How To Wear: Black Shoes In The Summer

We recently received a question about how to make black shoes work during the summer (and if you have other questions, be sure to ask us at tips@shefinds.com.)  Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it?  Yet black shoes, particularly heels, can work well with summer outfits, especially if you’re off to a less-than-casual dinner party or your office doesn’t observe any sort of warm-weather induced lax dress codes.

In fact, in these cases, a pair of black heels can help keep the rest of your summer clothes looking crisp and pulled together.

To begin, keep the shoe simple, with a high heel that’s not too chunky and thus won’t overwhelm your look.  In this vein, it’s also a good idea to wear a shoe that’s relatively hardware-free (even though we know studs and zippers are a growing trend – but they can wait until fall.)

Light-colored, pretty jewelry injects a summery feel into any outfit, and a floral jersey dress that’s a tad on the dark side will look seasonally-appropriate yet won’t contrast too much with the black heels.  Lastly, a bright bag that’s not too big will inject a shot of color into the ensemble without taking center stage.

Gianni Bini McCoy Sandal, $79

Lily Print Jersey Dress, $98

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jamesport Bag, $248

Anthropologie Gilded Cradle Earrings, $98

Alexis Bittar Long-Stemmed Iris Brooch, $375

For more advice, check out our guides on what to wear with a black summer dress and how to make those harem pants work.