Another day, another style dilemma—what shoes go best with a velvet dress?
Velvet has a regal, almost cinematic quality, evoking images of dramatic Disney villains draped in rich, luxurious fabric. It’s a material rarely seen in everyday fashion, making it all the more special when someone dares to wear it. Those who do? They know style inside and out.
Timelessly elegant, velvet has long been a staple in high-end fashion, frequently gracing eveningwear and statement pieces. Though some incorporate it into home décor, its true magic shines in fashion, especially in striking, sophisticated dresses.
If you’ve got a velvet dress hanging in your closet, waiting for the perfect styling moment, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to channel your inner femme fatale or soften the look into something more ethereal, this guide will help you choose the perfect shoes to complete the vibe.
1. Leather boots
Starting off strong, we have an all-time favorite – leather boots! I seriously believe there’s no piece of wardrobe with which you cannot style a pair of these bad boys. They simply go with everything!
If you want to embrace your rugged side, leather boots are the way to go! Whether they are worn in the summer or winter, leather shoes are highly versatile and durable. They are also extremely comfortable, so they are perfect if you are planning on being on your feet for long periods of time.
As I have already said, these boots go well with pretty much everything. You can even wear them with your swimsuit and be the coolest and edgiest person at the pool party. So there’s no question whether these shoes can be paired with velvet dresses.
With a stunning emerald velvet dress, a chunky leather jacket, and leather boots, you’ll be turning some heads. Or, you can even go for an all-black combo. You know how the song goes, right? “Black velvet, if you please.”
2. Knee-high boots
When wondering what shoes to wear with a velvet dress, knee-high boots are your answer! These boots are usually a statement piece when paired with anything, basically. They can be made out of leather or suede and even be embellished with some rhinestones for added pizzazz.
If you wish to have an outfit this season that will really stand out, try pairing your knee-high boots with a short velvet dress. Depending on your preferences, how cold you are, and what color of dress and boots you’re going for, you can also wear either black or skin-toned pantyhose.
You can even pair them with a long velvet dress if you wish to be extra dramatic. Your choice, really. However, you won’t be making a mistake if you opt for them. These boots were made for velvet dresses, for sure!
3. Metallic, shiny, or embellished shoes
Now, this is a fashion combination we have all been waiting for! If you have a fancy and luxurious velvet dress, then you definitely have to pair her with gold, silver, shiny, or with rhinestone embellished shoes. This is a perfect party combination and no one can disagree.
You can go for any type of shiny and reflective shoes. It could be high heels, strappy sandals, ballet flats, or even boots. Go with anything that floats your boat and reflects your style.
Make sure to pair the shoes you opt for with matching accessories. If your shoes are golden, go for gold jewelry and a purse. Or if you are feeling brave, mix and match silver and golden accessories. Fashion is all about being bold and not fitting into any boxes, right?
4. Suede shoes
Let’s be honest: suede and velvet are meant to be together! These two fabrics are a match made in heaven. So, you can finally stop wondering what shoes to wear with a velvet dress, because suede shoes got your back!
Suede and velvet make a go-to winder fashion combination. You can be sure you will stay both warm and stylish and sophisticated during those cold months. Especially if you are wearing over-the-knee-high suede boots.
The good thing about the side shoes is that you can get them in any color. Usually, girls opt for light colors, like brown or cream, but a good pair of classic black suede shoes never goes out of style.
If you wish to show everyone your creative and artistic side, you can always wear suede shoes in more fun and funky colors, like green or red, or even yellow. The possibilities are truly endless!
If you decide to go with colorful suede shoes, make sure to respect color theory and follow the color wheel. Stylists suggest you pair complementary colors, aka. colors that stand opposite each other on the color wheel, if you wish to stand out, and look both put together and quirky.
So, if you have a purple velvet dress, go for yellowish suede shoes. Or if you have a green velvet dress, pick red suede shoes. Make sure to properly accessorize your combination and voilà! You are done!
But, if you are anything like me, and you like to play it safe, stick to neutral colors. Some might say it’s boring, but boring never seems to go out of style, right?
5. Velvet shoes
Did someone say “double dose of velvet” – because I am all here for it!
For some people, velvet on velvet might sound too plain and safe, but it is actually quite the contrary. Pairing velvet shoes with a velvet dress can be an exciting and interesting way to add more fun to your everyday outfit.
A good pair of velvet heels, boots, or flats can tie your whole outfit together and make it appear both daring and classy. With a nice haircut, trendy purse, jacket of choice, and a few pieces of jewelry here and there, you will be ready for the best Instagram picture of all time.
However, be careful when going velvet on velvet since it can cause some serious backfire. If not properly styled, velvet shoes and a dress can make you look as though you were blindfolded when you were picking your outfit for the day.
It is recommended to keep it plain and stick with one color. This way you know you won’t be making any fashion crimes.
6. Sleek high heels
For all our ladies who love to show off their legs, a classic pair of sleek high heels is always a way to go, even with an interesting fashion item such as a velvet dress. These shoes can be either dressed up or dressed down, which is also a characteristic of any velvet dress really.
High heels can be worn with pretty much anything and for any occasion, whether it be a Friday cocktail night with friends or an important job interview. They will complete and elevate almost any outfit and will make you look effortless and comfortable.
If you have an important event coming, like an office party or a wedding, pair your velvet dress with your trusty high heels. These shoes go great with both short and long velvet dresses, really. So you do not have to worry about whether it will look good or not.
You can go with your classic black high heels, or be more daring and opt for golden or silver heels. Whatever you choose, make sure you accessorize it with some nice jewelry, and you will be good to go.
7. Clear shoes
Clear shoes always remind me of those pinkish see-through heels every girl used to have as a child. They were in fact toys, usually decorated with feathers and rhinestones, and they probably were everyone’s first heels (apart from those stolen from your mother’s closet to wear around the hose when she’s not there).
However, clear shoes are the best footwear today which can make your legs appear longer. Although they look so uncomfortable and as though they are going to break at any second, these shoes are actually quite comfy and feel nice on your feet.
Anyway, these shoes can be seen around any corner. They gained popularity thanks to our favorite Kardashian, Kim. Nowadays, they are worn by pretty much everyone. And with everything.
So yes, you can wear your velvet dress with clear shoes, too. By wearing clear shoes with any velvet dress, you are both playing it safe and stepping out of your comfort zone. These shoes will go well with any color (since they are, you know, see-through) so you won’t have to worry about a color match.
These shoes come in a variety of styles, and you can find them in both standard high heels and a boots version. Pretty awesome, right?! They can give your outfit a more minimal look, while still looking cool.
If you are by any means hesitant, trust me, I understand. But it doesn’t hurt to try. Who knows, maybe you will actually like this combo!
8. Neutral shoes
Let’s be honest. Skin-like or beige shoes are always an answer! They are another great option that can be paired with literally any color, so you can leave your color wheel for something else.
Neutral stilettos, classic high heels, mules, boots… any nude footwear option you can think of goes great with pretty much anything. This color completes any outfit and makes it look more stylish and sophisticated.
No matter how good they look, neutral shoes will never stand out. This is a good feature when it comes to velvet since you want your dress to be the main character. With a luxuriously looking velvety dress, a nice pair of earrings, and a lovely bun, your pair of beige stilettos will be like a cherry on top!
9. White shoes
If you’re still wondering what shoes to wear with a velvet dress since none of the mentioned options match your style, you know you can always lean on your trusty white shoes.
For any fancy event where you want to wear your velvet dress, you can confidently wear your white heels. Imagine this: a beautiful, knee-length black velvet dress, paired with a lovely neutral purse, a few accessories, and white pumps or stilettos. Wow! Did you just walk on the red carpet, or..?
Maybe you are going on a casual coffee date with an old friend, and you want to wear your perfect spring velvet dress – white sneakers are the way to go! Classic white converse or any white sneakers can go with pretty much anything in your closet.
So you won’t be making any mistakes if you decide to pair them with your velvet dress.
White shoes are equally neutral as nude ones, so with these on your dress, will most likely stand out and be the center of everyone’s attention. Just make sure your white sneakers are cleaned. A luxurious fabric like velvet cannot be worn with dusty and muddy shoes.
10. Slingback Heels
The timeless design of slingback heels offers an effortless blend of comfort and sophistication. Imagine slipping into a pair of nude slingbacks; their subtle color allows the rich hues of your velvet dress to shine.
The open-back design adds a touch of modernity, making them ideal for both day and night events. Whether attending a wedding or a formal dinner, these heels adjust seamlessly. Picture walking confidently, each step echoing elegance.
They pair beautifully with long velvet gowns or shorter cocktail dresses, adapting to various styles. Slingbacks are not only versatile but also bring a touch of class to any outfit.
11. Ballet Flats
Unleash your inner ballerina with ballet flats. These shoes are the epitome of grace and comfort. Imagine the ease of slipping into a pair of rose gold flats that add a subtle sparkle to your look.
Perfect for outdoor garden parties or casual gatherings, they bring an air of understated elegance. Ballet flats effortlessly balance the opulence of velvet, offering a down-to-earth charm. Their slip-on design ensures quick transitions between events.
Pair them with a flowing velvet midi or a chic mini dress. These flats are the ultimate blend of style and practicality, creating a harmonious fashion statement.
12. Strappy Stiletto Sandals
Strappy stiletto sandals make a bold statement. Visualize pairing these with a velvet dress for a night out. Their sleek, metallic silver finish catches the light, adding an edge to your outfit.
The intertwining straps create an eye-catching design, perfect for drawing attention to your legs. These sandals are made for the confident fashionista, ready to dance the night away. Strappy stilettos elevate any look, turning a simple velvet dress into a fashion-forward ensemble.
Whether it’s a glamorous cocktail party or a sophisticated gala, these sandals offer both height and elegance, ensuring you stand out with every step.
13. Sneakers
Why not go for the unexpected with sneakers? Pairing them with a velvet dress exudes an effortless yet chic vibe. Picture rocking black sneakers with white accents; they bring a touch of street style to your ensemble.
Ideal for daytime outings or casual evenings, they offer unmatched comfort. Sneakers break the norms, blending elegance with everyday wear. Whether it’s a stroll through the city or a laid-back brunch, they ensure you stay stylishly comfortable.
With their versatile appeal, sneakers add a contemporary twist to classic velvet, offering a refreshing way to wear luxury with ease and flair.
14. Ankle Boots
Embrace the allure of ankle boots. These shoes are a staple in every wardrobe, offering both style and warmth. Envision stepping into black boots with a chunky heel; they ground the lush texture of velvet beautifully.
Great for cooler seasons, they blend practicality with fashion. Ankle boots match effortlessly with short velvet dresses or layered looks. Whether you’re attending an art exhibit or enjoying a night out, they offer versatility and edge.
With their robust design, boots provide stability while enhancing your outfit. Perfect for those who love a bold silhouette, ankle boots add charisma and charm to velvet.
15. Heeled Mules
Step into the world of heeled mules. These shoes bring a sophisticated flair to any velvet dress. Imagine wearing vibrant red suede mules; their bold color contrasts beautifully with deep blues or blacks.
Heeled mules are a fashion-forward choice, merging elegance with ease. Their open-back design ensures quick wearability, making them perfect for spontaneous outings. Pair them with a sleek velvet sheath or a playful skater dress.
Mules provide a delicate balance of comfort and style, ideal for both formal and casual settings. Their versatility makes them a favorite for fashion enthusiasts looking to make a statement.