What Color Shoes to Wear With a Royal Blue Dress?

Royal blue is a rich, bold, and versatile color that flatters most skin tones. It’s an excellent color for dresses, but pairing the right shoes can make or break the outfit. Shoes complete a look, so choosing the right color is critical to pulling off a royal blue dress in style.

When selecting shoes for a royal blue dress, you’ll want to consider the shade of blue, the style of the dress, the season and occasion, and your personal style and skin tone. While classic choices like nude or black shoes are safe options, don’t hesitate to get creative with metallic or brightly colored shoes.

Here’s an in-depth look at what color shoes to wear with a royal blue dress.

Neutral Shoes Colors

Nude Shoes

A nude or flesh-toned shoe is one of the most versatile and elegant options to pair with a royal blue dress. Nude shoes elongate the leg and create a streamlined silhouette. They blend seamlessly with bare legs for a leg-lengthening effect. Nude shoes also allow the blue dress to take center stage.

Aim for a nude shoe that matches your skin tone closely. Shades like a soft beige, warm brown, or rich tan will look most natural. Materials like leather or suede give an exceptionally polished finish. Nude heels, wedges, flats, or sandals are all suitable. Make sure the shade flatters you – too stark a contrast between shoe color and skin tone can look jarring. Pay attention to how the nude complements the blue – you want the pairing to be natural. If the nude looks too orange against the royal blue, it’s not the right choice.

Nude shoes pair beautifully with royal blue dresses in any season. They work for day or night and can be dressed up with sparkly embellishments for formal affairs. A nude heel elongates legs with dresses of any hemline. Pair nude flats or sandals with shorter hemlines for a more casual vibe.

Black Shoes

Another fail-safe choice is classic black shoes. Like nude, black “grounds” the look and acts as a neutral anchor, emphasizing a bright blue dress. It creates a look that is sharply pulled together and sophisticated. While nude has a softening effect, black is vampy and bold.

Any style of black shoe works with royal blue. Stiletto heels have a sexy, seductive vibe. Ballet flats are understated and girly. Pointed-toe pumps project confidence. Ankle-strap heels are a chic retro option. Knee-high black boots pair perfectly with shorter royal blue dresses. Black tights can also elongate the leg while allowing the blue color to pop.

One tip when wearing black shoes is to pay attention to the “weight” of the shoe and the dress. A strappy black sandal balances out a lightweight summer dress, while black ankle boots ground and anchor a heavier fabric like wool.

Black shoes work in any season but have a sharp, dramatic effect in warmer weather when bare legs show off the strong contrast of colors. They also pair nicely with black handbags or belts as finishing touches. Black is ideal for nighttime affairs like cocktail parties or formal events.

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Metallic Shoes

Metallic shoes are a shimmery alternative to basic neutrals. Options like silver, gold, rose gold, bronze, and pewter add a hint of glam to a royal blue dress. Metallic shoes shine without overpowering the blue hue.

A key advantage of metallics is their versatility. A metallic shoe can transition an outfit from day to night. Gold or silver sandals have a glitzy vibe for the evening while still feeling sharp and polished for the office during the daytime. Metallic heels, pumps, or oxfords lend an air of sophistication to any royal blue dress they accompany.

One tip with metallic shoes is to consider the undertones of the blue dress and choose a metal that complements it. Golds pair best with warm, jewel-toned blues, while silvers match lighter, more fabulous royal blue shades. Bronze or pewter can go with either. Try metallics in interesting textures like snakeskin, holographic, or satin for added flair.

Metallic shoes work year-round but have a particular impact during fall and winter when a hint of shine brightens up dark, gloomy weather. They also make blue dresses more party-ready for the holidays. Just be careful when mixing metals and match metals in accessories to the metallic shoes.

Bright & Bold Shoe Colors

Beyond classic neutrals, vibrant shoes with royal blue dresses can make for unexpected style statements. Contrasting colors in saturated brights, jewel tones, prints, and patterns make for conversation-starting shoe pairings. Here are some fun ways to experiment:

Red Shoes

Few colors pop as brilliantly against royal blue as red. Because the shades are primary colors on opposite sides of the color wheel, they radiate energy when combined.

Red shoes come in many sexy styles, perfect for amplifying blue dresses. Crimson or blue-based reds rather than orangey shades work best alongside the jewel-toned royal blue. Go for bold red heels or wedges in silk, patent leather, suede, or velvet. Metallic red shoes in gold, silver, or glittery finishes add even more glam.

For an extra punch, look for red shoes in striking silhouettes. An open-toed mule or strappy stiletto makes legs look miles long. Pointy pumps project confidence. Heart-shaped heels add a playful touch. Ankle-strap red shoes have a retro pin-up vibe.

Red shoes look sensational at summer cocktail parties, holiday fêtes, or any special occasion. They also upgrade more casual royal blue dresses for dates or other nighttime fun. Rocking a blue dress and red shoes announces a bold, vibrant personality.

Yellow Shoes

Cheerful yellow shoes offer a sunshine-filled pairing for royal blue dresses. Yellow energizes blue and creates a dynamic color combination perfect for livening up gloomy weather.

Daffodil, lemon, and other lemony yellows add freshness against rich royal blue. Avoid mustard tones, which can look dull or muddy next to the jewel-toned blue. Opt for glossy finishes like patent leather, satin, or vinyl that reflect light for maximum pop.

Delicate T-strap yellow heels or two-band slides have a retro aesthetic with vintage appeal. Curvy peep-toes or sleek pointed pumps project femme fatale flavor. Yellow sandals or ballet flats create a casual pairing with short blue sundresses—metallic yellow gold, silver, or glitter shoes amp up the sparkle factor.

Yellow shoes are eye-catching year-round but feel especially invigorating in the warmer months. They transition gracefully from day to night for endless outfit options. A little yellow goes a long way, so accessorize minimally and let the vibrant shoes be the star.

Green Shoes

Nature-inspired green shoes bring an unexpected twist to royal blue dresses. Because blue and green are analogous on the color wheel, they complement each other beautifully.

Emerald, forest, lime, and mint green shoes all hold their own paired with royal blue. Avoid olive or darker shades that can risk looking drab. Vivid grass green or aqua footwear has maximum vibrancy. Metallic, glossy, or velvet fabrics enhance the richness.

For formal events, emerald satin pumps or pointed-toe heels make a statement. Strappy green stilettos and wedges show off legs for a sexy cocktail ensemble. Lime flats or boat shoes give off preppy energy for casual daytime activities.

Green shoes for blue dresses work in any season but feel especially invigorating in spring and summer when the colors reflect the landscape—green accessories like handbags or jewelry polish off the look stylishly.

Pink Shoes

Pretty in-pink shoes soften the boldness of royal blue for a feminine pairing. Pink has a joyful vibe that energizes an outfit.

Opt for soft dusty pinks or rose shades rather than neon pink, which can overwhelm the blue. Nude pinks, petal pinks, and salmon colors have a flattering effect alongside royal blue. Glossy or shimmery textures elevate the look.

Ballet flats, kitten heels, or low wedges in pink lend ladylike charm. Metallic pink sandals or pumps sparkle for after-dark activities. Pastel pink shoes keep the pairing light for warm weather. Pair with pink lipstick for extra sweetness.

Pink shoes alongside royal blue dresses create cheerful bookend colors. They convey playful femininity at cocktail parties, weddings, date nights, and other festive occasions. In more casual settings, pink shoes pop little blue sundresses.

Animal Print Shoes

Make an even bolder statement by pairing royal blue dresses with shoes in attention-grabbing animal prints. From leopard to snakeskin, zebra, or tiger, wild prints on shoes amp up the drama.

Animal print shoes come in every silhouette, from stilettos or wedges to flats and booties. Since the patterns are inherently eye-catching, keep other accessories minimal. Streamlined jewelry and a sleek blue handbag balance the fierce shoes.

Leopard print in neutrals like cream, tan, or gray has an exotic flair with rich royal blue. Snakeskin, metallic zebra, or tiger stripes in black and white make powerful style statements for parties or nights out. Have fun with the unexpected contrast.

Seasonal Style Tips

The season and occasion should inform your choice of shoe color for a royal blue dress. Here are some seasonal style tips for selecting the perfect footwear:

Spring & Summer

Lighter, brighter shoe colors suit breezy royal blue dresses in warm weather. Pastels, vivid primaries, metallics, and prints all work beautifully. Options like:

• Mint or lemon flats
• Strappy silver or gold sandals
• Colorblocking with yellow, red, or emerald shoes
• Snakeskin, leopard, or gingham printed heels

Aim for open-toed, lightweight, and breathable shoes. Stick with short dresses or skirt hemlines to show off your legs. Crisp white complements rich blue and has a nautical sensibility. Accessorize with stacks of bangles, woven bags, and shield sunglasses.

Fall & Winter

In colder weather, pair heavier dark-hued shoes with substantial royal blue dresses. Styles like:

• Black riding boots or oxfords
• Burgundy or forest green pumps
• Metallic bronze or silver heels
• Suede ankle booties in tan, gray, mauve

Velvet, suede, or leather shoes transition well from day to night. With opaque tights, mules, booties, or tall boots, elongate the leg while keeping you warm. Accent with knit scarves, leather totes, and longline coats or capes.

Office Looks

Professional shoes in classic colors and silhouettes strike the right note for the workplace. Options like:

• Beige, brown, or black pumps, heels, or flats
• Low wedges or kitten heels for height
• Metallic silver or gold oxfords or loafers
• Pointed-toe nude heels for meetings

Avoid neon brights, vivid patterns, or ultra-sexy stilettos. Opt for closed-toe shoes and moderate heel heights. Leather or suede finish the look. Sheath dresses or knee-length skirts paired with blazers project authority.

Cocktail Parties & Special Events

Choose shoes with a personality that adds flair for evenings or special occasions. Styles like:

• Ankle-strap red, yellow, emerald, or pink heels
• Glittery gold or silver stilettos or platforms
• Wild leopard print or metallic snake print pumps
• Feather-trimmed, rhinestone, or bow-detail shoes

Short hemlines show off legs and sexy heels. Metallic minis or one-shouldered silhouettes shine. A bedazzled clutch and statement jewelry finish the ensemble. Dark colors suit formal affairs. Have fun with your shoes!

Casual Daytime Looks

Don’t relegate royal blue dresses just for dressy occasions – they can look chic casually with the right shoes. Options like:

• White slip-on or lace-up sneakers
• Flat sandals in tan, pink, yellow, or silver
• Espadrilles, boat shoes, or oxfords
• Loafers or ballet flats

Aim for comfy shoes in leather, canvas, woven, or knit fabrics. Pair with denim jackets, crossbody bags, and aviator sunglasses for relaxed polish. Sundresses or skater styles work well. Flats showcase a dress’ details.

Tips for Different Skin Tones

Determine which shoe colors complement your skin tone for the most flattering pairings with royal blue dresses:

Fair or Light Skin

Those with fair or porcelain skin often have cooler undertones. Pink, rose gold, and blush shoes flatter a fair complexion alongside blue. Pastels like lilac, mint, or seafoam also work well. Metallic shoes should lean toward silver rather than gold. Nude shoes look best in shades like blush pink. Yellows can sometimes wash out pale skin.

Medium or Olive Skin

People with medium or olive skin tones typically shine in warmer metallic shoes. Gold, bronze, and copper all radiate beautifully. Rich red and emerald green shoes also flatter medium skin. Nude shoes look most seamless in lighter beige or tan shades. Patterns and animal prints make bold statements. Stay away from pastels or washed-out shades.

Darker Skin

Those with rich, darker skin can pull off jewel tones like ruby red and sapphire blue exceptionally well. Metallic rose gold, bronze, and gold shoes complement a dark skin tone. Because of high contrast, nudes don’t tend to work well and can look chalky. Opt for black shoes as a neutral instead. Electric yellows, fuchsias, and cobalt blues make vibrant style statements.

5 Stylish Royal Blue Dress & Shoe Pairings

Here are five chic blue dress and shoe pairings that can inspire you to pull together a sensational royal blue outfit:

1. Royal Blue Wrap Dress & Nude Heels

A timeless wrap dress in royal blue looks elegant paired with nude pointed-toe pumps. The leg-lengthening neutral heels let the bold blue color take center stage. Add sparkling drop earrings and a metallic clutch for cocktails or a special event.

2. Royal Blue Skater Dress & Red Wedges

Have fun with color-blocking by pairing a royal blue skater dress with cherry red peep-toe wedges. The retro silhouette gets a modern upgrade in the primary color combination that pops. Add red lipstick to pull the whole outfit together.

3. Royal Blue Sheath Dress & Leopard Pumps

Make an entrance in a classic royal blue sheath dress and leopard print stiletto heels for instant va-va-voom appeal. Sleek hair and jewelry amplify the fierce glamour. This power pairing works for the office or evening affairs.

4. Royal Blue Sundress & Yellow Flats

Keep it casual but still eye-catching by wearing a strappy royal blue sundress with buttery yellow ballet flats. The vibrant flats add cheerful color for brunch dates, summer parties, and daytime activities when comfort is key.

5. Royal Blue Cocktail Dress & Silver Heels

Short and sweet silver strappy sandals dazzle paired with a metallic royal blue cocktail mini dress. Excellent blue and silver play off each other for scene-stealing style. Complete the disco look with bold, smoky eyes and a glittering clutch.

Common Questions

1. What color shoes should I avoid with a royal blue dress?

Avoid pairing royal blue with muddy shades like olive, brown, rust, or mustard yellow. These can clash rather than complement. Fluorescent neon shades also tend to look jarring. Beige or pale nudes can blend in too much. Use your best judgment – it’s not the right choice if a shoe color overwhelms the blue or fights for attention.

2. Should I match the color of my shoes to my accessories?

It’s not mandatory, but matching your shoes to your other accessories like bags and jewelry creates a pulled-together, purposeful impression. For example, silver shoes, a clutch, and diamond earrings make sense, or red shoes, red lipstick, and a red handbag project confidence. Don’t overthink it; aim for color harmony.

3. Are bright blue shoes too much with a royal blue dress?

Not necessarily! Having shoes a shade darker or lighter than your dress can make you look very sharp. Navy, cobalt, or electric blue shoes with a more lightweight royal blue dress (or vice versa) show style confidence. Just pay attention to the undertones so the blues complement rather than compete. If you want the dress to stand out, avoid footwear of the same color.

4. What length of dress works best with different shoe styles?

A midi or tea-length dress, suit pumps, or classic heels. Show off strappy heels or sexy stilettos by pairing them with shorter cocktail or mini dresses. Maxi dresses and skirts look great with flats and sandals. For booties, aim for knee-length or slightly longer hemlines. Play with proportions.

5. Should I buy shoes first and then find a matching dress?

Either approach can work! If you find a pair of shoes you adore, it’s sensible to seek out a dress in a compatible color. But if you’ve got your heart set on a royal blue dress, shop for shoes afterward to match hues and styles perfectly. Being open-minded about both garments leads to the most mix-and-match potential.

Conclusion

Royal blue dresses offer incredible versatility that can be dressed up or down seamlessly. With the proper styling, they work beautifully for any season or occasion. Knowing what color shoes to wear with a royal blue dress is crucial in pulling together a sensational outfit.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and choose a bold color or print when shopping for shoes. Neutrals like nude and black are safe options, but vivid yellow, red, green, metallic, or animal print shoes can make even more of a style statement. Consider your skin tone and the season or event when selecting a shoe color.

The most important tip is to have fun with your shoes! They present an excellent opportunity to show off your personality. So whether you go for classic pumps, strappy stilettos, or neon flats, walk confidently and style in your royal blue dress and fabulous footwear.