What Color Shoes to Wear with a Purple Dress?

A purple dress is eye-catching yet classy—Kate Middleton made various shades of purple fashionable. The catch? Purple sits alone on the color wheel, so shoe coordination is fun but tricky.

I've styled countless purple outfits for everything from royal-themed events to corporate presentations to romantic date nights, and here’s exactly what I recommend when picking out shoes.

In this article:

• Top 5 Colors That Work with Purple Dresses

Top 5 Colors That Work with Purple Dresses

Here are the top 5 shoe colors that create stunning combinations with purple dresses:

1. Nude/Beige Shoes
2. Metallic Silver/Gold Shoes
3. Black Shoes
4. White Shoes
5. Bold Color Shoes(Red, Wine, Yellow & Blue)

What Shoes to Wear with a Purple Dress for Weddings

Looking for shoe and color pairings for purple bridesmaid dresses or purple wedding guest outfits? Look no further than here.

For Daytime Weddings:

• Nude block heels (2-3 inches) with lavender or lilac dresses

• Blush pink wedges with deeper purple midi dresses

• Silver flats for garden parties and outdoor ceremonies

• Cream or ivory pumps for a soft, romantic look

For Evening Weddings:

• Black strappy kitten heels with deep plum or eggplant gowns

• Rose gold heels with lighter purple shades

• Nude pointed toe slingback heels for timeless elegance

• Metallic silver sandals for a modern touch

Best Shoes for Purple Dresses at Prom or Formal Events

There's a reason purple prom dresses always popular. Purple just looks incredible in photos - whether you're under gym lighting or outside for pictures.

Show-Stopping Combinations:

• Lavender gown + silver sandals

• Plum dress + rose gold heels

• Royal purple + black patent pumps

• Matching purple heels

Heel Height Recommendations:

• 3-4 inches for most prom dresses (perfect for dancing!)
• Platform heels for extra comfort during long events
• Ankle straps for security and glamour
• T-bar styles for vintage-inspired looks

What Shoes Go with a Purple Dress for Parties or Night Out?

For low-key affairs, birthday dinners, or nights out on the town, purple permits you to get a bit playful with your shoe choice.

For Cocktail Parties:

• Black pointed-toe pumps with any purple shade

• Deep burgundy heels with royal or violet purple (rich and unexpected)

• Metallic silver ankle boots for an edgy twist

For Casual Night Out:

• White boots with a purple dress (surprisingly fresh)

• Clear heels with purple lace dresses

• Patterned heels for added personality

• Hot pink heels

• Bold yellow heels for contrast

Best Shoes to Wear with a Purple Dress for Work or Business

More offices are okay with purple these days than you might think. It shows you've got some personality without looking unprofessional. The trick is picking shoes that balance it out nicely.

Conservative Office Environments:

• Black kitten heel pumps (2-3 inch heel) - your safest choice

• Dark grey pumps - sophisticated and modern

• Navy blue heels - unexpected but professional

Creative Workplaces:

• Pastel blue shoes - adds texture without being too casual

• Mint green shoes (with midi or maxi lilac dresses)

• White loafers for a contemporary edge

What Colors Shoes Go Best with Each Shade of Purple?

Different purple tones require different approaches. Use this guide for foolproof color matching:

FAQs About Styling Purple Dresses with Heels

Q: Can I wear purple shoes with a purple dress?

A: Different shades can work (like lavender shoes with a deep purple dress), but it requires confidence and careful styling. Monochromatic looks are trending, but ensure the tones complement rather than clash.

Q: What colors don't go with purple dresses?

A: Bright orange tends to look a bit off with purple. Classic fire-engine red can be tricky too, though deeper reds like burgundy actually look amazing. Trust your gut - if it looks weird in your mirror, it probably is.

Q: Can I wear brown shoes with purple?

A: Yes! They absolutely do! Cognac brown looks gorgeous with deeper purples like plum.