A close-up of a person's foot in the AQUAZZURA Alex Riviere 105 black leather lace-up sandals, ideal for complementing a maxi dress. Multiple thin straps gracefully wrap around the ankle, set against a plain white background.

@AQUAZZURA/INSTAGRAM

The Dress Edit

Can You Wear Heels With A Maxi Dress? Yes, And Here’s How

If you love lengthy silhouettes but always find yourself asking, can you wear heels with a maxi dress? I’m so glad you’re here. After asking myself that very same question for years on end, I’ve done the research for us all. Turns out the answer is a resounding – yes! Designer maxi dresses and heels are made for each other and I have some top styling tips for you to prove it. Below is a specially curated edit of designer heels from some of the world’s leading online fashion stores and designers. To go with them, I’ve picked out a few of this season’s most sought-after maxi dresses (and evening bags) to complete every outfit. Keep scrolling, learn my need-to-know tips, and add your favorite pieces to your cart before they sell out!

A person seated on a concrete bench in a light blue maxi dress effortlessly showcases how to style heels with such an ensemble. Their MANOLO BLAHNIK Lamisan blue, embellished slingback sandals add a touch of elegance as their left ankle crosses over their right leg.

MANOLO BLAHNIK Lamisan Slingback Sandals

A person wearing CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tangueva Alta silver snake effect sandals with thin straps stands on a concrete floor, demonstrating how elegantly you can pair heels with a sheer black maxi dress.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tangueva Alta 100 Metallic Snake-effect Leather Sandals

Can You Wear Heels With A Maxi Dress? Yes, Specifically These Sandals...

Coordinate Your Colors – If you’re not confident in matching the right shoes with your maxi dress, opt for coordinating hues for a sleek block-color look. This trick works every time and makes every after-dark ensemble appear instantly chicer and more expensive. For example, try pairing Manolo Blahnik’s Lamisan slingback sandals with the gathered tulle dress by Victoria Beckham. Then, add the Bonny gathered crystal-embellished clutch by Jimmy Choo to complete your monochromatic look for maximum style points.

Slip Into Sheer Dresses And Coordinating Heels – To show off your shoes in the chicest yet most subtle way, pair metallic sandals and dresses with sheer skirts. Firstly, the heels will shine through the mesh fabric. Secondly, they’ll sparkle with each step adding an elevated edge to any party outfit. The Tangueva Alta 100 metallic snake-effect sandals by Christian Louboutin and the Jeanette strapless lace dress by Retrofete work perfectly. Especially when teamed with a designer black bag like the Rose Marie laser-cut leather bucket bag by Alaïa.

Style Sky-High Stilettos With Floor-Length Silhouettes – Ankle-length silhouettes are great, but floor-length designs allow for a subtle peek at your footwear as you walk. Make the most of it and opt for a statement pair of heels that’ll draw the eye with each step.

 

Shop more Heels To Wear With A Maxi Dress selected and reviewed by our expert fashion buyers and stylists

  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Condora Spikes Red Sole Ankle-Strap Pumps

    $1,645
  • GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Raquel Pointed Crystal Satin Pumps

    $1,250
  • FERRAGAMO Lysandra Metallic Patent-Leather Pumps

    $1,190
  • DOLCE&GABBANA Crystal-Embellished Satin Pumps

    $1,495
  • AQUAZZURA Alex Riviere 85 Suede Mules

    $895
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tatooshka 100 Spiked Leather Pumps

    $1,195
  • JIMMY CHOO Skye 70mm Satin Mules

    $775
  • AQUAZZURA Alex Riviere 105 Cutout Leather Sandals

    $1,095
  • SAINT LAURENT Arancha Sandal

    $1,090
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Posticha 80MM Metallic Leather Slingbacks

    $1,045
  • AQUAZZURA Moves 65MM Snake-Embossed Metallic Leather Slingback Pumps

    $895
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Gable 70MM Suede Buckle Mules

    $845
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Rosalie 100 Leather Slingback Sandals

    $895
  • KATE SPADE NEW YORK Marseille Bow Satin Slingback Pumps

    $198
  • ALEXANDRE BIRMAN Clarita Bow Leather Sandals

    $595
  • SCHUTZ Altina Metallic Embossed Leather Sandals

    $128
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Nicol is Back Sandal Heels

    $795
  • PRADA Mordore Nappa Heeled Sandals

    $1,220
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN x Idris Elba Hibaq Leather Sandals

    $995
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Just Nothing Patent Leather Mules

    $695
  • AQUAZZURA Slow Kisses Crystal-Embellished Sandals

    $1,150
  • SAINT LAURENT Norma 90 Pumps

    $945
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Marijana Pumps

    $975
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Lamisan Slingback Sandals

    $1,095
  • TOM FORD Ida Sandals

    $1,350
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK Navy Lumada 50 Crystal-embellished Satin Mules

    $1,095
  • CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Tangueva Alta 100 Metallic Snake-effect Leather Sandals

    $995

Can You Wear Heels With A Maxi Dress? Yes, And The Strappy Heels Are Ideal...

Can you wear heels with a maxi dress for daylight soirees? Yes, and I have all the pairs you need…

Choose Embellished Heels & Chic Ankle-Length Dresses –You can never go wrong with a pretty pair of embellished Mary Janes. Luckily, the Marijana pumps by Manolo Blahnik look incredible with Dôen’s Katarina dress in a similar hue. Throw your essentials in the GG Milano quilted leather shoulder bag by Gucci for day-to-night events. It’s the quintessential outfit for when you want to look your most stylish and put-together self.

Pair Strappy Pumps & Dresses With A Split – Finally, we all need the perfect pair of designer pumps in our closet. Almost as much as we need the perfect maxi dress. Luckily, the Lysandra metallic leather pumps by Ferragamo exist and look incredible with the Harmony Tango ruffled linen maxi by Zimmerman x Net Sustain. Lastly, add the Mariene sequin-embellished shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana for guaranteed best-dressed guest status at your next cocktail party.

Shop All Heels To Wear With A Maxi Dress

A woman gracefully poses in a white satin maxi dress, elegantly paired with MANOLO BLAHNIK Marijana cream Mary Jane pumps featuring a decorative buckle strap. The neutral background and light-colored tile floor effortlessly complement her chic ensemble, answering the question: Can you wear heels with a maxi dress? Absolutely.

MANOLO BLAHNIK Marijana Pumps

A person wearing FERRAGAMO Lysandra gold metallic pumps stands on a concrete-looking floor. The shoes, featuring ankle straps and a shiny finish, subtly ask the question: can you wear heels with a maxi dress? Part of the person's legs and a cream-colored skirt are visible.

FERRAGAMO Lysandra Metallic Patent-Leather Pumps

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