A royal blue dress is a stunning choice for any occasion, from a formal gala to a casual daytime event. However, selecting the right shoes can make or break the look. The key is finding a balance that complements the dress's rich color and the overall style you're aiming for. This comprehensive guide explores various shoe color options and styling tips to help you create a head-turning ensemble.
What Color Shoes Go With a Royal Blue Dress?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think! The best shoe color for a royal blue dress depends heavily on the shade of blue, the style of the dress (e.g., A-line, bodycon, maxi), the occasion, and your personal style. However, some colors consistently work well:
Classic and Elegant Choices:
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Nude/Neutral Tones: Nude, beige, or a light taupe create a sophisticated and elongating effect. These are versatile choices that work well for almost any occasion and style of royal blue dress. They allow the dress to take center stage without competing for attention.
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Silver: Silver shoes add a touch of glamour and elegance, particularly suitable for evening events or formal occasions. They offer a cool contrast to the warm tones in royal blue.
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Black: A classic and always chic option, black shoes provide a sleek and polished look. They work best with bolder styles of royal blue dresses and for more formal settings. However, avoid this choice if your dress is a lighter shade of blue, as it can be too harsh a contrast.
Bold and Unexpected Options:
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Gold: Gold shoes add a touch of luxury and opulence. Similar to silver, they are best suited for formal events and create a striking contrast.
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Metallic Shades (Bronze, Copper): These add a unique and stylish twist, particularly well-suited for more modern or contemporary styles of royal blue dresses.
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Matching Royal Blue: A monochromatic look can be incredibly chic and sophisticated. Matching shoes can create a cohesive and elegant ensemble, but be sure the shades are nearly identical to avoid looking too matchy-matchy.
What Shoes Should I Wear With a Royal Blue Dress for Different Occasions?
The occasion dictates the appropriate footwear.
Formal Events (Weddings, Galas):
Heels are generally preferred for formal events. Consider elegant heels in nude, silver, gold, or black. Strappy sandals or closed-toe pumps are all excellent options.
Semi-Formal Events (Cocktails, Dinner Parties):
Here, you have more flexibility. Wedges, heeled sandals, or elegant flats in nude, metallics, or black are all stylish choices.
Casual Events (Brunches, Daytime Outings):
For casual events, comfortable yet stylish flats or low wedges in nude, metallics, or even a lighter shade of blue (to coordinate without being matchy-matchy) are perfect.
What Kind of Heels Go With a Royal Blue Dress?
The type of heel depends on the overall style and formality of your outfit. Stilettos, pumps, block heels, and wedges all work well with a royal blue dress. Choose a heel height that is comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
What Shoes Should I Avoid With a Royal Blue Dress?
Avoid shoes that clash drastically with the royal blue. Brightly colored shoes (unless intentionally coordinating with other aspects of the outfit), heavy or clunky boots, and overly casual sneakers should generally be avoided unless the overall outfit's style warrants them.
Can I Wear White Shoes With a Royal Blue Dress?
While not a classic pairing, white shoes can work with a royal blue dress, especially if the dress is a darker, richer shade of royal blue and the white shoes are a crisp, clean white – possibly with some interesting detail. This creates a bold, modern, and unexpected contrast. However, this look is best suited to more fashion-forward individuals and casual settings.
By considering these factors and exploring the diverse options available, you can confidently choose the perfect shoes to complement your stunning royal blue dress and create a truly unforgettable look. Remember, the most important factor is choosing shoes that you feel confident and comfortable in!