7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
9 summer dress and flat shoe outfit ideas, from ballet pumps to boat shoes and mules
As we head into summer, my daily outfit formula consists of a summer dress worn with a pair of sandals. It's an easy, throw-on 'fit that saves me valuable time in the morning (no more pulling everything out of my wardrobe trying to find something to wear), while still looking put-together and – most importantly – stylish. Whether I'm headed to the office or out with friends to make the most of the sunshine, it works no matter the occasion.
Plus, with so many sandal trends this season, from 'ugly' heeled flip flops to crochet styles and wedges, there are endless ways to keep the look feeling fresh. But what about those days when I don't want to get my toes out? Like in the run-up to my pedicure appointment.
Unfortunately, hiding my feet in my UGG slippers isn't an option, not least because of how sweaty I'd get. Sure, you could always wear your sandals with socks. Or, why not try one of these closed-toe, flat shoe alternatives – because who's *actually* wearing heels day-to-day?!
From mesh ballet flats and boat shoes to Birkenstocks and Mary Janes, there are just as many trending shoes around this szn. We promise, when paired with a dress, these flats make for just as fab an outfit!
Mesh flats are still big news in SS25! Okay, depending on the colour and how tightly woven the mesh is, this shoe may still flash more toe than you're after... But it's a nice compromise between a sandal and a closed-toe shoe.
Ballet flats are a wardrobe essential, as far as we're concerned. Whether yours have a pointed or almond toe, are classic black or any colour of the rainbow, they'll work seamlessly with any dress in your wardrobe. Mini, maxi, casual, dressy – you name it.
If you've been wanting to jump on the boat shoes trend since the fisherman aesthetic first went viral on TikTok earlier this year but you've been struggling to work out just how to wear them without feeling like Captain Birdseye, a denim dress is the answer. Feminine enough without being too much of a contrast. You're welcome.
Often possessing a sleek silhouette, flat mules are an eternally elegant option. Despite their closed-toe design, a slip-on mule promises breathability thanks to its open back. No heel blisters here!
A dress and trainers is a go-to combo for good reason. We love how the sporty connotations and chunkier silhouette of a trainer toughen up even the most feminine of floaty dresses. Plus, you don't have to worry about compromising on comfort!
Your fisherman sandals work just as well in summer as they did in spring when styled with a loose-fitting mini for cool, casual vibes.
The same applies for Mary Janes, with the shorter hemline showing off the shoe's signature foot strap. A simple linen shift dress will stop them feeling too twee.
It's been hard to miss the return of the boho revival, but if a stacked wooden clog wedge sandal à la Sienna Miller doesn't feel wearable (a totally reasonable conclusion to make, those heels are pretty high), turn to your trusty Birks for a flat shoe equivalent.
For an office-ready look, loafers instantly add a smarter feel to any dress, along with tapping into the current trend for corporate-core. They're the perfect shoe to make your Christmas sequins feel summer-appropriate, too.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there's nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she's passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
