Unlike black or brown dresses, I’ve always found navy pieces just a little trickier to style, especially when it comes to choosing the right shoes. I love the richness of a deep navy hue, but I often find it doesn’t pair quite as naturally with the rest of my footwear collection. Black, although classic, sometimes gets a little lost, while other dark tones don’t necessarily feel relevant, especially given the season we’re currently in. So when I spotted Dakota Johnson wearing a navy dress in the most elegant and seamless way—thanks in no small part to her shoes—I couldn’t help but take note.
Wearing a sweeping midi in a classic navy tone, Johnson elevated the look with a pair of fresh cream heels. The soft contrast brought lightness to the outfit without introducing a jarring pop of colour—an inspired combination that made the darker shade feel unexpectedly fresh for summer.
(Image credit: Splash)
Where stark white can feel too sharp and jet black can weigh the look down, a soft cream feels just right. It’s warm, elegant and quietly sophisticated—everything you want when wearing a deeper tone like navy in the warmer months.
Beyond being a clever pairing, cream colourways are shaping up to be a key shoe trend this summer. Zara’s minimalist kitten heels are destined to sell out, while COS’s refined flats have firmly cemented a spot on my wish list.
Read on to discover edit of the best navy dresses and cream shoes to style now.
SHOP NAVY DRESSES AND CREAM SHOES:
& Other Stories
Draped Sleeveless Midi Dress
If I’m ever unsure of what to wear, an elegant draped dress is always my first port of call.
ZARA
Kitten Heel Slingback Shoes
The slingback heel trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
H&M
Flutter-Sleeve Dress With Broderie Anglaise
Be quick! I can’t see this staying in stock for long.
COS
Leather Ballerina Flats
Every great summer wardrobe starts with an elegant pair of ballet flats.
H&M
Draped Bodycon Maxi Dress
This comes in sizes XXS—4XL.
Arrange
Leather Heeled Mules
Style with denim or pair with a rich navy dress.
Reformation
Rou Knit Dress
While I love this in the rich navy blue, it also comes in black, brown and red.
A.Emery
Park Embroidered Leather Ballet Flats
The light cream shade makes these so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
Sézane
Mahaut Dress
Style with fresh cream shoes to brighten up this heavy shade.
Reformation
Waldena Block Heeled Mule
I’m banking these for all of my summer weddings.
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