Sequins top the list for glamorous birthday, holiday parties & 2024 New Year's outfit choices!
Yet picking the best shoes to wear with sequin dresses or figuring out what to wear with sequin skirts or sparkly pants is an essential part of the outfit process.
Footwear almost always is! As a former shoe designer and stylist, I've hand-picked the top high-heel style choices for your sparkly attire. Since this is the time to go glam, flats need not apply 😉
Shoes can (& will!) make or break your sequin outfit. You want your sequin pieces to shine & the best shoes for sequin dressing should complement, rather than compete for the sparkly frock's attention.
(Related: Heels for Cocktail Dresses)
These are Chic Shoe Pairings with Sequin Dresses & Skirts
Most ‘busy' dresses like these and lace dresses go best with minimalist shoes.
That's because the simpler the shoe style, the more your dress will shine (quite literally, in this case)! So let's start with black footwear:
Black heels, sandals & booties are probably my favorite & possibly the best shoes to wear with sequin dresses. With a personal preference for black suede in a classic slinky pump, any black shoe will do.
Black Pumps
When in doubt, wear black pumps, n'est-ce pas?! Whether with an exposed or hidden platform, pointed toe or almond toe, with chunky heels or stilettos, the heel you most likely have in your shoe closet is your no-brainer best bet!
If you're going to be on your feet and can't handle the heels, you can opt for a classic black pointed-toe flat pump. Which can look just as chic!
And if you don't have a pair of black high heel pumps or simple black shoes already stuffed in your wardrobe, then we need to talk. And go shopping. Stat.
Favorite Black Pumps:
Black Minimalist Sandals
Surely the most prominent shoe of the century is a black minimalist, barely-enough-straps-to-hold-in-your-foot.
These strappy yet minimal sandals make a great choice when choosing footwear for your sequin dress, skirt or jumpuit. Think Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve or Sam Edelman's Yaro heels, if you want a sturdier strap.
This will be the most subtle shoe style that will let your dress sparkle & your feet look glam. A fabulous pedi is required!
This type of black sandal is also the perfect shoes to go with silver dress and are often paired with darker sparkly dresses.
Black Shoes + Tights
When it's chillier outside, but you're itching to wear a sequin dress, you might be wondering what tights to wear.
I love the look of opaque black tights & black pumps or booties worn with a medium length or sparkly mini dress.
This pairing works well with any color sequin dress & is especially visually seamless with matte stocking and suede shoes. Since the dress will be the only shiny part of your outfit, it will get all the attention.
When you're wearing shiny clothes, that's usually the part you want people to notice! Added bonus: your legs won't freeze when ringing in the New Year. And if you live in Canada, that, my friends is a big deal.
However, semi-sheer black tights can also look great paired with black heels and a sequin dress. Some even prefer having a sheer stocking with a sheen to add some sparkle all over! This is just a matter of preference.
3. Black Multi-Strap Heels & Sandals
Strappy black heels add a dash of sass & loads of seduction to an already sultry look. Thinner straps will look daintier, while thicker black straps will add some edge, if that's your vibe.
Your choice on whether you prefer to wear an open-toe style or a closed-toe version, or if you want a lace-up strap that wraps around the ankle.
4. Ankle Boots
Wearing your party look on a particularly cool day or in the middle of winter? Why not opt for a simple black ankle bootie?
The right simple bootie – such as the ones featured in the image above – will look fab with your sequin dress outfit.
Stiletto heels, whether tall or kitten height, will work together with a pointed toe or slightly square toe. Avoid low-heeled booties with a large chunky heel. Otherwise, you risk looking clunky instead of sleek.
Of course, black ankle boots aren't the only option. You can also opt for white booties, a neutral such as beige or even go full-on shine with patent, metallic silver, or gold ankle boots. A red bootie can also be festive & fun – especially with a head-to-toe red look!
It all depends on your sequin dress or skirt/pants. But if you want to keep on the ‘safe' side, pick a black or white boot with your sequin dress.
Make sure that it is slim and fits tight at the ankle. Sock booties outfits with sequin dresses are never a bad idea – especially in winter! I love how sock-like ankle boots make it look like you're wearing an enclosed high-heeled pump.
Check out all my styling tips in my post on how to wear ankle boots with dresses.
5. Nude Heels
Nude heels that are close or match your skin tone are the best way to go if you want your sequin dress to stand out the most.
Wearing a naked or minimal sandal creates a shoe-vanishing effect that paired with a shorter sequin dress will look like your legs go on for miles!
If you're going for this effect, pick a streamlined nude shoe, such as pointed-toe pump with a fine heel, minimal stiletto or kitten-heel sandal.
If you can't find an exact match, beige and blush heels are flattering for all skin tones and most sequin dresses!
Shop Nude Heels – Available in Various Tones:
6. Clear Heels
Clear heels are the ultimate ‘nude' shoe as they are literal transparent heels or shoes that go with everything! Whether a clear bootie, slide, strappy sandal or clear pump, they will all look fabulous with a sequin dress.
Pair a clear, colorless pair of heels with your sequin frock, or match a transparent colorful heel with the dress hue.
Check out all the ways to prep your feet and maximize their look in my post all about wearing clear heels outfits!
Favorite Clear Heels:
7. Matching Shoe and Dress Color
Black heels, step aside! Another alternative footwear option for sparkly dresses & skirts, is matching them to your frock. Even matching them to a shade (or two!) of your dress can be fun.
I find metallic mirror sandals or pumps to be the “wildest” choice, as they will double your shine. This combo is best for the woman who likes to shine from head to shoe for NYE or her birthday party!
Be sure to match your metallic heels to your dress. That means choosing gold shoes with a gold dress, silver with silver & so on. A minimal mirrored pump or sandal is a great choice, as it will reflect any color.
If you'd like to take a lesser high-octave stance on your matchy-matchy shoes, leather & suede materials are good contenders, as are slightly colored clear heels.
You could also match the shoes to one color in your sequin outfit to switch things up a bit.
These shoe choices are a bit daring if you ask me, but if you're feeling gutsy, go for it! Check out all of my posts on which shoes to wear with all dresses.
Colorful Stockings
SHOP NOW
If you're looking for a bold option for your sequin dress that isn't directly shoe related, check out colorful tights! You can either use them as a stunning pop of color for a little black sequin dress or match them with your sequin dress.
I love the aesthetic of a head-to-toe colorful look, where the tights, a sequin dress, and shoes all match to create a monochrome look.
You can really up the ante on a holiday such as Christmas or Valentine's day to sandwich your colorful stockings in between a matching dress and shoes!
Now That You Know What Shoes to Wear with Sequin Dresses:
So there you have it: all the best shoes to wear with sequin dresses and skirts. And a few tights and hose to your look!
As you can tell, there are many possible shoes for sequin dresses. Although black heels are great, ankle boots, sandals and even bolder choices can work, like cowboy boots and thigh-high boots!
At the end of the day, if the outfit makes you feel good, go for it! But don't forget to keep warm going to and from your party. Any topper will do, including slick black blazer, a leather trench, a peacoat, or a long puffer coat, if you live in cold wintery areas like l do in Canada.
And whatever you do, don't forget to have fun! How are you planning on wearing your sequins to your next party?
xo Cristina
Cristina is the chief editor & shoe expert at ShoeTease. As a seasoned stylist and women's fashion & shoe designer with over 20 years of experience, Cristina's here to guide you on your fashion journey! Learn more.
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Thank you for this article! I am wearing my first ever short sequin party dress (and I am 50!). I can’t wear high heels due to extremely high arches. It is at “wintertime”, in the south, what do you suggest?
Hi, thanks for your question! I love pointed-toe flats or even kitten heels. I also have high arches, and I find insoles can really help with that if you want to give it a go. Check out the dress shoes I love (many of them are flats that are perfect for sequin and other fancy dresses) in my LTK shop for inspiration: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/DressingYourStyle/collections/11ef7a8262e4fdca942a0242ac110015
I dont know why I’ve never come across your articles before, being a ‘shoe collector’ and all, but I LOVE you ready and I’m sure we would have a great time shoe shopping! I found your post because I have a ‘sapphire’ colored sequin dress and wasn’t sure what I should be looking for, I instinctively knew the dress should be the scene stealer but have been thinking of a blush color shoe leaning towards pink, and your guide has helped me, I will stay on the nude side of blush rather than the pink side. Now the next thing I’d I need an evening wrap and what colour should that be aghhhh. Anyway thanks you are awesome! Have a great day
That’s a great shoe color and dress combo and I’m sure you’ll look lovely! I’m so glad my article was helpful 🙂
I bought Only Anika sequin dress (dark purple sequins/black fabric, long sleeves, https://www.jarrolds.co.uk/departments/womens-fashion/dresses/only-anika-wrap-sequin-short-dress …) and im truly messed up with what shoes i should wear. I dont have long legs (I’m 163cm and wearing size S) and the simple black bumps does not look good with it…Maybe i should go with black tights instead.. Or i would think mary-jane style could help me out, or should i go retro with block heel/low platform mary jane…but… its really hard to find this kind of shoes in our stores…
Hi Gajane! If you don’t think black pumps would look good with the dress and you want to elongate your legs, I would suggest a nude high heel pump (with or without platform) that matches your skin tone. Avoid any darker shoe with straps (like Mary Janes or booties) as these will visually cut off your legs and make them appear shorter. Take a look at this image on Pinterest with me wearing a similar (but longer) dress with skin-tone matching pumps, resulting in longer looking legs: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/193091902767445308/
I’m getting married in september, 5 days of outfits and events. Black sequin jumpsuit for a welcome party on a boat- inspired me to hire drag queens for entertainment..Greta Constantine sequin jumpsuit and i dont know if i should do white or balck heels- I have super high arches so heels are not too uncomfortable but i love a platform. Looking for designers like Jimmy Choo, Manolo, Paris Texas… any ideas appreciated. I have shopped the heck out of every website but shoes are hard!!
I could help you better if I knew the cut of your jumpsuit, to determine the best shoes for you. Take a look at my post on the best shoes to wear with a jumpsuit for ideas!
Hi. I have a 3/4 sleeve mesh overlay (black&nude) dress that will fall right at or just below the knew. What type of shoes would you suggest? I was thinking about pattern leather but was not sure sequins and pattern leather could be worn together.
It’s really hard to say as I’m not able to see your dress. That being said, sequin dresses look best with shoes that have a single color and no patterns, such as black suede or white leather. I hope this helps!
I am wearing a long burgundy sequin dress for my sons wedding. What type of shoe should I wear?
For longer formal attire, I would recommend pointed toe pumps or a strappy sandals. If you need to wear flats, a fancy flat such a pointed toe flat is a great choice.
I also have a post all about shoe colors with burgundy dresses that you can check out right here!
I am wearing a sequins gold spaghetti strap top with a gold and silver sequins skirt to a wedding. I will wear silver strappy sandals. What earrings can I wear?
Hi there! Because your outfit has both gold and silver, you have a lot of options. You can either wear gold or silver earrings that match the same gold/silver tone of the sequins. If you want more contrast, you can wear opaque black earrings. It’s all up to your preference, but I would go for either silver or black earrings, myself.
My daughter has a navy sparkly ball gown for prom what colour shoes and bag should we get?
So many possibilities with a sparkly navy gown! Purse and shoe color choice really depends on how much a statement she wants to make. She can keep he look more subdued with 1) matching navy shoes + silver or black purse 2) black shoes + matching navy purse 3) nude (for her) shoes + black or navy purse. Or she could make more of a statement with 1) silver shoes + a colorful purse (ex pink) 2) burgundy shoes + black purse (or vice-versa). I hope she had a fantastic prom!
I am wearing a silver sequin gown to my sons wedding. Would Navy strappy sandals work? I want to wear Sapphire jewelry.
Yes, navy shoes with a silver dress is a beautiful combination and would look lovely with sapphire jewelery too!
what shoes would look good with a navy blue segiun dres im very pale so any suggestions
I think skin tone shoes (so very light beige in your case) would look fantastic, because they would blend into your skin tone and make your legs appear less pale (I have the same issue btw!).
Hi ,
I am wearing an all black floor length full sequin gown with a thigh high leg slit, simialr to Dress the Population – Iris. Any suggestions on what kind of shoe to wear would be appreciated! I dont want to spend tons of money. By the way its, for a black tie wedding in Minnesota in February…burr!
Ps…
Any thoughts on accessories/jacket?
Hi Jenell!
As it’s a winter event, I would opt for a closed-toe pointed toe, high heel pump. Color choice is up to you! You can keep it simple with a white leather, black suede or blush pump. Or have a little fun with color and opt for a red or pink pump, maybe? Sam Edelman’s Hazel pump comes in a variety of colors/materials and is currently on sale: http://bit.ly/2TCzJba
I would definitely cover up with a lush shawl or stole (something like: http://bit.ly/2CXYRnd or http://bit.ly/2TFMTo6 or http://bit.ly/2TKaJPB)
I hope this helps!
xo Cristina
I’m kind of worried of wearing a silver sleeves dress, not so shiny (this one, actually
https://images2.marisa.com.br/medias/sys_master/images/images/h8e/hc0/10603240423454/Vestido-Feminino-Metalizado-Sem-Manga-Marisa-10033116297-C1.jpg ) with discrete black crocodile pumps, and golden, simple and elegant golden acessories. Does it sound terrible to you?
Hi Renata,
As long as the accessories are minimal (such a stud earrings or a fine necklace) the combination shouldn’t be a problem. If you want a more subtle look, you can try wearing minimal silver or chrome jewelry instead. In terms of a purse, I would definitely keep it simple with a black or white clutch.
I hope this helps!
xo Cristina
Hi, I have a goldy bronze sequin dress for my brother’s wedding and as I am the godmother I thought about matching their colours and they loved the idea too. Do you think burgundy/wine/bordeaux shoes fit well with the dress? If so, what kind of shoes?
Catarina Vicente
Hi Catarina,
If you’d like to wear a wine-hued shoe with your dress to keep in theme, although it wouldn’t be a personal first choice for me (black or skin colour would top my list), it can definitely work. If that’s the plan, then I’d stick with a black purse. As for the type of shoes, that’s entirely dependant on what the dress looks like! That being said, you can never go wrong with a minimal sandal such as Stuart Weitzman’s Nudist (or Steve Madden’s Stecy – see my post on these shoes here), or a plain pointed, toe pump with stiletto heel.
Hope this helps!
Great I’m very excited!! Thanks sooo much for the help!!!
Happy I could help out! Have fun in your sequins 🙂 xoCristina
Great! I’m very excited thank you so much
Glad you’re as excited for sparkly dresses as I am 🙂
xo Cristina
AMAZING post!!! Great tips for my sequin skirt styling girl! You’ll see me back here for inspo later! 😉 xx
Thanks love!! So glad you can get inspired with these sequin-friendly shoes!
xo Cristina
I just love your post. They are always filled with great advice. I wish you a Happy New Year.
Sharon
https://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for your lovely comment! A happiest new year to you as well!
xo Cristina