Red is a bold color that can make you stand out from the crowd and has the potential to transform a plain outfit into something with the wow factor in no time.
One of the trickiest things to navigate, however, is finding the perfect pair of shoes to really help your color pop – but fortunately for you, we have all the information you need to ensure that you have the perfect pair of shoes for that red dress – read on for all you need to know!
Shoes To Wear With Red Dresses
There are a number of shoe combinations that work perfectly with red dresses, and some of the most stylish include:
Red Dress With Gold Shoes
A gold dress paired with a pair of gold sandals is an absolute stunner and is guaranteed to turn heads no matter where you go.
This look works because the gold accents add a touch of glamor while the red adds a pop of color, and is a perfect look for a number of occasions, including weddings, formal events, and even casual outings.
Red Dress With Black Sandals
If you want to give off a sophisticated vibe, then a pair of black sandals with a red dress is the way to do it.
The dark hues of the sandals contrast beautifully with the bright red of the dress, and the overall effect is very chic.
This is a combination that is suitable for pretty much any occasion, and guarantees that you will stand out for all the right reasons.
Red Dress With White Sandals
If you want to keep things simple, then a pair of white sandals with a red gown is just what the doctor ordered.
The white sandals provide a clean backdrop for the bolder red dress, and the result is a stunning ensemble that is sure to get plenty of compliments wherever you go.
Red Dress With Brown Shoes
It may seem a little unusual, but brown shoes are always a great choice for a variety of outfits, and this includes red dresses.
The rich tones of the brown shoes really complement the darker shades of the dress, and as such, this is a look that is guaranteed to bring out your best features.
Red Dress With Blue Shoes
Pairing a red dress with blue shoes may not seem obvious, but this can be a great way to bring out the tones and shades in a brighter red, and make it appear more vibrant.
The blue accentuates the red further, and the end result is a striking combination that is guaranteed to draw attention wherever you go.
Finding The Right Size Shoes
The next step is to decide what size shoe you need. You don’t want to wear a pair of shoes that is too small, as this will only draw attention away from your feet and towards your legs.
On the other hand, if you choose a pair of shoes that are too large, then you risk looking clumsy and ill-fitting.
It’s important to remember that there is no one ‘right’ size for every woman; each person has different foot shapes and sizes so you need to try on several pairs until you find the ones that feel comfortable and flattering.
When trying on shoes, always start by standing up straight and pulling your shoulders back – this will ensure that you look your most stylish.
Next, take note of how high your heels sit when you’re wearing them. Ideally, you should aim for a heel height between 1/2″ and 3/4″.
If you find that you cannot walk comfortably in these heels without feeling pain, then you probably need to invest in some new footwear.
Finally, pay particular attention to whether your toes point outward or inward. If your toes
point outward, then you will want a pair of shoes that have a pointed toe shape. Otherwise, if your toes point inward, then you’ll want a rounded toe style.
Find The Right Shoe Material
Once you’ve found the right fit, it’s time to think about the type of material used in the construction of the shoes, and some of the most popular options include:
Leather
Leather is considered to be one of the classic materials for making shoes, and many women still prefer leather over any other option.
While leather shoes tend to be expensive, they are also long-lasting and extremely durable, and so can serve as great investment pieces.
Suede
Suede is another traditional material that can be used to make shoes.
Like leather, suede is made from animal skins, but instead of being tanned, the hides are treated with chemicals to soften the material before being cut into strips.
This is a material best avoided if rain is forecast, as suede can be quickly ruined if it is exposed to too much water.
Nubuck
A nubuck shoe is similar to suede, but it tends to be slightly more flexible than its counterpart.
Unlike suede, however, nubuck does not require chemical treatment prior to cutting. Instead, the material is simply soaked in water and rubbed against a rough surface to create a soft, supple texture.
As such, nubuck is often much cheaper than suede, and so a popular choice.
Choosing Your Shoe Style
When choosing which style of shoes to wear with red dresses, there are several factors to consider, and these include:
Strapless dresses – These should generally be worn with strappy heels or flat sandals.
Long-sleeved dresses – These should be worn with closed-toe heels or pumps.
Short-sleeved dresses – These should be worn with open-toe heels or flats.
Evening dresses – These should be matched with high-heeled evening shoes.
Formal dresses – These should be paired with closed-toe heels or wedges.
Casual dresses – These should be chosen based on their comfort level, and whether they have straps or not. If they don’t, then you should choose something like wedge sandals or flip-flops.
The Type Of Event
The type of event you are attending is another consideration that needs to be taken into account when choosing a dress and shoes combo.
For example, if you are going to an outdoor wedding, then you would want to choose shoes that offer some protection against the elements, while if you are attending a formal dinner party, then you would want something a bit more elegant.
The Material Of The Dress
The material of the dress will also have an impact on the type of shoe that you choose, as certain materials require specific footwear.
For example, silk and satin dresses need to be worn with peep toes or kitten heels, while cotton dresses should be worn with flats or loafers.
Other Considerations
There are other important aspects to take into consideration when deciding on the right shoes to wear with a particular outfit.
These include how comfortable the shoes are, and how practical they are.
In addition, you should also think about the weather conditions where you plan on wearing them – there is no point in wearing a strappy open toe to a chilly winter wedding!
Where Can I Wear A Red Dress?
You can easily rock a red dress for almost any occasion. Whether you’re attending a casual get-together or a formal affair, you can always count on this classic style to turn heads.
Here are just a few places you might consider rocking a red dress:
Weddings & Formal Events
Whether you’re planning a small intimate gathering or a large reception, a red dress is sure to complement any theme.
Try pairing a red dress with nude heels for a sophisticated daytime look, or go for the glam with a pair of gold sandals and a bold red dress for the evening.
Casual Gatherings
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or heading to brunch with friends, a red dress is a fun alternative to jeans and can be a great way to celebrate the colors and mood of the summer weather.
Pair a red dress with a denim jacket and sneakers for a laid-back vibe, or choose a white throw for a relaxed vibe.
Formal Dinners
When attending a formal dinner, a red dress is ideal because it adds a splash of color to what can be a fairly muted, neutral setting.
Opt for a sleek cocktail dress and dark-colored throw to keep things simple and sophisticated – you can always add a pair of nude heels for some understated glamor.
Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor weddings tend to be more colorful and vibrant – especially if they are taking place during the warmer spring or summer weather – and so a red dress can be a perfect outfit to choose.
If you’d like to make your entrance a little more dramatic, try adding a bright blue clutch or statement necklace.
Which Makeup Should I Choose For A Red Dress?
Once you have chosen the perfect red dress and paired it with your dream shoes, then you may be wondering how you can go about styling your makeup to make the most of your killer outfit.
There are a number of options to play with here, and many depend on your desired final outcome:
If you want to create a natural look, then opt for a soft pink lip color and a warm eyeshadow palette.
This will help to balance out the red tones in your outfit and can be perfect for a daytime outfit, or a more understated look – this is also great if you would prefer to have the vibrancy of the dress do the talking.
For a more dramatic look, try choosing a deep burgundy lipstick and a cool-toned eyeshadow palette. You can even use a matte eyeliner pencil to draw a line around your eyes for added drama.
The combination of smoky eyes and bold red dress is a classic one, and is guaranteed to draw attention – why not try this on a night out or a big event, and allow yourself to make a serious statement.
For a more subtle look, try opting for a light pink lip color and a cool-toned blush palette. This will give your face a fresh feel, without making you look too ‘done up’.
It’s also perfect for those who are looking for a more demure look that still allows them to shine through.
So whether you’re going for an all-out glamourous look, or something much more subdued, there are plenty of ways to achieve the right effect!
Start by picking the right shade of red. While red can work well with almost any skin tone, certain shades are better suited to particular skin types.
If you have fair skin, avoid using bright pinks as these will wash you out – instead opt for deeper hues such as wine, berry, or maroon. If you have darker skin, however, you’ll find that brighter colors work really well.
Add a pop of color to your lips. Whether you decide to wear a red lipstick or gloss, make sure you pick a shade that complements your skin tone.
If you have pale skin, opt for a lighter shade, while if you have dark skin, go for a richer hue.
Find the right accessories. When it comes to accessories, don’t forget to add a statement piece. Try pairing a red clutch with your dress, or carrying a statement ring or bracelet.
These pieces will instantly bring your ensemble together and will ensure that you stand out from the crowd.
Choose the right shoes. As mentioned earlier, red is a tricky color to pair with other colors. However, if you choose the wrong shoe, you could end up looking like you’ve gone over the top.
Make sure you take the time to consider the best shoe color, using our guide above for reference.
Go for a glamorous finish. Finally, remember that no matter what type of look you’re aiming for, you should always strive for a polished finish.
Use a highlighter to enhance your cheekbones, and apply mascara to your lashes for extra volume.
Final Thoughts
Part of the fun of fashion is having a chance to play with different looks – and a red dress forms the perfect base for this.
There are so many ways to style a red dress, but don’t worry if you aren’t quite sure which way works best for you.
Just follow the steps above, and you’ll soon be able to create a unique look that suits you perfectly – as well as have plenty of fun while you figure it out!
Hi, my name is Jenna Reign and I have teamed up with my best friend, Sam, to deliver you all of the style secrets to help you stay ahead of the trends. We both met in fashion school and have been inseparable ever since!
Despite our deep love for fashion, even we found it difficult navigating our closets when trying to leave the house for the first time since the pandemic was announced. Were the trends still evolving, or did they get put on hold like the rest of the world?
