Here in New York, we hit the 80ºF mark recently, and while I sweat my way through the jeans I mistakenly wore on my walk to the grocery store that day, it got me thinking about how I needed a serious reboot in my spring wardrobe stat. These dramatic high-temperature days and lows at night call for some easy dresses that can be layered effortlessly with cardigans, trench coats, and more. And I couldn't help but imagine all the cute ways to wear them with the season's trending shoes. So I took to Instagram for a little extra inspiration and came up with eight easy dress-and-shoe combinations that anyone can pull off. Seriously—these outfit ideas are that easy.
The dress shapes I found just happen to be extremely comfortable, too. You'll find plenty of slinky, column dresses and body-con knit shapes that can be paired with everything from ballet flats to strappy kitten heels and a few fit-and-flare styles that were made to be worn with cool flat sandals and sporty sneakers. Although these dress and shoe styles are all seeing a rise in fashion, they are pretty much classics that you won't ever regret purchasing. Go ahead—get inspired with some of my favorites below.
Ribbed Knit Dress + Strappy Kitten Heels
As you transition your wardrobe into the warmer months, a rib-knit dress in white feels weather appropriate yet still provides a bit of coverage when the temperatures dip at night. Pair with black strappy kitten heels for an effortlessly simple and stylish look that you can wear to the office, dinner with friends, and more.
Keep things body-con with a figure-hugging knit dress.
These are under $100 and feel very on-trend with the minimalist, '90s mood of the season.
Rest assured that this heavyweight rib knit is not see-through.
We love the delicate, braided knots on this pair for a modern feel.
Sleek Column Dress + Mary Janes
Go gallery chic with a long, black column dress that screams fashion-forward. When paired with black Mary Jane flats, it's a match made in heaven. Add equally cool accessories such as a single bangle bracelet and an optic-white handbag for a little contrast, and you're good to go.
The slightly off-the-shoulder neckline on this dress lets you show a little skin while still looking professional enough for a work event.
You can't go wrong with a simple black-leather version. The square-toe really stands out.
The seam detailing on this maxi dress makes it feel like a work of art.
The fully functional buckle closure makes finding the perfect fit for your foot shape all the easier.
Red Stretch Dress + Leopard Pumps
It's no secret that we are obsessed with red these days. Right now, we are lusting after this slightly darker cranberry shade in formfitting dress silhouettes. We love the idea of these frocks paired with a little leopard print for a nod to the '90s that somehow doesn't feel too retro.
This sleeveless midi is the perfect way to inject a little color into your spring wardrobe.
These will add a little oomph to this perfect date-night pairing.
Sleek and slinky. It's all we want to wear these days.
These could have been pulled straight from Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's closet.
Polka-Dot Slip + Retro Sneakers
If you are preparing for a Euro trip anytime soon (or any city destination for that matter), this pairing will keep you moving through 15K steps per day, long museum lines, and many espresso stops. Break up the dainty polk-dot pattern with retro-inspired sneakers, and don't forget the scrunched cotton socks!
The modern slip shape keeps a polka-dot print from feeling too dated.
We love the pop of blue on these retro-inspired kicks.
Whether worn on its own or layered with a cute cardigan, this will see plenty of wear straight through the summertime.
Originally an on-court favorite in the '70s, this low-top looks equally cool on the street today with dresses.
Smocked, Puff-Sleeve Dress + Pointed-Toe Mules
If you still are yearning to keep those cottagecore vibes going (let's face it, a breezy dress is always on-trend), try pairing your smocked dresses with point-toe mule heels for a fresh styling idea. It's equal parts romantic, polished, and fabulous.
This casual puff-sleeve dress will be your new wardrobe best friend on days when you can't figure out what to wear.
This mule has a walkable, 50mm heel for long days on your feet.
Be sure to check out the strappy open back on this stunning design.
The V-shaped vamp on these adds a nice twist to the classic shape.
Corset-Seamed Dress + Thick-Strap Sandals
Seamed dresses are a great way to incorporate a little more detail into an otherwise simple silhouette. We love how fresh it looks with a contrasting black sandal. Just make sure yours has a thick strap to add a little bit of an organic feel. A cute pendant necklace and tonal shades don't hurt, either.
This one's made for a linen-cotton blend, so you know it's going to be airy and light.
Real leather sandals for under $70? Snap these up now. They are going to go fast.
Forget the "no white before Labor Day" rule. Start wearing this one now.
These will roughen up the look of an all-white dress. We love them styled with an anklet.
Drape-Front Dress + Strapped, Buckle Shoes
There is nothing more straightforward than a draped dress. It will be your one-and-done wardrobe go-to that feels a little more special than a plain tank dress. For an unexpected accessory pairing, wear them with those Y2K-inspired buckled shoes you've been seeing everywhere. It's a completely new way of styling them that just works.
This dress feels much more luxe than its $60 price tag.
Buckled mules in patent leather will add a little texture to a simple dress.
The draped, wrap silhouette is perfect for a day at the office.
A closed-toe, kitten heel makes the outfit combo doable for the workplace.
Mixed-Media Midi Dress + Square-Toe Flats
The mixed-media dress is having a moment, and we are here for it. Essentially meaning made with two different fabrics, these often have a soft, modal tank on top and a stiffer material on bottom, such as linen or poplin. Style with square-toe flats now and lace-up sandals later.
The racerback on this dress adds a sporty element that we are very into.
The glove flat is trending, and with a square toe, this one is downright perfect.
This sand-colored option is a welcome alternative to white.
The perfect ballerina flat, toe-shoe inspired and all.
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