What Type of Shoes to Wear with Maxi Dress?

What type of shoes do you think you could wear with a maxi dress? First, I’ll say that some dresses fall so far to the floor that you might as well go barefoot. In that case, you might at least have to wear flip-flops to protect yourself from the contaminated ground, but that’s not your only choice. 

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Celebrity Inspiration and Shoe Examples

You’ll see what I’m talking about in some celebrity maxi dress examples showcased in 2020. Some dresses hide the shoes, so what’s the point? However, you at least have the chance to see a couple of pairs of footwear as toes peep out from the dress trains. 

For me, I felt inspired by pop singer Selena Gomez’s lightweight, light-colored maxi and the heeled, strapped sandals she wore. For Kendall Jenner, you can see her whole ankles, but her floral print on red dress still qualifies as a full-length piece. 

Surprisingly, Jenner managed to pull off black flip-flops, but the walks by the seaside in Europe called for it, as does the maxi dress. Hollywood Life writers Olivia Elgart and Alyssa Norwin confirm this.

“Summer is practically here, and maxi dresses are the perfect style choice when you need to throw something on and get out of the house,” Elgart and Norwin reported.

Other simple maxis for summer might have their place outdoors, and so do their shoes. I finally had a glimpse of the shoes under Suits star Meghan Markle’s tri-striped Martin Grant dress that wouldn’t show in the 2020 Hollywood Life picture.

In 2018, Markle wore this red and khaki striped maxi on a dark background with her Castaner wedged shoes, which look easier to walk in than other heels.

I say, if you can manage to wear an outfit that provides you maximum comfort, take advantage of that moment, especially if you have a baby bump like Meghan. In 2019, she wore this dress for a second time while on a Royal Tour.

Wedged Sandals

Source: Shopbop

You might have heard these called by their official name, the Castaner Carina Wedged Espadrilles. I suggest this one, which looks almost identical to the ones that Meghan Markle wore. She tied the bow in the front instead of the back. However, this pair of wedged sandals appears to be “it.”

It’s the closest celebrity shoe match I’ve done for a while. Markle wore these with more than one outfit, including the button-down, bright blue Veronica Beard Maxi Dress she wore in September 2019 while in Cape Town. I consider them a “versatile” choice.

White Strapped Sandals

Source: Kohl’s

I’m assuming that’s what the strapped sandals that Kristin Cavallari wore with the lace white halter maxi dress would look like. I, unfortunately, couldn’t find a picture that shows her whole foot, but that’s my guess. It does look like the perfect pair of shoes to wear with a beach dress, and maxi dresses seem to provide just as much comfort as swimsuit covers.

“We love how she styled the summery dress with a chic straw bag and beachy waves in her hair,” said People Magazine.

I might prefer a dress with a bit more top support, but overall, I find the lace details to be quite mesmerizing. This maxi doesn’t need an expensive, gaudy shoe to compliment it – especially when not on the beach. By the way, I do agree with the “People” concerning this dress and shoe combination — and the additional bag accessory. 

Clear PVC Heels

Source: Macy’s

Priyanka Chopra, who wore clear block heel shoes on her honeymoon, showcased another version of the clear PVC heels at the 2019 Music Awards. Some types have chunkier heels than others, and it’s tough to find the exact celeb shoe match.

I say just do your best! Don’t overthink it either. After all, “clear” coordinates with any color maxi dress like white does. You can wear them with just about any dress print, pattern or texture too.

Chunky Pointed Heels

Source: Shein

I’m short, so in the rare instances when I would look for heels, I’d prefer the chunky type. No stilettos or pumps for me if I can help it. This part of “chunkies” could provide you a boost if your maxi dress train would otherwise sweep the dust off your floor.

I think I’d have less chance of tripping in these stylish shoes, which come in just about any color, than trying to wear a dress that’s too long.

Birkenstocks

Source: Nordstrom

Would you believe that Dawson’s Creek Start Katie Holmes wore black Birkenstocks with her white maxi skirt and midriff top in 2021? I wouldn’t call them ugly, but I’d probably wear them for only casual use, such as when taking long walks or running errands. I haven’t owned a pair since the 1990s, but they provide comfort beyond ordinary walking sandals.

If it were me, however, I think I would choose a different dress. For instance, I like the long, black, one-piece maxi featured on InStyle. It’s also worn with black Birkenstocks.