What Color Sandals Would You Wear With a Very Dressy Coral Dress?

A model rocks a coral dress with sleek nude sandals at the Erga Turban runway show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul in 2013.
... Ian Gavan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

No matter the length or style, a fancy coral dress is a head-turning look, thanks to its freshness and vibrancy. Since the color can be a little playful due to its brightness, it’s important to keep the vibe dressy when choosing a pair of shoes. High-heeled sandals, in everything from understated neutrals to sparkly metallics, pair nicely with a coral frock. Just be sure the overall ensemble is assembled with care.

1 Neat in Nude

Pair your dressy coral frock with sleek nude sandals. If you're wearing coral in spring and summer, a tan, blush or beige strapped wedge sandal does wonders for lengthening your legs and adding height. Find a sandal color that blends in closely with your skin tone for extra elongation. Choose leather or a patent-leather finish, and play off the warmth of a nude shoe with gold accessories. Try a chunky gold cuff and dangling earrings and carry a soft tan or peach envelope clutch with a gold clasp.

2 Major in Metallics

Dress up your coral look even more by opting for metallic footwear. Brushed silver, gold, platinum and bronze strapped sandals infuse an extra does of glamour. Reach for a pair with a thin ankle strap or opt for a t-strap style with embellishments, like rhinestones, crystals or studs. Choose this type of footwear when your frock is a simpler cut and style, as adorned heels with a beaded or ruffled dress can sometimes give an overworked impression. Finish the look with a metallic miniaudiere clutch and matching metallic earrings.

3 Beautiful in Black

If you’re looking to transition your coral dress from summer into fall, a pair of black strapped sandals is your best bet. Choose high heels in a black patent leather, but keep the style simple as to not distract from your fetching frock. Work other bits of black into your overall ensemble -- think a black statement necklace, a lacy black blazer or an armful of black and rhinestone bangles.

4 Pop of Color

Make a statement by pairing your bright coral dress with sandals in another bold hue for a cool colorblock effect. Part of the beauty of coral is its blend of orange, red and even a little pink; as a result, it looks striking against the complementary shades of turquoise, cobalt, mint and emerald. Wear your frock with strapped sandals in one of these vivid shades and tie the look together with a mixture of colorful and metallic accessories. For example, pair a silky coral scoop neck sheath with a turquoise and gold statement necklace, gold studs, turquoise high-heel sandals and a beige bag with gold accents.

Stacey Kole holds a Master's Degree in Education and has written for a variety of education publications. She also was managing editor of the International fashion and beauty publication Savvy, penning cover stories on such celebrities as Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough.

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