’t necessary. Varying your red tones slightly can create more visual interest. Just make sure the undertones complement each other.

What color shoes go with a burgundy dress?

Burgundy is versatile to pair with black, brown, tan, nude, gold, blue, purple, green, and metallics like rose gold and bronze. Stay away from red, which can look mismatched.

What shoes should you wear with a long red dress?

Floor-length hemlines call for elongating shoes like strappy sandals, pointed pumps, or metallic heels. Neutrals help ground the look while providing height: embellished shoes, dress-up gowns.

Last Words

Picking the right shoes to complement your red dress provides an easy way to create a stylish look. Follow these hue, texture, and style guidelines to complete your outfit confidently.

Considering the comfort of Alexander McQueen sneakers, they’re an ideal choice for adding a modern twist to your vibrant red dress ensemble, allowing you to have fun and be bold with your footwear by mixing colors, patterns, and details for either a seamless match or a striking contrast with your dress’s rich hue.

With so many options, you will indeed find the perfect shoes to make your red dress shine. So embrace color, metallics, and patterns to rock red dresses for any occasion!