When the summer heat really sets in, there are few pieces I rely on more than a white cotton dress. Easy, breathable and versatile, it works just as well for office days as it does for alfresco dinners. But while the dress itself is uncomplicated, the styling can totally dictate the mood—and I’ve just landed on the shoe trend that makes a white summer dress look its very chicest.

Rather than leaning into delicate sandals or barely-there heels, I’m increasingly drawn to the sharp sophistication of a black pointed-toe heel. The contrast against the crisp white cotton feels striking in the most elegant way, grounding the lightness of the dress with a polished finish that elevates the entire look. What might initially sound too stark actually creates a refined balance that makes even the simplest summer dress feel far more sophisticated.

And it seems I’m not alone in thinking so. Whilst in Cannes this week, actor Eva Longoria stepped out in the exact combination. Forgoing the expected strappy sandals, she styled her white dress with sleek black pointed-toe heels, introducing the perfect amount of contrast and giving the look a more elevated, evening-ready feel that suited the glamorous setting.

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