“What color shoes to wear with a taupe dress?” When we think of the color taupe dominating an outfit, we think of nude dresses, camel coats, and brown shoes combined with soft makeup. We think of Hailey Bieber wearing Saint Laurent’s spring 2023 collection.
We would go as far as to argue that there’s nothing more attractive than a woman wearing boring neutrals and standing out, nonetheless.
While some might think there’s nothing challenging about combining different shades of brown, there are too many things that could go wrong and destroy the illusion.
Warm neutrals, on one hand, have yellow, orange, or pink undertones, such as fawn, tan, and gold. Cool neutrals, on the other hand, have blue, purple, or green undertones, such as gray, taupe, and cream.
While you could combine these shades and create an outfit that works, you’re better off sticking with undertones that complement each other.
When you’re wondering what color shoes to wear with a taupe dress, observe what taupe actually looks like. Build on the outfit by adding accessories, shoes, and a handbag that complement the color of your skin, your eye color, and even your hair color.
Hailey Bieber, for example, rocked the fashion world by literally matching the color of her dress with the color of her hair. She managed to create a sense of satisfaction because she went for a monochromatic that didn’t wash her out. (Because her stylist knows her colors!)
Worry not, though. We’re bringing you an extensive rundown on what color shoes to wear with a taupe dress. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to an autumn wedding or you’re hoping to elevate your street style, we’ve got your back with these suggestions.
What’s the deal with taupe?
Taupe’s a pretty confusing color and you shouldn’t be hard on yourself for not knowing what color shoes to wear with taupe dresses. Taupe can be described as a shade between dark brown and gray, but there’s one thing that makes taupe different from other colors.
We’re not trying to be fastidious, but taupe’s not one color. Taupe describes a range of shades going from dark brown to light brownish gray. Not only that, but taupe describes a neutral hue consisting of complementary colors.
Neutral colors are created by combining complementary colors on the color wheel (colors that are opposite each other) and getting muted and desaturated brownish colors.
And, when you turn to Pantone to check the exact shade we’re talking about, you’re going to find a bunch of deep, light, and warm taupe shades.
Even the name taupe comes from a French word that stands for mole or moleskin. Moleskin, of course, refers to the brown, durable cotton fabric or to a mole’s fur that can be used as fabric, too.
Whatever the case might be, moleskin describes the shade that was the starting point of what we nowadays know as the taupe color.
Therefore, when you’re trying to create the ultimate “nude” or “barely there” outfit, you should match your taupe dress with Pantone shades of taupe and go on from there.
But, even when you’re trying to combine your taupe dress with other colors, we have a couple of suggestions that might give you a head start.
What color shoes to wear with a taupe dress?
1. Nude shoes
Who doesn’t love a good nude moment? Whether you’re trying to figure out what color shoes to wear with taupe dresses for a wedding or work, you can’t go wrong with nude stiletto pumps or strappy sandals that match the color of your skin to a tee.
When you combine a taupe dress with other shades of taupe scattered around your body (with accessories, shoes, and a handbag), you’re bound to look like a million dollars.
Who knew you could look expensive for cheap when you know how to work with colors that give off that luxury vibe?
White outfits work the same way, but nudes seem to offer even more when we’re talking about looking like came straight from the runway.
And, you can find nude shoes pretty much everywhere which means you don’t have to worry about your budget. Zara literally carries a dupe for Jimmy Choo’s embellished mules for a fraction of the price.
2. Gold shoes
Now, we know what you’re thinking. “Do gold shoes go with every shade of taupe or do they only go with shades that are warmer?”
Gold shoes go with everything when you’re trying to add a little bit of sparkle to an otherwise boring outfit. Don’t be scared to experiment with different styles and shades of gold, either.
When you’re attending a wedding, for example, combine a simple, silky taupe dress with strappy, high-heeled gold sandals for a timeless ensemble.
Add gold accents with statement earrings and a handbag that matches the shoes (controversial, but works for weddings). However, when you’re getting ready for work, go for something more subtle.
For appropriate workwear, combine a fitted taupe dress with a blazer that’s a shade darker. That’s going to create a monochromatic appearance without being boring.
Add gold accents with accessories and shoes, but make sure the shoes don’t take away from the rest of the look. Opt for mules or pumps with gold details (rather than being completely gold).
3. Silver shoes
Silver stilettos and sandals seem to be wedding season staples because they complement those soft blue, blush pink, and nude dresses more than any other shoe.
Whether you’re a wedding guest or googling your Friday night away, we do have some silver shoe suggestions. Taupe dresses are very, very neutral which means they’re a great starting point for an outfit.
Combine them with dainty, silver sandals for a dash of elegance or with silver-studded chunky ankle boots for an edge. Throw some silver accessories on and you’re ready to take on the fashion world.
Contrary to popular belief, you can wear silver shoes to work. On the off chance that you do have a career that doesn’t allow you to choose your footwear, go for silver details rather than a statement silver shoe. Other than that, choose a silver shoe you can get the most wear out off.
4. Brown shoes
Make Hailey Bieber the reason why you attempt to wear more brown, why you try out the “brownie glazed lips” trend, or why you opt for a brown manicure.
Sure, we sound like the biggest Hailey Bieber stans right now and we’re probably freaking you out about the whole “make everything brown” thing.
But, looking up what shoes to wear with a taupe dress seems like the perfect moment to do that. And, you can start with taupe shoes to match everything you’re wearing and prevent you from making a fashion mistake – combining the wrong undertones.
When you’re comfortable enough with a monochromatic moment, reward yourself with Manolo Blahnik brown leather mules for not more than $785 or a similar style from Asos for around $45.
Whichever price range you decide to go for, don’t forget that these brown and taupe hues make you look like a million dollars.
5. Metallic nude shoes
Kim Kardashian might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she sure knows how to make a ’70s throwback stylish and desirable.
As a matter of fact, she managed to tickle our fancy with her metallic swimsuit collection, retro makeup, and mega-voluminous hair.
Perhaps the fashion world didn’t want the metallic trend to come back considering we haven’t seen that many metallics on the runway since she came out with her line.
But, we couldn’t help but notice a bunch of metallic shoes on low-end, high-end, and designer racks.
We’re suggesting you think like a Kardashian and wear your taupes with metallics. Whether you go for a metallic nude that would complement your dress or a metallic pop of color that would take your outfit to the next level, you’re guaranteed to have all eyes on you.
6. Clear shoes
Naked fashion has been around for decades. Celebrities, trendsetters, and regular folk have been wearing the “barely there” sheer dresses, blouses, and outfits that leave little to the imagination.
Clear shoes seem to be an addition to the same trend that’s more “appropriate” and “accessible” to people who don’t want to bear everything to the world.
While you might not want to go to work looking like Meghan Fox or Kourtney Kardashian (and get in trouble with HR), there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to wear clear shoes.
We suggest you combine them with pretty much everything you wear, but they would work wonders with a taupe dress because they would elongate your legs (and your entire body).
Even Amal Clooney, the embodiment of class, wears her Gianvito Rossi clear pumps from time to time.
7. Black shoes
Back to basics, there are very, very few times when you can go wrong with black shoes. When you get to your 20s and your 30s, you should consider purchasing good quality black stiletto pumps and black strappy sandals.
We can attest that these two types of shoes can save you from a fashion disaster every time you don’t know what to wear. Now, wearing darker shoes with a lighter outfit can be treacherous when you don’t know what you’re doing.
Deepening on the style of the dress, black pumps can look a little bottom-heavy and take away from the delicate shade of the dress. Go for black strappy sandals to balance out the taupe on the top. Try adding a couple of other black accessories to complete the look.
8. White shoes
Never again do you have to wonder what color shoes to wear with a taupe dress. Wearing white shoes to a wedding that’s not yours might be a resounding “No!” to most, but people have been more open to white wedding guest outfits as of late.
When you’re wondering which color shoes to wear with a taupe dress to a wedding, you can always ask the bride (or the groom).
But, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing white shoes with a taupe dress to work, to brunch with your girlfriends, or even to a date night with your significant other.
Make sure you choose white shoes with a dress that’s a lighter shade of taupe or embellished with white details to pull the whole look together.
And, something to keep an eye on, Jimmy Choo’s pointed-toe pumps happen to be on sale at Nordstrom as we speak.
