From Heels to Flats, here are my 7 Go-To Shoe Styles for a Cocktail Dress

If you've found the perfect cocktail dress and unsure how to style it, start with the shoes! The right shoes, whether heels, flats closed or open-toe shoes can transform the look of your cocktail dress for the better.

Let me rundown the top shoe styles and colors to pair with dress so you can look chic in your dress. But first, what is a cocktail dress?

What to Look for in a Cocktail Dress

Cocktail attire, aka “semi-formal” is the most common dress code when it comes to special events like weddings, graduations and holiday parties.

Women often wear classic or fashion forward dress designs that fall anywhere from right above the knee to midi length, but there's plenty of wiggle room for this particular dress code. Longer dresses reserved are for black tie events.

Floral and bright colors are popular for summer, while darker prints and colors such as jewel tones work great for fall/winter.

Similarly to more formal dresses, cocktail dresses pair well with smaller purses and refined dress shoes, like fancy sandals or classic pumps. Below are 7 classic and easy-to style heels, flats and even boots to elevate your cocktail dresses.

7 Shoe Styles to Pair with a Cocktail Dress

1. Pointed-Toe Heels

Black pointed-toe heels, especially classic pointed pumps with a mid-height stiletto heels are what I consider a shoe essential that every woman should own.

However, there a sleek black suede pump is as chic and versatile as it is season-less and can be paired with casual, cocktail and formal attire in most colors and prints. Leather pumps can look too casual and business-meeting like.

The pointed toe elongates the legs and a finer heel, either a tall stiletto or chic kitten heel, enhances the look. Pointed pumps come in all fits, sizes and comfort option, so when in doubt, pair your cocktail dress with these heels!

If a pointed toe is too narrow for your feet, opt for an almond toe instead.

2. Minimalist Metallic Sandals

Silver or gold metallic sandals with thin, minimal straps offer a delicate look, perfect for warmer seasons and outdoor events.

They add a feminine touch to tailored or flowey chiffon cocktail dresses, especially when paired with a pink, nude or red pedi.

Since metallic sandals are already dressy on their own, the heel height or size doesn't matter as much. However, if you choose a chunkier heel, make sure the straps are extra dainty to balance the look.

3. Stiletto Ankle Boots

For the cooler months, you can most definitely add a pair of leather or jewelled stiletto ankle boots with your cocktail dress for an edgy and unexpected twist.

A sleder heel with a snug, sleek design is ideal with a cocktail attire as it keeps the look more elegant and chic. Stiletto sock booties are a great option here!

If you have short legs or are petite, know that ankle boots can visually shorted the look of the legs. However, a higher stiletto heel or a skin-toned bootie can balance things out.

4. Black Strappy Sandals

Black sandals with multiple or minimal straps are a versatile open-toe staple and look great with many styles of cocktail dresses. Choose a strappier, patent black sandal for a simple or little black dress. If your dress is busy, keep the straps to a minimum.

Adjustable straps can work wonders for comfort, as can your choice of heel. The higher and finer the heel, the more elegant your outfit will be.

7. Clear Heels

Clear heels, sandals and pumps have been trending for a few years now as they're as versatile as they come!

Their minimalist, modern aesthetic adds a trendy edge to a tailored and sleek cocktail dress, while elongating the legs. However, they can also pair well will flowy, more feminine dress styles.

Minimal clear heels are a solid choice when you want shoes that will elevate, but not distract from your dress.

As clear heels are not known to be comfortable, make sure you don't have much walking to do during your event and that the straps don't dig into your toes.

6. Beige or Blush Heels

Although black pumps are my go-to cocktail dress shoe, they might look too harsh with pastels or feminine florals. Blush and beige sandals or pumps are a great shoes for these cocktail dresses, especially in the spring or summer seasons.

Pick a smooth leather pointy pump or sandal in leather or suede with a fine heel that you can comfortably walk in is ideal.

7. Fancy Flats

If you can't or won't wear heel, don't worry! There are many styles of cocktail dress appropriate flats, including ballet flats, Mary Jane flats and more.

Look for flats with elegant details such as embellishments, rhinestones, pointed toes, or in luxurious materials like patent leathers, lace, satin, velvet or even mesh. If you prefer a simple black leather or suede option, make sure it has a high quality construction and a great fit.

Flats are particularly suitable for A-line or fit-and-flare cocktail dresses, offering an Audrey-Hepburn style allure. Certain styles even accommodate special insoles for those that need extra support.

How to Complete Your Cocktail Dress Look:

Since a cocktail attire relies heavily on the right shoes, choosing sleek and elegant styles is important! The ones mentioned here aren't the only ones you can choose–just the easiest. Casual shoes like sneakers and loafers are a no-no as they'll change the look into business professional or casual.

Also important are the smaller accessories and outerwear, for the cooler outings. Here are a few styling tips for your cocktail dress, to complete your semi-formal look:

• Handbag: Choose a clutch or small evening handbag that doesn't overpower your dress in a color that matches your shoes or a color in your dress is ideal.
• Accessories: Delicate, minimal jewelry with or without sparkly stone are most versatile with different cocktail dress styles. If you are weearing metallic shoes or have any metallic hue to your outfit, match it to your jewelry. For instance, if wearing gold sandals, wear gold jewelry for a cohesive look
• Outerwear: In cooler weather, try a tailored blazer over a structured or flowy dress, or a pashmina or elegant shawl that complements your the dress style.

Make sure you choose an outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in! Nothing distracts from a beautifully styled cocktail dress or outfit more than discomfort; like a falling strap, uncomfortably high heels or an awkward-to-hold purse.

Have questions or can't choose between dresses or shoes? Join my free Facebook group to ask for help from my fashion-curious community!

xo Cristina

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