Guide To The Best Shoes To Wear With A Cocktail Dress

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Finding the perfect shoes to wear with a cocktail dress is key to completing that perfect outfit!

I love a good high heel, especially for a fun night out; however, a pair of heels are not your only option for cocktail outfits. There are many different types of shoes that you can choose from, which is what makes it so fun!

Whether you’re dressing for semi-formal events or formal occasions, you can be creative. You don’t have to stick to just one style or color.

There are some things to consider when it comes to your shoes, like what type of dress you will be wearing, what color you want to go with, and more.

A woman sitting down wearing a neutral colored sequin cocktail dress and nude high heels.

Things To Consider When Choosing the Perfect Pair of Shoes to Wear With a Cocktail Dress

Before deciding on the type of shoe that you will be wearing, take a few things into consideration to make sure you find the perfect match. This list will really come in handy to help you pick out your outfits for party season! 

Color

The color of your dress very much determines the shoe color for your outfit. You may be wearing a neutral or black color dress, so maybe you want to use your shoe as a statement piece to pull your outfit together.

Or, you may choose to wear a bold color dress and go with a sleek black heel, white shoes or another solid color pair of shoes.

Heel

There are different types of heels to consider when choosing a pair of shoes. You can do a very high heel or a shorter heel that will make it easier to walk and dance in.

Height

The height of your shoe really depends on your specific preference. There may be times you want to do a high heel look and other times you may want to wear strappy sandals which are much shorter.

Both are perfectly good options for cocktail shoes. Depending on the formality of the occasion, you could sometimes even get away with flat sandals or flat shoes.

Comfort Level

You can still get comfort with dressy shoes if comfort is what you want!

A lot of women want to be comfortable during the night, so they choose ballet flats, or more of a shorter wedge shoe instead of high heels. They give you a little more stabilization which makes it more comfortable throughout the night.

Hem

You want to make sure the shoes that you choose go well with the hem of your dress so that you won’t trip while walking or dancing!

Length Of The Dress

You can get away with flats easier with a long, maxi dress whereas, with a mini dress or short dresses, you may want to wear more of a heel.

Dancing

If you are going to be dancing all night long, you may not want to wear shoes with too high of heels to avoid your feet hurting all night.

After all, no one wants to be the one sitting out on the fun with sore feet! Plus, you want to be able to walk the next day without your feet hurting.

Weather

If the party that you are attending is happening during the colder months, you may want a type of closed-toe shoes, so you aren’t too cold!

The same idea goes for warmer months, you don’t want a shoe that will make you too hot either. You want to be comfortable so you can really enjoy yourself!

The Best Shoes To Wear With A Cocktail Dress

Getting dressed up for that special occasion cocktail party is always so much fun! There is so much that goes into your overall look for the night.

Will you be wearing a long dress, a classic little black dress, or a semi-formal dress, carrying a classy clutch? Once you find your party dress, you need to complete your perfect outfit with the right shoes.

Your shoe choice will pull together the rest of your outfit, so it is important to pick out a stylish shoe that matches your personal style, or maybe you want to step out of the box a little and choose a funky style for the night!Ā 

Here are some gorgeous shoes to wear with a cocktail dress:

Shop Ankle Strap Block Heels

Sam Edelman Daniella Sandals

These Sam Edelman sandals have a classic and sophisticated look while also being comfortable due to their block heel.

The thick heel combined and wide strap make it a practical choice for a long day or night spent on your feet.

Shop Classic Pumps With Pointed Toe

Richealnana Classic Pumps with Pointed Toe

These bold shoes have a closed, pointed toe with a very high heel. They are sleek and sexy and come in many different colors.

If you’re looking specifically for shoes to wear with a cocktail dress in winter, these would be a great option.

Shop High Heel Pointed Toe Pumps With Ankle Tie

PiePieBuy High Heel Pointed Toe Pumps with Ankle Tie

I love these shoes because they have a little extra detail with the ankle tie. They are also pointed and closed toe pumps and they come in a few different colors, making them the perfect option for evening wear.

Kitten Heel Pumps

Greatonu Kitten Heel Pump Shoes

Need cocktail shoes with a low heel? This pair features a 2.5″ closed-toe heel that is classic while still being subtly sexy.

If you’re looking for silver shoes, they have silver glitter in this style, perfect for a special event!

Shop Kitten Heels

PiePieBuy Womens Kitten Heel Sandals

I love the look of these because they are different, they will stand out with their style! They come in different colors, have a short heel and are a great choice for your shoes! They also have this shoe in red, which is perfect for parties during the holiday season!

Shop Chunky Block Heels

Herstyle Rosemmina Chunky Block High Heel

Simple, but chic and they come in different colors! These have a higher block heel and a nice, sexy strap making them a perfect shoe for a colorful or solid color dress, and great for a black tie event.

Shop Lace Up Heels

Ermonn Women’s Lace Up Heeled Block Sandals

If you love bolder shoe styles, this is a fun option. They do have a bit of a block heel, they’re open toe and they are lace up.

These would pair nicely with a shorter dress style, and really fun for festive occasions.

Shop Slingback Pumps

MIRAAZZURRA Women Slingback Pumps Chunky HeelsĀ 

These are very classy and also come in different colors. They have a bit of a block heel and a pointed toe and would be great for all skin tones, and probably best for a more casual look.

Shop Strappy Slingback Pumps

HECATER Kitten Heels Strappy Slingback Pumps

If you want a statement piece for your shoes, these would be a great option. They definitely stand out and would be great with a bold dress or even a simple dress. They have a thin, shorter heel and they are closed toe.

Shop Caged Wedges

MARCOREPUBLIC Peru Caged Wedge

If you are looking for a very comfortable and cute wedge shoe, look no further! These are comfortable but also so stylish and great for your party look!

Shop Espadrille Sandals

Mikarka Espadrilles Wedge Sandal

If the party you are going to be attending is during the day or early evening, these are a great day time shoe perfect for a cocktail party that called for more casual wear.

They have a wedge and still are very classy but they are a bit lighter, not as bold. You could also double these as office wear or really everyday shoes!

FAQ

Is it OK to wear flats with a cocktail dress?

Yes! You don’t have to choose high heels to get that cocktail look. Especially if there is a dance floor, you may want to go the comfortable route.

After all, who wants to have sore feet when they’re trying to have a good time?

The best way to pull this off is to choose dressy flats with pointed, elongated, or peep toes.

When you wear a pair of strappy heels with your evening dress, you get that elongated look; however, if you choose to wear flats, try to wear them with a mini dress to get that long-legged look!

What is the cocktail dress rule?

The general rule when dressing for cocktail parties is to dress somewhere between business casual and black-tie events. You aren’t expected to dress too fancy to a cocktail event.

Are cocktail dresses long or short?

The best options for dresses would be either a midi dress or a mini dress. You don’t have to wear ball gowns, just wear something semi-dressy that works well for your body type.

What colors are cocktail dress code?

Unless your invite specifies a certain color, you’re free to choose! You can either choose to wear a black cocktail dress or choose from different colors, normally neutral hues/solid colors.

You can choose the color of your dress depending on the time of day in which the party will take place.

If it is during the daytime, you can be bold and wear bright colors or bold colors. If the party is in the early evening or at night, you may want to go the black or solid colors route.

Perfect Dress, Shoes, and Don’t Forget a Clutch!

Now that you have your perfect outfit picked out with your gorgeous dress and shoes to match, don’t forget to find your clutch!

If you are going for the sleek look, you can choose a simple clutch that you hold next to your side. You can also go for a bold clutch or purse if that is the statement piece you want.

I am certain these tips and examples of great shoes to wear will help you come up with that sexy, chic, and elegant cocktail dress outfit! Now, go have fun, and don’t forget to take pictures of yourself in that outfit!

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