Flat shoes for this dress?

[Socksandfrocks]

Bought today for work, meetings, Networking events but not sure kind of shoes to wear with this kind of dress apart from heels.
I'd normally wear some small heeled strappy sandals or boots like the model, probably smart trainers if wearing casual.
There's a red version of it and the model wears flat ballet shoes and I think it looks awful and frumpy.
For reference I'm only short and a size 18 so can't have anything too bulky.

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/dresses/light-grey-snake-print-satin-wrap-midi-dress/p/874064908?extcam=UK_PPC_PMax_Generics_Priority_Google_DV_m_AGID__PRID_8740777&_cclid=Google_Cj0KCQjwusunBhCYARIsAFBsUP8Fs3fxwlW8sE0qDp2eoNmim1gFSwY-YGPXsMYrwqD42VTzTzG-IsMaAlQ_EALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwusunBhCYARIsAFBsUP8Fs3fxwlW8sE0qDp2eoNmim1gFSwY-YGPXsMYrwqD42VTzTzG-IsMaAlQ_EALw_wcB

Honestly, I don’t think flat shoes will work for that dress at all.

The OP asked for suggestions for flat shoes as she's probably going to be standing around at networking events. She has said standing around in heels is a pain. And it is - heels that are fine to walk in can quickly become painful when you're standing still on one spot.

I don't agree that flats are wrong but OP wants some sort of heel too.

I think a low heeled wedge would go with the dress and it's the most comfortable option for standing still on one spot. Standing still in heels concentrates all your weight on the ball of the foot - a wedge distributes it evenly.

Low heeled wedge

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/womens-mod-box/black+silver-tone-loafers/p/25683147

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/edits/big-brand-delivery/black-logo-carla-loafers/p/25001103

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/women/shoes/heels/black-leather-un-blush-go-loafers/p/25553256

You're going to need the correct undergarments underneath that dress otherwise it will look terrible. It's got nothing to do with you being size 18 and everything to do with the fabric. It looks thin and flimsy. I'd strongly recommend an underslip, which will make it hang much better and prevent clinging.

I think the dress is fine for work and I work in a conservative office environment. I might put a slip underneath.

Shoes, I'd wear black loafers. The grandeur ones from Dune are comfortable for standing and walking all day and are wide fitting (don't know if you have wide feet of course, I do). They are £85 but discounts/eBay are available.

also low cut at at least the model has it low cut
but as you say, the split doesnt go far up
i have a skirt with a split and i was forever trying to hold it together - gave up wearing it

Those last tk maxx ones from Clarks are great!

Well if you're young with great legs why not a split. Even royals do these days.

Ooh I do like them Clark's ones too thankyou, still not convinced loafers will go though..

I'm edging towards more of a wedge I think though.

Thanks all for all the ideas

Mule loafers! They will look perfect in a blush pink or maybe even white leather
https://www.dunelondon.com/glowed-snaffle-trim-backless-loafer-blush-0076500620104625.html?glCountry=GB

Ooh I like the idea of this actually.