What Color Shoes to Wear With a Yellow Dress

Yellow has a way of instantly lifting your mood, doesn’t it? Whether you are drawn to a soft buttery hue or a bolder shade, there’s a yellow dress out there that feels just right. As we move into warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to embrace this color. But one question always comes up: what color shoes to wear with a yellow dress? Whether you have an upcoming wedding, a brunch, or vacation on the horizon, a yellow dress is a timeless choice that feels both fresh and surprisingly easy to wear. Let’s talk about the best shoes to wear with your yellow dress to really elevate the look.

What Color Shoes to Wear With Yellow Dress

Neutral or Nude Shoes

Neutral shoes are a wardrobe essential for a reason. They go with everything. I love having a few different styles on hand, because whether I’m wearing a soft yellow dress or a classic black one, nude shoes always work.

With yellow being such a statement color, nude or neutral shoes help keep the focus on the dress. They create a softer, more balanced look without any bold contrast. Plus, choosing a shade close to your skin tone can elongate the leg, especially flattering if you’re petite.

Here are a few of my go-to nude shoes:

• Perfect Block Heel Sandals– A classic, versatile option that works for everything from weddings to garden parties (take 15% off with SF-TARA-15).
• Strappy Heels– Ideal for more formal occasions, like weddings or special dinners (take 15% off with TARA15SPRING25).
• Elegant Flats– A polished but laid-back choice, perfect for daytime events or a more casual mood.

White or Ivory Shoes With a Yellow Dress

White or ivory shoes are a fresh and feminine choice with a yellow dress. The white feels crisp and clean, especially pretty with softer yellows or floral prints. It adds a bit more contrast, which can make the outfit feel brighter and a little more playful. Ivory, on the other hand, has a softer touch. It blends more subtly with the dress, giving the look a refined and elegant finish. Both are easy to wear and perfect for spring and summer events.

Here are a few white and ivory favorites to wear with yellow dresses:

• Minimalist White Sandals– Clean lines and a barely-there feel that pairs beautifully with modern or floral yellow dresses.
• Ivory Heeled Mules– Chic and slightly unexpected, these add polish without overpowering the dress (love these!).
• Ivory Slingbacks– A timeless option that works for brunches, showers, or daytime events (take 15% off with TARA15SPRING25).

Tan, Brown, or Cognac Leather

If you’ve been here a while, you probably know this is my most-worn (and most-loved) color family for accessories. Tan, brown, and cognac leather add a grounded, effortless feel to any outfit. Perfect for making a yellow dress feel a little more relaxed and wearable for every day. This combo gives off that “not trying too hard, but still pulled together” vibe. It just works.

A few favorites in this category:

• Cognac Block Heels– A go-to for dressing things up without losing that laid-back feel. And my most-worn!
• Woven Leather Flats– Easy, breathable, and perfect for warm days (one of my favorite flats to wear).
• Tan Leather Slides– Casual and polished. Great for travel or everyday wear.

Color note:

• Medium to deeper brown tones look especially beautiful against darker and warmer skin tones, and golden or mustard yellows.
• Lighter tan or camel shades work well with pastel or butter yellow, especially if you want a softer contrast.

Gold Shoes For a Yellow Dress

Gold is one of those “quietly glam” neutrals that works with almost everything, including yellow. It adds a little glow without being over the top, depending on the shoe style you choose. Gold shoes are especially perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, or any event where you want to look just a little more elevated.

For daytime or more casual occasions, keep it simple with delicate gold flats or barely-there sandals that add shine without stealing the show. Above I’m wearing these gold embellished heels. I recommend taking a half size up from your usual size (and 15% off with TARA15SPRING25).

Style tip: Gold pairs beautifully with both pale pastel yellows and deeper mustard tones.

A few favorites in this category:

• Gold Strappy Heels– Elegant and minimal; perfect with midi dresses (take 15% off with TARA15SPRING25).
• Metallic Gold Block Heels– Add a polished touch while still being easy to walk in (you can use the same code as above).
• Gold Leather Flats– Great for daytime events or if you want something comfortable but chic.

Casula Chic: Raffia Shoes

Raffia shoes are eptitome of summer style. They bring an effortless, laid-back vibe to any outfit, making them a perfect choice for warmer weather. The natural texture complements pale yellow, marigold, or floral prints beautifully, adding a casual chic vibe to your look.

Style tip: Raffia slides, espadrilles, or woven heels are ideal for a relaxed yet chic vacation style or a garden party. Perfect for those days when you want to look put-together without overdoing it.

A few favorite shoes in this category:

• Raffia Slides– The ultimate easygoing option for daytime outings or casual brunches (take 20% off with THEFASHIONHOUSEMOM)
• Espadrille Wedges– Perfect for outdoor events, adding a little height while keeping it comfortable.
• Woven Raffia Embellished Heels– A refined choice for evening events or a chic vacation look.

Silver Shoes

Silver shoes are a fun, elevated alternative that can complement a yellow dress beautifully. Unlike gold, silver is a cooler color so pairing it with a yellow dress creates a soft contrast. Try pairing them with gold jewelry for a mix of metals, or keep things all silver for a cohesive, modern look.

• Silver Strappy Heels– Perfect for weddings or evening events, with just enough shine to elevate the look (take 15% off with TARA15SPRING25).
• Metallic Silver Flats– A chic, understated option for daytime events or casual occasions.
• Knotted Low Heels– Elegant but chic and comfortable.

Pastel Color Shoes

You can absolutely wear pastel colored shoes with a yellow dress. Especially if your dress has a print. This is one of my favorite ways to play with color while keeping the look soft and feminine. A yellow floral dress, for example, looks stunning with shoes in a coordinating pastel tone.

If your dress has green leaves, pull that soft sage or mint tone out and go with green shoes. A touch of pastel blue or blush pink can also feel fresh and charming with yellow, especially for garden parties, baby showers, or spring brunches.

Style tip: Stick with lighter pastels to keep the look cohesive. Think soft sage, powder blue, blush, or lavender for a gentle pop of color that doesn’t compete with the dress.

A few pastel favorites:

• Soft Green Mules– A subtle, elegant contrast that works well with floral prints.
• Powder Blue Sandals– Minimal, but perfect for adding a playful touch.
• Light Pink Heels– Feminine and timeless, they work beautifully with both pale and bold yellows.

 

Can I Wear Black Shoes With a Yellow Dress?

While black shoes can work with almost any color, pairing them with a yellow dress requires a little more thought. The contrast can be pretty stark, so it’s important to proceed with caution.

If you do want to wear black shoes with your yellow dress, go for something sleek and minimal, like a strappy sandal or a simple heel. The key to making it work is balancing the contrast. Add a small touch of black somewhere else in your outfit to tie it together. Try a black clutch or black earrings.

1. Ivory mules 2. Embellished gold heels, 3. Raffia heel, 4. Soft pink heels, 5. Neutral block heels, 6. Soft green mules, 7. Cognac flats, 8. Cognac block heels, 9. Yellow sandals, 10. Gold block heels, 11. Raffia wedges

Yellow Dress Styling Tips (To Tie It All Together)

When wearing a yellow dress, the key is balance. To tone down the brightness, neutral accessories are your best friend. Think chic, timeless pieces like woven raffia bags or structured leather bags. These textures elevate the look without competing with the dress itself.

As for jewelry, gold complements warm yellow tones, adding a sophisticated touch. For a added elegance, try pearls or tortoise-shell accessories. They’re classic choices that tie the outfit together with understated charm.

If you’re still wondering what color shoes to wear with a yellow dress, remember that choosing the right shoes can either elevate or tone down your outfit.

Swipe left or arrow through to see all these beautiful yellow dresses:

If you’re looking to add more timeless pieces into your wardrobe, be sure to check out my post on timeless fashion pieces, perfect for building an elegant summer wardrobe. And for more color inspired style, check out my post for tips on styling navy blue.