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Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes to Wear with Red Dress

What color shoes to wear with a red dress is the obvious question after you put on the dress. While black heels may be the default for some, I wanted to explore some of the other options that I’ve used in the past.

Quote of the day: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

As always, this post isn’t about rules, it’s about experimenting, having fun, and seeing how one pair of shoes can totally shift the vibe. So let’s dive into 8 colorful, stylish, and even quirky shoe choices to pair with your red dress.

Insider tip: This guide works with ANY color dress or ANY color pants…I bet you’d be surprised if you tried it.

While the style of shoe could be a post on its own, let’s concentrate on what color shoes to wear with a red dress for now. I’ve added links to other posts that talk about different styles of shoes with particular clothing at the bottom of this article.

And as I always say, we all don’t like the same thing, so some of these may not be your favorite. That’s the wonderfulness of style and clothing. We are all unique and thus should all like different things.

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The best part is you get a daily dose of positive energy.

Other Colors

Notice that I did not include black as part of what color shoes to wear with a red dress. Black may be the go-to for most women; however, that wasn’t included in my outfit options.

One thing to think about is contrast and the amount of shoe showing. Sometimes, black (and even brown in my example) can seem heavy, so finding the color in a strappier shoe may be the answer.
Translating that sentence: It may not be the color of the shoe that makes a huge difference…sometimes it is the style.

Remember, you won’t know until you try it. Try it on, I mean…not just put them next to each other. Then take a photo to look at a different perspective than just your mirror.

What I’m trying to say is that black shoes might look good. I even list a ton of other options for what color shoes to wear with a red dress within this article.

Insider tip: Your accessories and topper could be the extras that create intention with the color of your shoes. For example, if you wanted to wear a yellow pair of shoes, adding a yellow hat would create balance and cohesion.
Then again, I always Love the idea of only one element of a standout color, so take that advice with a grain of salt.


1. Neutral Options

Since a red dress is colorful on its own, beginning fashionistas might want to start with neutrals as their choice for what colors to wear with a red dress.

I’m only showing 3 examples here, but there are other ideas (including black):
-Tan (lighter version of brown)
-Grey (on the same scale as silver)
-Gold (a warmer version in the metallics)

Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie6 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 2

White

I know white shoes can get a bad wrap. Many women my age talk about how they remind them of nurses’ outfits. Hey, I get it. I never used to be able to wear a white jacket because it reminded me of the lab coats we wore during dental school.

But the fact of the matter is that your Emotions do not dictate how others feel about the shoe color. Change your mindset, and have fun with ALL the colors.

This combo feels fresh and fashion-forward. White offers a clean, high-contrast look that makes the red really pop.

The other disadvantage I hear is about keeping white shoes clean. We’ve showcased white boots in the past, and I shared my trick for keeping them looking great.

Metallics

Metallic shoes should absolutely be considered neutral. I consider silver to be the cool girl of the metallic Family. With a red dress, silver shoes add instant fun.

But don’t leave out gold, rose gold, or even bronze. Each shade of metallic is the perfect answer to what color shoes to wear with a red dress.

Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie7 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 1
Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie4 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 2

Brown

The power of brown. It may not sound exciting at first, but brown shoes bring a warm, grounded contrast to a red dress.

While this isn’t my favorite look, that doesn’t mean you should count out the color. Other shoe style choices in brown could be fabulous.

One advantage of brown is that there are both warm and cool shades that will blend with your red dress.

They also feel very autumn-like and more relaxed than black.


2. Print Shoes Including Animal Prints

Who says your shoes have to be solid? A printed shoe adds some unexpected personality to your look. Think floral, striped, or even abstract designs.

The advantage of a print shoe is that it can (but doesn’t have to) have the color of the dress in it.

Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie5 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 1

Print

These colorful, print espadrille sandals are a favorite of mine. I consider them fun and artsy.

The print acts like a wild card by tying in other elements in your outfit, like accessories or your handbag.

This pairing is proof that you can be matchy in spirit without matching at all.

Leopard

Leopard shoes give your red dress a sassy, slightly untamed vibe. It’s feminine but fierce.

This combo is especially great if you want to mix patterns or prints.

The reason that leopard is easy to wear is that it’s a combination of neutrals. That’s exactly why many people consider it a neutral itself.

Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie1 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 1
Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie3 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 1

Snakeskin

Snakeskin print has a magical way of being both edgy and elegant.

Since this pair of snakeskin footwear is predominantly white, it adds texture without distracting from the bold, red color.

Think of snakeskin as your quiet wild card in that it’s not as loud as leopard, but still packs a style punch.

Remember, there are many shades and versions of snakeskin, as I’ve shown in the past.


3. Color

Even though red is a bright color by itself, that doesn’t mean you can’t pair other colors with it.
I’m showing a softer pink and monochromatic red, but I also love the idea of
-yellow
-orange, which can look similar to red
-turquoise
-olive green

The options are endless.

Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie8 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 2

Pink

Pairing pink with red used to be considered a no-no, but thankfully, those outdated rules are out the window. Whether it’s a bright fuchsia or a soft blush, pink shoes add a delightful dose of femininity to your red dress.

Insider tip: A light pink or blush can be considered a skin tone color if your complexion is fair.

In fact, pink makes red feel more playful. This mix is charming and bold without being over the top.

Red

Sometimes the best match is an actual match! Red shoes with a red dress can be striking in the best way. This monochromatic look is easy for most women and can feel very simplistic.

To keep things from looking too matchy-matchy, play with texture.
For example, my dress is silky, yet my sandals are a rope material; thus, the texture is knobby and uneven.

Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress &Raquo; Jodie2 Shoes Red Dress Jtouchofstyle 1

What Color Shoes to Wear with a Red Dress?

So, the next time you’re staring down that red dress and wondering what to put on your feet, remember my guide, but don’t stop there.

And if you like this type of article, we have showcased others like this:
-Shoes to wear with cropped flare jeans
–Ankle pants & shoes
–Shoes to wear with joggers

There’s no “right” answer, just choices that help you express your unique style and the mood you’re feeling that day.

If you’re still unsure about trying a wild card shoe, start by trying them on at home. You might be surprised at how much you love something new once you see it on your own feet.

Guide To What Color Shoes To Wear With Red Dress

Photo credit: Rob Filogomo

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Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.

The post Simplistic Guide To What Color Shoes to Wear with Red Dress appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.

Jodie's Touch of Style showcases how it's never too late to look great including other older women and myself talking about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle issues.

As a retired dentist, Jodie takes her love of clothing and shopping and has come to find her superpowers in styling the same item in many ways. She is also a huge advocate for embracing our age and bodies. Getting old is a wonderful thing and learning to love ourselves while it happens is very freeing.

Looking great can happen no matter what age, shape or budget, as we show on Jodie's Touch of Style.

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