How to Match Your Shoes to Your Outfit and Not Look Old-Fashioned (2024)

Much has been made of Melania Trump’s First Lady fashion, from her robin's-egg blue Ralph Lauren inauguration outfit (the color, the references to Jackie Kennedy, those long gloves) to her recent U.K. state visit outfits (which drew comparisons to the royals). A common thread has been the matchy-matchiness of the styling: Often her shoes will match the colors of her dress or suit. It’s the kind of outfit choice that, in recent years, has come to be seen as old-fashioned. Also, it should be said, who can afford to buy shoes to match everything in their closet?

Still, the look, which was popularized in the 1960s by the debutante set (Jackie Kennedy included), seems to be having a moment in fashion, even among women who definitely don’t want to take style cues from their grandmothers.

The royals seem to be a fan. Kate Middleton has been employing this styling trick for years.

Ever since becoming a duch*ess herself, Meghan Markle has adopted it too.

Even Princess Diana did it.

Simply put, wearing a dress with matching shoes has its benefits. First, it makes picking out an outfit a lot easier, and second, it gives an unexpected polish to pretty much anything you're wearing.

On the runway, designers including Chanel, Balenciaga, and Valentino have been showing clothes with matching shoes in everything from herringbone to intricate beaded patterns, while coordinating heels and gowns has become a bona fide red-carpet trend among celebrities lately. Street style, though, is really where to look for inspiration on how to pull this off like a true fashion person.

Here, a few tips and tricks for matching your shoes to your outfit while still looking very, very modern.

Choose shoes that are one shade darker than your outfit.