Sequins top the list for glamorous birthday, holiday parties & 2024 New Year's outfit choices!
Yet picking the best shoes to wear with sequin dresses or figuring out what to wear with sequin skirts or sparkly pants is an essential part of the outfit process.
Footwear almost always is! As a former shoe designer and stylist, I've hand-picked the top high-heel style choices for your sparkly attire. Since this is the time to go glam, flats need not apply 😉
Shoes can (& will!) make or break your sequin outfit. You want your sequin pieces to shine & the best shoes for sequin dressing should complement, rather than compete for the sparkly frock's attention.
(Related: Heels for Cocktail Dresses)
These are Chic Shoe Pairings with Sequin Dresses & Skirts
Most ‘busy' dresses like these and lace dresses go best with minimalist shoes.
That's because the simpler the shoe style, the more your dress will shine (quite literally, in this case)! So let's start with black footwear:
Black heels, sandals & booties are probably my favorite & possibly the best shoes to wear with sequin dresses. With a personal preference for black suede in a classic slinky pump, any black shoe will do.
Black Pumps
When in doubt, wear black pumps, n'est-ce pas?! Whether with an exposed or hidden platform, pointed toe or almond toe, with chunky heels or stilettos, the heel you most likely have in your shoe closet is your no-brainer best bet!
If you're going to be on your feet and can't handle the heels, you can opt for a classic black pointed-toe flat pump. Which can look just as chic!
And if you don't have a pair of black high heel pumps or simple black shoes already stuffed in your wardrobe, then we need to talk. And go shopping. Stat.
Favorite Black Pumps:
Black Minimalist Sandals
Surely the most prominent shoe of the century is a black minimalist, barely-enough-straps-to-hold-in-your-foot.
These strappy yet minimal sandals make a great choice when choosing footwear for your sequin dress, skirt or jumpuit. Think Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve or Sam Edelman's Yaro heels, if you want a sturdier strap.
This will be the most subtle shoe style that will let your dress sparkle & your feet look glam. A fabulous pedi is required!
This type of black sandal is also the perfect shoes to go with silver dress and are often paired with darker sparkly dresses.
Favorite Black Minimalist Sandals:
Black Shoes + Tights
When it's chillier outside, but you're itching to wear a sequin dress, you might be wondering what tights to wear.
I love the look of opaque black tights & black pumps or booties worn with a medium length or sparkly mini dress.
This pairing works well with any color sequin dress & is especially visually seamless with matte stocking and suede shoes. Since the dress will be the only shiny part of your outfit, it will get all the attention.
When you're wearing shiny clothes, that's usually the part you want people to notice! Added bonus: your legs won't freeze when ringing in the New Year. And if you live in Canada, that, my friends is a big deal.
However, semi-sheer black tights can also look great paired with black heels and a sequin dress. Some even prefer having a sheer stocking with a sheen to add some sparkle all over! This is just a matter of preference.
Shop Black Stockings for Sequin Dresses:
3. Black Multi-Strap Heels & Sandals
Strappy black heels add a dash of sass & loads of seduction to an already sultry look. Thinner straps will look daintier, while thicker black straps will add some edge, if that's your vibe.
Your choice on whether you prefer to wear an open-toe style or a closed-toe version, or if you want a lace-up strap that wraps around the ankle.
Shop Strappy Black Heels:
4. Ankle Boots
Wearing your party look on a particularly cool day or in the middle of winter? Why not opt for a simple black ankle bootie?
The right simple bootie – such as the ones featured in the image above – will look fab with your sequin dress outfit.
Stiletto heels, whether tall or kitten height, will work together with a pointed toe or slightly square toe. Avoid low-heeled booties with a large chunky heel. Otherwise, you risk looking clunky instead of sleek.
Of course, black ankle boots aren't the only option. You can also opt for white booties, a neutral such as beige or even go full-on shine with patent, metallic silver, or gold ankle boots. A red bootie can also be festive & fun – especially with a head-to-toe red look!
It all depends on your sequin dress or skirt/pants. But if you want to keep on the ‘safe' side, pick a black or white boot with your sequin dress.
Make sure that it is slim and fits tight at the ankle. Sock booties outfits with sequin dresses are never a bad idea – especially in winter! I love how sock-like ankle boots make it look like you're wearing an enclosed high-heeled pump.
Check out all my styling tips in my post on how to wear ankle boots with dresses.
5. Nude Heels
Nude heels that are close or match your skin tone are the best way to go if you want your sequin dress to stand out the most.
Wearing a naked or minimal sandal creates a shoe-vanishing effect that paired with a shorter sequin dress will look like your legs go on for miles!
If you're going for this effect, pick a streamlined nude shoe, such as pointed-toe pump with a fine heel, minimal stiletto or kitten-heel sandal.
If you can't find an exact match, beige and blush heels are flattering for all skin tones and most sequin dresses!
Shop Nude Heels – Available in Various Tones:
6. Clear Heels
Clear heels are the ultimate ‘nude' shoe as they are literal transparent heels or shoes that go with everything! Whether a clear bootie, slide, strappy sandal or clear pump, they will all look fabulous with a sequin dress.
Pair a clear, colorless pair of heels with your sequin frock, or match a transparent colorful heel with the dress hue.
Check out all the ways to prep your feet and maximize their look in my post all about wearing clear heels outfits!
Favorite Clear Heels:
7. Matching Shoe and Dress Color
Black heels, step aside! Another alternative footwear option for sparkly dresses & skirts, is matching them to your frock. Even matching them to a shade (or two!) of your dress can be fun.
I find metallic mirror sandals or pumps to be the “wildest” choice, as they will double your shine. This combo is best for the woman who likes to shine from head to shoe for NYE or her birthday party!
Be sure to match your metallic heels to your dress. That means choosing gold shoes with a gold dress, silver with silver & so on. A minimal mirrored pump or sandal is a great choice, as it will reflect any color.
If you'd like to take a lesser high-octave stance on your matchy-matchy shoes, leather & suede materials are good contenders, as are slightly colored clear heels.
You could also match the shoes to one color in your sequin outfit to switch things up a bit.
These shoe choices are a bit daring if you ask me, but if you're feeling gutsy, go for it! Check out all of my posts on which shoes to wear with all dresses.
Colorful Stockings
If you're looking for a bold option for your sequin dress that isn't directly shoe related, check out colorful tights! You can either use them as a stunning pop of color for a little black sequin dress or match them with your sequin dress.
I love the aesthetic of a head-to-toe colorful look, where the tights, a sequin dress, and shoes all match to create a monochrome look.
You can really up the ante on a holiday such as Christmas or Valentine's day to sandwich your colorful stockings in between a matching dress and shoes!
Festive & Colorful Stockings for Sequin Dresses:
Now That You Know What Shoes to Wear with Sequin Dresses:
So there you have it: all the best shoes to wear with sequin dresses and skirts. And a few tights and hose to your look!
As you can tell, there are many possible shoes for sequin dresses. Although black heels are great, ankle boots, sandals and even bolder choices can work, like cowboy boots and thigh-high boots!
At the end of the day, if the outfit makes you feel good, go for it! But don't forget to keep warm going to and from your party. Any topper will do, including slick black blazer, a leather trench, a peacoat, or a long puffer coat, if you live in cold wintery areas like l do in Canada.
And whatever you do, don't forget to have fun! How are you planning on wearing your sequins to your next party?
xo Cristina
Cristina is the chief editor, fashion & shoe expert here at ShoeTease. As a seasoned stylist and women's fashion & shoe designer, she boasts over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She loves crafting effortless outfits for ladies both online and off and believes that styling advice should be accessible to everyone. Whether you're a styling pro or just starting out, Cristina's here to guide you on your fashion journey! Learn more.
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Katt
Sunday 17th of November 2024
Thank you for this article! I am wearing my first ever short sequin party dress (and I am 50!). I can’t wear high heels due to extremely high arches. It is at “wintertime”, in the south, what do you suggest?
Cristina Ehm
Tuesday 19th of November 2024
Hi, thanks for your question! I love pointed-toe flats or even kitten heels. I also have high arches, and I find insoles can really help with that if you want to give it a go. Check out the dress shoes I love (many of them are flats that are perfect for sequin and other fancy dresses) in my LTK shop for inspiration: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/DressingYourStyle/collections/11ef7a8262e4fdca942a0242ac110015
Dani
Friday 5th of April 2024
I dont know why I've never come across your articles before, being a 'shoe collector' and all, but I LOVE you ready and I'm sure we would have a great time shoe shopping! I found your post because I have a 'sapphire' colored sequin dress and wasn't sure what I should be looking for, I instinctively knew the dress should be the scene stealer but have been thinking of a blush color shoe leaning towards pink, and your guide has helped me, I will stay on the nude side of blush rather than the pink side. Now the next thing I'd I need an evening wrap and what colour should that be aghhhh. Anyway thanks you are awesome! Have a great day
Cristina Ehm
Thursday 18th of April 2024
That's a great shoe color and dress combo and I'm sure you'll look lovely! I'm so glad my article was helpful :)
Gajane
Monday 4th of December 2023
I bought Only Anika sequin dress (dark purple sequins/black fabric, long sleeves, https://www.jarrolds.co.uk/departments/womens-fashion/dresses/only-anika-wrap-sequin-short-dress ...) and im truly messed up with what shoes i should wear. I dont have long legs (I'm 163cm and wearing size S) and the simple black bumps does not look good with it...Maybe i should go with black tights instead.. Or i would think mary-jane style could help me out, or should i go retro with block heel/low platform mary jane...but... its really hard to find this kind of shoes in our stores...
Cristina Ehm
Tuesday 5th of December 2023
Hi Gajane! If you don't think black pumps would look good with the dress and you want to elongate your legs, I would suggest a nude high heel pump (with or without platform) that matches your skin tone. Avoid any darker shoe with straps (like Mary Janes or booties) as these will visually cut off your legs and make them appear shorter. Take a look at this image on Pinterest with me wearing a similar (but longer) dress with skin-tone matching pumps, resulting in longer looking legs: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/193091902767445308/
ACC
Friday 20th of May 2022
I'm getting married in september, 5 days of outfits and events. Black sequin jumpsuit for a welcome party on a boat- inspired me to hire drag queens for entertainment..Greta Constantine sequin jumpsuit and i dont know if i should do white or balck heels- I have super high arches so heels are not too uncomfortable but i love a platform. Looking for designers like Jimmy Choo, Manolo, Paris Texas... any ideas appreciated. I have shopped the heck out of every website but shoes are hard!!
ShoeTease
Sunday 22nd of May 2022
I could help you better if I knew the cut of your jumpsuit, to determine the best shoes for you. Take a look at my post on the best shoes to wear with a jumpsuit for ideas!
Shunn
Friday 29th of October 2021
Hi. I have a 3/4 sleeve mesh overlay (black&nude) dress that will fall right at or just below the knew. What type of shoes would you suggest? I was thinking about pattern leather but was not sure sequins and pattern leather could be worn together.
ShoeTease
Saturday 30th of October 2021
It's really hard to say as I'm not able to see your dress. That being said, sequin dresses look best with shoes that have a single color and no patterns, such as black suede or white leather. I hope this helps!