9 Stylish Shoes to Wear With a Sundress This Summer

Summer dressing can be a welcome relief to those who wake up most mornings without a clear idea of what to wear for the day. Once the temperatures begin to rise, you can simply reach into your closet and throw on unfussy, easy styles—and when it comes to breezy, there isn’t a seasonal staple that can match the stylish pragmatism of a sundress. This lightweight, effortless style is a quick one-and-done outfit that everyone can get behind.

But what exactly is a sundress? The garment doesn’t have clear parameters apart from the fact that it’s typically made from airy, diaphanous fabrics and rendered in loose, relaxed fits. With a bounty of options to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your style—really, the hard part is sorting out what kind of shoes to wear with it.

To which I say, “Why not have fun with your sundress?” The style is joyous by design, so lean into that playfulness with your footwear choice. A stylish sandal is by far the easiest choice for hot summer days, whereas a clog or loafer is a fun, unexpected pick.

Ahead are nine different shoe styles that will pair seamlessly with your favorite sundress.

With Stylish Sandals

Perhaps the most obvious shoe to wear with a sundress is a stylish set of sandals. They lend a breezy beachiness to your ensemble, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sandal that won’t pair well with a sundress. A strappy sandal adds even more sophistication. The best part is that they give you the opportunity to show off a freshly applied pedicure.

With Snazzy Sneakers

You’ll likely find yourself racking up massive miles walking in your favorite sundress, so why not wear a comfy sneaker to ease the way? City dwellers will be the first to tell you that there is simply no better outfit combo for running around than a straightforward sundress and a pair of snazzy, colorful sneakers.

If you’re worried that your sundress and sneaker pairing looks too casual for everyday wear, keep your accessories on the elevated, polished side to balance things out.

With Elegant Espadrilles

Espadrilles are another shoe style well-suited for a sundress. Thanks to their rope and fabric design details, they’re both breathable and lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor excursions. A wedge-style espadrille can also offer a few extra inches to elongate your legs beneath the hem of a maxi style.

With Delicate Ballet Flats

Ballet flats come in many iterations—from mesh makes to embellished numbers—but no matter what kind you choose, the shoe style is a summer must-have. Wearing ballet flats with a sundress lends an air of delicate grace and polish. They’re as functional as sneakers but are much less bulky in comparison, making them the perfect balance of comfort and polish.

With Chunky Clogs

Newsflash: Clogs are cool again. What was once viewed as a hippie relic of the ’70s is back and hotter than ever, especially thanks to Chemena Kamali’s boho revival at Chloé. The designer’s collections prove that billowy mini sundresses and chunky wooden heels are a playful study of opposites attract. When worn with clogs, a sundress becomes instantly grounded, no matter how fanciful it may be.

With Standout Slides

Make a statement with a printed sundress, and pair it with standout slides in bold colors for a complementary look. Choosing super-saturated shades and perky prints keeps things interesting and avoids breaking dress code.

With Chic Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots bring a rustic, unexpected touch to ladylike silhouettes, making them a must-have for fashion-forward folk. Whether you’re living your best life at a music festival or a local square dance, you can rest assured knowing that any dress you wear will look effortlessly chic and put together with your best western footwear.

Laid-Back Loafers

Loafers are the smart choice. They serve as a visual anchor to any dress you wear and balance out the more overtly romantic details of a breezy style. For example, a puffy sleeve or ruffled hem looks far less precious and far more intriguing once juxtaposed with a structured loafer.

Demure Kitten Heels

While loafers serve as a counterbalance to the sundress’s feminine essence, kitten heels go all-in on girlish glamour. The low height serves up just the right amount of demure elegance without distracting from the rest of your ensemble.