How to style dresses and heels

Ok, we know this sounds a bit simplistic. How to style dresses and heels… just put them on your body? Job done, right? Well, kind of. But after 18 months without a workplace to go to or wedding to attend, we’re slightly out of practice when it comes to heels higher than a chunky flatform. Plus, dresses are having a real moment right now and there are so many options – midi, maxi, midaxi… can we all remember what style of heel goes best with each one? Think we might need a refresher course!

Luckily we’re here with some of our fave late summer dresses and the perfect heels to go with them. As life slowly returns to something resembling normal, your wardrobe can get its groove back, too!

Short dress + low heels

We’ve always stuck to this fashion rule – the higher the hemline, the lower the heel! If you don’t want to feel too dressed up and want to keep a shorter dress more casual, going for a lower heel will give your outfit a laidback vibe. Short dress + low heels is a very chic pairing – perfect for summer evenings spent outside.

Let this beautifully bright floral mini dress really shine with a pair of simple, nude heels. This classic black smock dress will look fabulous with some statement gingham slingbacks, while this bold leaf print dress works well with these low metallic sandals.

Midi dress + high heels

Midi dresses can be slightly awkward if the hem hits mid-calf, so elongating your legs is key for a sleek look. Higher heels are perfect for adding height and shaping the legs without cutting you off at the ankle – look for slim, low-slung straps that don’t cut you off at the ankle, and avoid anything too chunky or heavy.

Lean into the romanticism of this simple white dress by pairing it with chic gold sandals – the open front will lengthen the line of your leg from the hem of the dress right down to your toes.

This rich blue midi dress is perfect for a summer wedding – the fun print teams well with colour block chunky heels, again with an open front to keep that elusion of length!

Finally, we love this English Country Garden floral midi dress... go wild with clashing textures and pair with these mock croc high heeled sandals. The colour match will pull the look together!

Maxi dress + wedge heels

Maxi dresses give that free, floaty, boho vibe – perfect for pairing with more casual wedge heels. Not only will wedges give you height (great if you’re petite and wearing a maxi – that floor drag is no joke!) but they’re super comfy too, and there’s no chance of sinking into the grass at your summer garden parties.

This warm-toned maxi dress was made to wear with these tan brown and rope wedge heels – a match made in absolute heaven, we love the combo of natural tones and mixed textures.

For something a bit more floral, this ditsy print maxi will look great with these colour pop wedges that pick out the orangey-red tones in the dress to make a matchy matchy statement.

And if you want to go full summer siren, this stunning pillarbox red maxi dress will shine with some metallic wedges. Love!

So whether you’re planning a garden party, heading to a glitzy wedding or just getting back to your social life this summer, find more perfect dresses and heels pairings.

Need more inspiration? Read our top occasionwear styling tips here.