Even if you don't count yourself as a "dress person" from September-May, there's something about a summer dress that can't help but tantalise. No doubt because it seems to promise not just good but glorious weather, but also, perhaps, because it signals a break, however fleeting, from the usual grind.
Instead of everyday neutrals, you can slip into a printed summer dress that features polka dots and florals, a double whammy that can only mean one thing—it's holiday time (although you could equally wear it into the office with neat ballet pumps). And if, of course, a pared-back colour palette is your comfort zone, you can opt for interest elsewhere with, say, a slinky knit dress that finishes in fringe.
Whatever you choose—from a lace-trimmed slip that's whisper-fine for sultry temperatures or an easy-breezy jersey T-shirt—the fastest way to make it work almost 24/7 is by pairing it with sandals; a flat during the day and a heel, however modest, at night.
Keep scrolling to see the 10 summer dress and sandal pairings that get our vote as temperatures start rising.
Shop The Best Summer Dress And Sandal Pairings
COS
Fringed-Hem Knitted Column Dress
This fringed dress is already on every cool woman's radar, including Marie Claire's Lily Russo-Bah.
Nobodys Child
Black Leather Flip Flops
An elevated leather flip-flop is a no-brainer if you're looking for a flat sandal that will go with every summer dress in your wardrobe.
Aeyde
Suzanne Mesh Wedge Sandals
A wedge sandal might sound retro but not when it's rendered in mesh like Aeyde's.
Rixo
Ordinia Silk Gown in Rose Dot Mix Black
Pink roses and polka dots? Only Rixo could make it work.
Tkees
Colette Gold Toe-Post Sandals
Tkees' leather toe-post sandal is elevated with choice silver hardware.
Mango
Satin Strap Heeled Sandal
Strappy and delicate, Mango's buckled sandal works for day, night and every occasion in between.
ME+EM
Sheer Full-Length Dress
This halterneck dress can be dressed up or down, to the beach or in the evening, making it a two-in-one option if you're travelling without checked baggage.
Few brands do summer sandals as well as Aquazurra and these 'fragolina' sandals marry style and fun with function; they're the ultimate investment sandal to add to your collection.
A great pair of gold sandals are always one of the hardest working pairs of shoes in my wardrobe. This Sèzane pair will go with pretty much anything.
ARKET
Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress
Negligee-style slip dresses are going nowhere fast this summer.
Chloé
Suzie Ruched Leather Slides
A ruched leather slide will give your foot slightly more coverage this summer.
Massimo Dutti
Soft Leather Wedge Heel Sandals
This wrap-around sandal, complete with a wedge heel, is more comfortable than it looks (promise!).
ALÉMAIS
Lana Fringed Floral-Print Linen Midi Dress
No summer wardrobe is complete without an Alemais dress. Thats all.
M&S
Leather Beaded Gladiator Sandals
M&S have some brilliant gladiator sandals right now, including this pair. They're the perfect ankle height and have slim straps which are more flattering on the foot.
Natalie Hammond is a writer, editor and author who’s contributed to publications including Marie Claire, Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Who What Wear, The London Standard, CNN and The Times. She was most recently senior fashion news editor at Grazia, and previously worked on the fashion desk of The Times. Her first book was published in August 2024, Bowie: His Style Principles, which is part of an ongoing series about world-famous wardrobes. She writes the Substack How Much?, a newsletter examining the culture of shopping.