The best flat shoes to wear with dresses come in a range of styles, colours, and variations. And with flat silhouettes like Mary-Janes and ballet pump styles gaining much more interest in recent seasons, styling your favourite dresses with flat shoes is no longer solely about comfort-first; it's also an on-trend styling move.
If you find yourself stuck selecting the best flat shoes to wear with dresses, getting the pairing just right is easier than you think. And it doesn't matter what the occasion is, either; there is a flat shoe for every frock. We've studied the shoe trends of 2025 to ensure that you're feet are not only comfortable, but are on-trend too. It is undeniably easier to match casual dresses with your most comfortable trainers; however, when it comes to smarter events, there are a host of leather loafers, ballet flats, and other more structured styles that work just as well.
Balancing proportions plays a huge part in this process, and the longer the hemline of your dress, the more difficult it becomes to pair with a flat shoe, as you need to work out a way to elongate your legs without heels. Generally speaking, opting for pointed or almond-toed flat shoes naturally adds a little length to your silhouette, as does a low-cut flat that exposes a greater part of the foot. We've rounded up our favourites this season and the best outfits to pair them with.
Best flat shoes to wear with dresses this summer that offer lots of support and style in one
If heels look appealing but fill your feet with dread, then you need to know how to make flat shoes stylish with dresses. Flat shoes are now runway-worthy, with many designers producing dozens of flat shoes each season, as women demand both comfort and style. For this guide, we've specifically looked for flat shoes to wear with dresses that also offer great cushioning, arch support, and clever tech so you'll feel like you're walking on air.
Ballet flats
Sole Bliss offers comfortable shoes for those that need footwear for bunions and wide feet. Crafted with special side cushioning, this brand has made comfortable shoes cool, delivering directional styles and timeless classics. A minimal choice, these black pumps are perfect for AM to PM, working with summer outfits for work and beyond.
A ballerina pump may not sound like the most supportive footwear choice, but we've found a pair that is packed with clever technology to keep that spring in your step. While it looks like a regular slip-on shoe on the outside, it has FitFlop's "dynamicush" technology to keep your feet comfortable all day long. Pair with the best wedding guest dresses.
Available in 31 colours and print options, this could easily become your go-to pair of flats. Thanks to the flexible design, this pair of shoes works brilliantly for all-day wear. The knitted body materials offer a comfortable and flexible fit, delivering a casual aesthetic. Breathable and ultra-soft, they're a dream to wear.
Sandals
As the brand is all about helping your posture in footwear, these sandals have an anatomically contoured footbed with arch control to ensure plenty of comfort. Enhanced cushioning creates a lower impact for a truly joyful wear. They come in several colourways - but we love this metallic gold.
Although the Birkenstock clog remains a high fashion commodity this season, the Arizona, with its supportive straps and contoured footbed, offers a fantastic flat shoe to wear with dresses. Perfect for holiday outfit ideas, if you're wondering what to pack for a trip abroad, for evening or day wear, this versatile shoe choice works with midis and maxis.
Made from supple Italian leather and these sandals are super comfortable for a full day's wear straight out of the box. The fisherman style feels on-trend and will add a subtle edge to your everyday dress outfits. These pair beautifully with midis, maxis, or even shorter hem designs. You can read more in our woman&home review here.
Loafers
The best loafers for women are some of the chicest flat shoes to wear with dresses, and these zero-waste material loafers are no exception. Perfect for pairing with shift dresses or midi A-lines, they feature a dual-density memory foam insole. Rothy's is also a celebrity favourite with Megan Markle and Katie Holmes wearing their designs.
These suede leather loafers will add a luxurious touch of texture to your everyday attire. The beauty of this tan colourway is that it will pair well with almost any shade. Notably, if you're looking for some smart flats, these fit the bill perfectly. Style with workwear dresses, or weekend midis.
These black suede loafers feature a stylish gold-tone buckle on the exterior that makes them feel extremely high-end. The closed square toe and soft suede design make them a comfortable design that you can wear all day long. Pair with your favourite LBD for a sophisticated evening look.
Trainers
Known for making some of the best white trainers, Veja has a relatively extensive collection of other shoe options that utilize a sporty, chic style and comfort. This white and silver pair is versatile and would work well with more casual ensembles, such as denim dresses.
Novesta is known for an array of comfortable trainers, and these are some of the best flat shoes to wear with dresses. Ideal with midi or knee-length dresses, the sporty but feminine feel will work well as part of a smart casual outfit idea. The lace-up plimsoll design gives an almost '50s twist to this shoe, so if you have any A-line dresses, this is a great match.
Crafted from a lightweight, breathable canvas material, these are some of the best flat shoes to wear with dresses, offering next-level comfort. Their breathability means minimizing potential shoe odors, but they're also machine washable, so you can keep them super fresh. You can read more in our woman&home review here.
When it comes to pairing the best flat shoes with dresses, the right choice will not only keep you comfortable, but it can also elevate your outfit, too. Ballet flats are an on-trend choice with designer brands such as Miu Miu and The Row heavily featuring them in recent collections. Their small silhouette works particularly well with the best summer dresses, offering a feminine finish without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
Loafers, on the other hand, feel more refined and structured, making them perfect for finishing off summer workwear like striped shirt dresses or tailored dresses. Neutral coloured loafers are a great choice as shoes to wear with navy, as classic blacks, tan, or cream colours will complement navy-toned dresses.
If you're simply looking for flats that work well with casual dresses, trainers will add a sporty edge to your attire. Meanwhile, your most comfortable sandals are the ultimate choice for the warmer season, pairing well with floaty maxi dresses or wrap dress styles whilst on holiday or simply out and about at the weekend.
