How to Select Shoes to Wear with an Outfit

Co-authored by Ashley Kahn

Last Updated: November 29, 2024 Approved

Some women get a bad rap for having an obsession with shoes. With all of the endless styles and colors of footwear, to choose from, who can blame a woman for having her closet stacked from top to bottom with shoes? This guide will teach you how to select shoes to wear with an outfit no matter what the color of the outfit, the occasion or season it is. Get started at step one below.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:

Consider the Color

Download Article

1
Choose shoe colors that match your clothes instead of colors that compete with your clothes.
- Wear simple black heels or flats when wearing a dress with a bright, bold pattern. If you were to wear a more complex shoe, it would be too overwhelming in the opinion of some. Obviously, you can wear whatever shoes you like provided there is no dress code to obey or health and safety issues to consider.
- Consider neutral or 'nude' heels or flats if you have on a sparkly evening top.
2
Add zest to a plain outfit by wearing brighter shoes.
- Add a pop of color by pairing a red heel with a black or brown dress.
- Try a dressy shoe with a funky pattern, like alligator skin, if you have on a simple blouse and neutral trousers or jeans.
Advertisement
For instance, if you have on a blouse with a geometric pattern including the colors purple and pink, consider a deep purple shoe.
Do not wear one solid color from head to toe. If you have on a blue blouse and a blue skirt, avoid wearing blue shoes, unless you want to. Remember the fashion police can't actually charge you with anything!
If you have a light pink blouse on, try wearing a rose-colored flat or heel instead of a shoe in the same shade of pink.
6
Select standard colors for professional settings.
- Wear brown or black leather shoes at a conservative office. Grey and navy a red good choices for the office too.
- Incorporate color only if you have a less strict office with a corporate casual dress code.

Method 2

Method 2 of 8:

Choose the Right Shoes for the Season

Download Article

You can choose both winter shoes and summer shoes as your wardrobe evolves through the spring.
Summer is the time to enjoy your sandals and espadrilles. Just be sure to enjoy them without socks.
You can still be somewhat flexible as your wardrobe transitions to winter, but avoid the sandals and espadrilles. They don't match with the heavier fabrics and colors of autumn.
Choose loafers, flats and boots. Make sure that your heels are wider to avoid slippage.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:

Selecting Heels

Download Article

^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Ashley Kahn
Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.} The stiletto creates the illusion of further length, making your legs look even more slender and attractive.
Kitten heels look appropriate for the office while still looking feminine enough for a night out.
Straps also have a tendency to cut off the leg, making it look short.
Ultra high heels make the calf muscle flex more, which leaves your leg looking less slender.
Avoid tapered or pointy heels that may end up making your feet look even larger.
A low to moderately high heel is fine, but keep things conservative. A closed-toe, low-heeled pump works best.
Go with closed-toe or open-toe pumps for banquets and other formal events. Opt for closed-toe, open-toe, or strappy heels for semi-formal occasions like cocktail parties.
Throw on a pair of stilettos with your jeans and fitted t-shirt to give the outfit an automatic style boost.

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:

Selecting Sandals

Download Article

Wear low-heeled sandals with virtually any skirt length or pant length.
Higher heeled sandals make your legs look especially long, thanks to both the heel height and the extra skin showing on the top of your foot.
Limit them to the beach or, if necessary, for running errands.
Shorts, capri pants, and some dress-down sundresses work with walking sandals, but avoid wearing them with dressier clothes.
For instance, try matching a pair of kitten-heel sandals with a casual denim skirt and fitted blouse to make the outfit a little dressier.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:

Selecting Flats

Download Article

1
Wear flats with knee-length or above-the-knee skirts, capri pants or Bermuda shorts.
- Avoid flats with long skirts. In many cases, though not all, flats worn with maxi-skirts can make a woman look dowdy.
- If you do wear ballet flats with mid- to maxi-skirts, consider a less-than-flat ballet flat with a slightly elevated heel.
Select a pair of less decorative flats for casual occasions.
Otherwise, you risk making your legs look disproportionate.
You may choose a formal style, such as a simple flat made of black or brown leather.
For example, try matching a decorative pair of flats with a nice sundress for a garden party or other outdoor dress-up occasion.

Method 6

Method 6 of 8:

Selecting Boots

Download Article

Boots evoke images of colder weather and prevent airflow from reaching your foot, making them warmer.
The heel of this boot makes it sexy and helps it to elongate your leg, while the boot style makes it appropriate for heavy fabrics.
While they do not elongate your leg quite as well skinny-heeled boots, they do dress up an outfit.
Knee-high boots work well because many women's legs are narrowest directly below the knee. Knee-high fashion boots also make an excellent choice for skirts and dresses.
Switch to your fashionable boots when you're comfortably inside.

Method 7

Method 7 of 8:

Selecting Oxfords and Loafers

Download Article

As a conservative style, loafers are appropriate for nearly any professional setting. They can go brilliantly with trousers as well as with dresses and skirts.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:

Selecting Sneakers and Athletic Shoes

Download Article

If you are a runner, for instance, wear running shoes with supportive insoles.
If you have workout clothes on, wear workout shoes.
Avoid running shoes or other obviously athletic shoes for everyday wear.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What color should I wear with a white blouse and grey pants?

Community Answer

If you want to give it a funky look, opt for a vibrant color like red or magenta. If you want to give it a formal look, go for brown or purple or maroon. Heels always give a dressy look to an outfit, but heels should also suit your personality, enhance the overall look, and make you feel comfortable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 15
Question

I have very colorful shoes - what do I match to them?

Community Answer

Colorful shoes will usually go well with neutral colors like black, white, and gray. If you're wearing a more colorful outfit, you can also match shoes to one of the colors in the outfit, or to your accessories (necklace, purse, etc.).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

Can I wear sneakers with a fitted short gown?

Community Answer

It depends on the occasion. If it's relatively casual, sure. If it's formal, no.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Measure your shoe size and shop for shoes late in the day. Your feet swell as the day goes on, so you'll want to choose shoes that will fit at any time of day.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Seasonal approach: If you're wearing jeans, wear higher boots; if not, wear lower boots for winter, fall and spring. Wear sandals/flip-flops in the summer and spring.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Be always comfortable with what you wear. Be adventurous and take the risks you want to take, but don't go farther than what you feel is sensible for the situation.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Extremely high-heeled shoes and flip-flops have both been known to cause foot damage when worn excessively. Limit these shoes to their proper settings—formal and evening for high heels, and short-term casual for flip-flops—to avoid causing permanent damage to your foot.

Thanks
Helpful 62 Not Helpful 12