If you're looking for what color shoes to wear with a gold dress outfit, you've come to the right place!
Gold dresses & skirts, whether glittery or matte, are fun, original & a great choice for a New Year's, bridal party & formal soirees. Oh heck, these will work on any day you're feeling la-di-da too!
A gold dress or outfit can be tricky to pair with the right shoes & accessories, as styling a gold dress depends on the tone of the gold in the dress. For instance, certain gold fabrics have a more yellow or orange tinge to them, some antique golds, some pink while others are more silvery and cooler.
For styling gold dresses today, I will be talking about most shades of pink to yellow-based gold dresses, both dark and light.
For other shades of gold, feel free to reference these posts:
- Rose Gold Dresses + Shoes (pink-toned rose)
- Champagne Dresses + Shoes (a gold meets pinkish-gold color)
- Bronze Dress + Shoes (orangey-brown color)
6 Color Shoes to Wear with a Gold Dress or Outfit
1. Black Shoes for Contrast
Black shoes with gold dress? Ha, of course, this one's the easiest, as black shoes literally go with every color dress or outfit under the sun & moon!
What I really like about pairing black heels or booties with a gold dress of any shade is the stark contrast between the bright metallic vs. the deep dark shoe. One of those rare times where black shoes really do make a statement!
If the gold you're wearing a fully sparkly or glittery outfit, I'd opt for a pair of matte black suede shoes. This way, shiny shoes won't be competing with the dress' dazzle.
Purse Styling Tip: Clutch choice here is easy; either black or gold! If you're curious, I've written a post on what other shoes to wear with sequin dresses in general too 🙂
Favorite Black Shoes & Heels:
1b. Add Black Tights with Black Shoes
If you're looking for an alternative way to wear your black shoes with a gold dress, then hosiery is a great way to go! Opt for either black opaque tights or semi-sheer for any occasion.
A thick black tight or legging is an easy add-on to turn your fancy dress or skirt into a fun upscale casual to wear even as an office outfit. I mean, even if New Years Eve has come & gone, no need to let that pretty gold garment collect dust in your wardrobe, now ladies!
When it comes to shoes & black tights styled with a gold dress or skirt, matte black shoes work with all types of stockings. Booties or ankle boots are a fun, less formal way to style an outfit too.
Purse Styling Tip: Opt for a black purse or clutch, but you can also go for a beige one or alternatively a cobalt blue colored one to give the outfit some extra punch!
2. Add Gold Shoes for High-Shine
Ah, you wouldn't think gold shoes were an answer to what shoes to wear with a gold dress, did you!? Gold shoes do look rather fantastic with gold, especially if it's a fancy dress you're wearing or chi chi event you're going to.
Best to match the gold of the shoe with the exact tone or at least one gold-tone that can be found in your dress or skirt! Believe it or not, gold is also an unexpected color shoes to wear with a silver dress as well.
And that's because gold is a surprising color shoe that goes with everything. Seriously!
Purse Styling Tip: You can match your bag with the lightest or darkest hue in your dress as a rule of thumb. If your dress is light and/or pale gold, a bronze clutch is fun choice too! Of course, black clutches will never go out of style.
But when you're wearing gold shoes with a full-on gold dress, I'd steer away from gold purses to avoid gold outfit overload!
3. White or Off-White Shoes
Some would prefer beige or blush shoes with their gold dress, but I much rather choose an off-colored or bright white. Less contrasting than wearing a black shoe, opting for white shoes with a gold dress really does allow your gold frock or skirt to shine without the distraction of say, that black shoe would cause.
White shoes work absolute best when while also appears somewhere on your dress, like in the picture above to the left. Then again, if you have a two-tone dress with gold & blush in it, matching the blush to your shoes will look great too (especially when thinking bridal occasions).
Purse Styling Tip: I love a black clutch added into the style mix of a gold dress & white shoe outfit best. A white purse would just be too forced of a match for my tastes, but it could work in some circumstances. Never say never!
Favorite White Shoes & Boots:
4. Red Shoes for a Festive Mix
I love gold and red paired together! A gold dress with either burgundy or bright red heels will look stunning. And most surprising.
If your dress or skirt is a saturated yellow gold, poppy red shoes will look amazing, as in the image above on the right. The paler golds that border on silver look fab with a dark red shoe too.
Purse Styling Tip: If your red shoes have another color in them, pick that hue for your handbag. If not, you can never go wrong with black, bronze or gold in this outfit scenario 🙂
Favorite Red Shoes & Heels :
5. Mixing Metals with Silver Shoes
I'm a little on the fence about this one, but I've seen many examples of gold outfits with silver shoes that look amazing. Like in the gold dress styling photos above.
Silver shoes with gold dresses work best with two-tone metallic dresses or gold frocks with silver/crystal embellishments.
They will also look fab with almost all light, almost silver metallic fabrics. That's why silver perfectly answers the “what color shoes to wear with grey dress” question too 🙂
Purse Styling Tip:: Keep your purse in the metallics family & I suggest silver, especially to a formal event. Accessorize with a beige or black clutch if you prefer a less flashy look.
Favorite Silver Shoes & Heels:
6. Clear Transparent Heels for A Futuristic Look
Colorless clear heels will look stellar with your gold dress! Choose from fully transparent shoes to semi-clear that have a touch of white or beige.
Want to add some extra sparkle to your look? Pick transparent heels with some gems! Mules, sandals or pumps are great choices.
Purse Color Choices: beige, silver, white, or match with a transparent clutch.
Favorite Clear Heels:
7. Beige or Blush Shoes for a Neutral Look
Of course, if you prefer to stick with a close, but not exact color to gold, beige is a great option. If your skin tone matches your beige heels, and you're wearing a short dress, these will further elongate your legs.
You can choose timeless styles like these pumps or these minimal sandals for more elevated footwear options.
Favorite Beige Shoes & Heels:
Shoe Styles for Your Gold Dress
Remember that if you're wearing a gold dress, then the occasion is more formal. Your shoe choices should remain delicate and refined, such as the ones below:
- Minimal Sandals
- Pointed toe-flats (with or without jewels)
- Pointed toe pumps with stiletto heels
- Stiletto booties: I recommend these – particularly sock booties – in the fall/winter season for an a New Year's or cocktail party. They can make your gold dress look edgy (especially with matte black stockings), but worth noting they may make your gold outfit look at bit more casual.
Now That You Know What Shoes to Wear with a Gold Dress
So if you came over to ShoeTease asking what color shoes should you wear with a gold dress, I hope we've made this decision much easier for you!
As a basic fashion rule when styling gold outfits & dresses (especially those that are composed of more colors than just gold) is to use the other main color featured as an ideal accessories pairing.
If your gold dress is fully gold, then either match your shoes with the same gold shoe, or contrast with black, white or red. Of course, style & fashion is relative, so if you think you can rock it, well, life is short people…might as well give it a try!
Have a question!? Ask away in the comments below, or feel free to join my Free Facebook Group to ask all your shoe & styling questions!!
xo ShoeTease
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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Hi,
Hope this finds you well.
I’m invited to a work cocktail event and have bought a gold short dress with long sleeves. I’m struggling to decide on the colour shoes and clutch. Please help, the event is next week and I still have not found shoes.
Looking forward to your response.
Regards,
Cee
Hi Cee! Thankfully there are lots of options for you. If you want to keep things simple, opt for a black pair of pumps or booties, which you can style with or without black semisheer to opaque hose, with a matching black clutch or gold like the dress. To be more festive, try a pair of burgundy shoes with a black clutch. A fun look is matching your gold dress with gold shoes or contrasting with a pair of silver ones, with a black clutch. These would be my top 3 styling choices for you–I hope that helps 🙂 Feel free to post your dress and potential shoe/clutch pairing in our free Facebook Group for feedback!
Formal wedding! can a grandmother of the bride (79) wear a gold sequine long formal? or to flashy. size 12?
Yes, she absolutely can! Life’s too short to stop wearing sequins, as long as she feel comfortable while wearing them 🙂
Hello! I am attending a semi-formal wedding, and I have a knee length gold sequin dress. After reading your article, I haven’t decided yet between red heels or light pink/cream. I will probably go black clutch? Anyway what I’m really stuck on is what colour coat or jacket to wear. It’s been a bit cold and rainy here and although it’s all indoors I still need something for going there and home. I have no idea what colour would suit? Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Nicole! A gold sequin dress is a great choice! Red heels will make it look very festive (as in Holiday spirit, festive) so that might be a good or bad thing depending on what you’re going for. I would personally opt for a pink/cream colored heel and a black clutch. A beige or black coat will pair perfectly with the rest of the outfit! Have a fun time at the wedding 🙂
Hi please help I’m wearing a sequin champagne gold dress and I wanted to accessorize with bold orange clutch and clear open toe heels with abs orange base , will that work or I’m being too playful
Hi Rue, I have a post all about what color shoes & purses to wear with a champagne gold dress: https://www.shoe-tease.com/what-color-shoes-with-champagne-dress/
That being said, orange is not a top choice of accessories for a gold or rose gold dress. If your champagne dress is closer in color to beige, orange might work. Clear heels, however, are an amazing choice!
Hi, so I’ve picked out my prom dress and it’s got a greyish colour with gold detailed flowers all over. The colour of the dress is debatable bc ppl see it differently, either grey or greenish grey. So I saw these shoes that I love but only come in one colour which is basically a white silver. I’m not sure if it would look good together. But the good on the dress is kinda antique esque I suppose, and is kinda shifty under the lights so it gets lighter. Thoughts??
Hi Sam! It’s really hard to give you an answer, when I can’t see the items in question. I don’t normally love to mix metallics (like gold in the dress and silver shoes) however, if the dress is a cool grey, then a silver shoe could work well. Your best bet is to try the shoes with the dress and see how you feel about the overall look!
Hi got a real problem. I have very bad feet due to surgery and can no longer cope with the pain of heels ( I don’t wear open toes either) I have a beautiful fully gold sequinned knee length dress can you suggest a shoe that wouldn’t ruin the outfit?
Thanks it’s for a ball.
Sorry to hear about your foot pain, but there are many shoes that can work, even flats. I recommend a dainty pointed-toe or almond-toe ballerina flat. However, square toe flats are having a moment, and they might be more comfortable, depending on your foot shape. Lots of pretty flats available from Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos, if you want to take a look!
Hi please I need response as quick as possible am putting on gold lace and tying maroon gele and am putting on white shoes and black handbag. Please is it okay or off?
That sounds like a lot of colors, but if you feel comfortable in it, wear it!
Does the material of the shoe matter? I have a gala, I have a black and gold sequence gown. I have a pair of black straps sandals that I love, but they are leather. I’m thinking they aren’t fancy enough. My other pair of shoes are an open back heeled sandals, the strap that goes over the foot is about and inch width of crystals. They are gorgeous, but I feel they would look better with a silver toned dress ?. Please help! Thank you!
Hi, I would definitely stick with the strappy leather sandals vs the bejewelled ones. The latter would definitely be overkill with a sequin dress, in my opinion. Although suede or patent materials are “fancier” than leather, the style of the shoe is more important than the material, especially if it has thin straps!
Hope this helps!
xo Cristina
Hello!! Im wearing a “champagne ” sequin dress with black suede sandals and clutch, would love to hear your advise regarding what color of make up (i would love a smokey eye.. but don’t know if its too much), nail polish(im thinking a dark red coffin nails) and accesories (gold) is that too much??
Looking forward to read you, and thanks!!!
Hi Regi!
It really depends what event you are going to, but a light smoky eye would look fantastic. As would a gold clutch. You can also choose a black or white clutch if you think it’s too much.
Nail polish would be fab in a dark (almost black) burgundy, which would tie well in with your more dramatic eye makeup. I would keep the hairstyle & lipstick simple, however, but it all depends on your skin tone. (For instance, I’m very pale and a smoky eye with bright red lips and a sequin dress would be a bit too much on me!).
I hope this helps & have a wonderful time at your party!
xo Cristina
Thank you so much!!! Happy Holidays!!
My pleasure and to you too!!
Hello and thanks for all the info .<
Thanks in advance!! <3
I am wearing a short blush gold sequin (looks more like rose gold to me) dress to a holiday party this year. What color shoes and accessories would you recommend?
Hello Teresa! You have many options with a mini sequin dress in a rose gold hue. If you want your dress to pop, I would opt for black shoes with a matching black purse or you can also choose a neutral such as silver or white. Other options are silver shoes with a black or white purse or the reverse: white shoes with a black purse.
For more option, you can have a look at my post on how to style blush pink dresses here, and also how to style gold dresses here.
Have fun at your holiday party!
xo Cristina
I have a long rose gold gown I am wearin to my cousins wedding coming up. I haven’t gotten the dress in the mail yet but I am on the fence about what shoes or color of shoe to even wear with it. In the picture on the website the dress completely covers the shoe the model is wearing. Help!!
Hi Michelle, great question! Although with formal dresses, matching your dress to your shoes works great, I would opt for a dark hue with rose gold. If you have black strappy sandals already in your closet, you’re good to go. However, navy or a deep burgundy colored shoe would look amazing (and unexpected!) too. Hope this helps!
xo Cristina