We have spoken about the right shoes to wear with different colors of dresses several times on this blog. I feel like it should be a series at this point. One of the more recent posts spoke about the different shoes to wear with a cocktail dress.
In today’s blog post, I would be focusing on the black cocktail dress in particular and the best shoes to pair it with.
It’s safe to say that everyone reading this post probably owns a little black dress or LBD. It’s one of the first dresses every young woman purchases and many of own multiple versions of a black cocktail dress. Seeing as this wardrobe staple comes in the most popular color, black, it’s very easy to pair it with other colors of shoes.
If you’re wearing a black cocktail dress, you’re most likely headed to a special occasion and so this post is going to focus on the best shoe colors on types for more formal events. Of course, you could pair your black dress with a pair of flat shoes or Chelsea boots during the winter season but for today’s blog post, we shall focus on the dressier options.
To begin, I would love to share my favorite sites to shop for a black cocktail dress. You should save this list if you’re on the hunt for a chic black dress to wear for your next cocktail event or dinner party.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
The best places to shop for a cocktail dress
i) Lulus
Lulus offers a wide range of dresses for special occasions. I also appreciate how most of their items have several reviews, making the shopping experience a little easier. It’s really hard to pick just one black cocktail dress but this ruched one-shoulder bodycon dress definitely has my attention. The nude lining would have heads turning when you step out in it at your next special event.
Get the look HERE
ii) Nordstrom
Nordstrom is another top destination for all types of black dresses. You could find the perfect black dress anywhere from $60-$300+. If you’re styling a black outfit during the colder months, you may want to pair your dress with a pair of black tights and a longline coat. This long sleeve sequin dress by Dress the Population would be the perfect dress to wear to a holiday party.
Get the look HERE
iii) Amazon
If you’re trying to stand out in a black cocktail dress but you’re on a tight budget, Amazon is a great option for you. Amazon is also a great destination to shop for black cocktail dresses if you’re pressed for time and need your dress delivered ASAP.
They offer a good range of dress types and I particularly love this off-shoulder high low dress. It would look flattering on women trying to hide some belly fat or other insecurities.
Get the look HERE
iv) Shein
Although Shein prices have generally gone up, so has the quality of their garments for the most part. They offer hundreds of options of black cocktail dresses $100 and below. When it comes to black bandage dresses such as the one below, a pair of pumps or strappy sandals would look best as the footwear choice.
To read up more on how to wear a bandage dress without the perfect body, check out my blog post: How to wear a bodycon dress without a flat stomach.
Get the look HERE
v) Pretty Little Thing
To follow this blog is to know about my love for PLT. They’ve come a long way in terms of quality of their pieces. If you’re shopping for a dress for your next cocktail party, I invite to check out their site. They also offer the most plus size options on this list, which is a big plus! This square neck black mini dress is currently on sale for under $30.
Get the look HERE
You now have the tea when it comes to shopping for the perfect black cocktail dress. Every woman’ wardrobe needs at least one good LBD and I’ sure you would be able to find one that works for your body type from this list. Now let’s dive into the different shoes to pair with your favorite black cocktail dress.
1) Black shoes
This is probably the most popular choice of shoe color to pair with a black dress. It’s a very safe choice that keeps you look elegant. A pair of black high heels works with all lengths of dresses and are the best color shoes to opt for if the dress code is formal.
If you’re not able to wear heels, I suggest you opt for a pair of sleek ballet flats. A good choice would be a pair patent leather flats.
Get the look HERE
2) Gold shoes
The perfect shoes to pair with your black cocktail dress are a pair of strappy sandals. My personal favorite are gold strappy sandals. The gold adds the right amount of shine to your outfit without overwhelming it.
I believe golden shoes are a sort of neutral pair of shoes because they can honestly be paired with all colors of dresses. They are also a great option to go with when styling your holiday party outfit.
Get the look HERE
3) Clear heels
Clear heels are a shoe style you need to try with your black dress one of these days. They add a subtle sexiness to any outfit without competing with your black dress. You could choose between a pair of clear heel mules, clear strappy sandals or clear pumps to pair with your evening dress.
This works great for a date night look or dinner in the Maldives. You can get some more clear heels outfit inspiration on my blog post: Outfit ideas to wear with clear heels.
Get the look HERE
4) White shoes
No, you do not have to wait until Labor Day to rock a pair of white heels with your black dress. The contrast that a pair of white shoes would create against your black dress would make for quite the eye-catching outfit. This is a perfect match if you love your neutrals and wish to stand out in a subtle way.
Get the look HERE
5) Nude shoes
I understand that nude is subjective and dependent on skin tone. My shade of nude may be different from yours based on this fact. For some people, nude shoes may look like what others refer to as beige shoes.
You could pair your black dress with this neutral color if you want you legs to appear longer. This is also the perfect choice if you want your dress to be the certain of attention. Feel free to opt for a pair of pumps or strappy sandals.
Get the look HERE
6) Silver shoes
Add a little shine to your black cocktail dress by pairing it with a pair of metallic shoes. The most neutral of all metallics is silver and it’s a color that works great when dressing for a formal occasion. Metallic shoes are also a favorite during the holidays as they add to the festive spirit. Opt for a pair of silver strappy heels for your next evening event.
Get the look HERE
7) Red shoes
An easy way to add a pop of color to your cocktail attire is by opting for a pair of red shoes. There’s just something sexy about red heels and these would be the perfect shoes to choose if you’re dressing for date night. Complete your look with some gold jewelry and either a gold clutch or one featuring animal prints.
Image source here
8) Animal print shoes
Speaking of animal prints, animal print shoes are a great way to make your little black dress outfit stand out. They would make your look more fun, and you can easily incorporate another bold color, such as red, to your outfit to make it more interesting.
A pair of leopard print pumps would look great with a black pencil dress. For a more casual event, you can opt for a pair of leopard flat sandals.
Image source here
9) Hot pink shoes
If you’re ready to look like an ‘it’ girl in your black cocktail dress, then you should try pairing it with a pair of pink heels. These are the best option to go with if you’re headed to a less formal event. They would give your outfit a more casual look but also a more fashionable one. The shoe style is up to you, but I would go for a pair of pink mules or pink lace up heels.
Get the look HERE
10) Orange shoes
Another great choice of shoes to turn your little black dresses into streetwear-chic. A pair of orange heels is bound to make your evening wear stand out in a good way. Be sure to opt for accessories in either a neutral color or in a metallic color.
Get the look HERE
Shop similar lace up heels HERE
And there you have it – the best shoe colors to pair with the perfect little black dress. Remember that this list is just a guide and is non-exhaustive. You could pair your black dress with brown shoes or event rose fold shoes to create beautiful looks.
So tell me, which one of these was your favorite?
Be sure to check out my post: 10 best shoes colors to go with a yellow dress if you are looking for outfit inspiration for a yellow dress.
I also have a post: The top 7 shoes to wear with a gold sequin dress.
Check out my post: 6 ways to wear a little black dress in the winter for some more LBD inspiration.
If you are specifically looking for heels to wear with a black dress, check out my post: The best shoes to wear with a black dress.
For those of you planning on wearing a black lace dress, do check out my post: 12 of the Best Shoes to Wear with a Black Lace Dress.
If you need some assistance pairing outerwear with a cocktail dress, check out my post: 11 Items to Wear Over a Cocktail Dress All Year-Long.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen