You’ve draped your saree perfectly, the pleats are on point, your jewelry sparkles just right and then comes the big question: which type of sandals to wear with saree? Every Indian woman has faced this struggle at least once.
It sounds like a small detail, but the wrong pair can totally mess up your look (and your comfort). You don’t want to be tripping on your pallu halfway through a wedding sangeet, right? So, let’s dive into how to pick the perfect sandals — by color, style, and occasion — and how to slay every saree moment like the queen you are.
Start with the Occasion (because vibe matters!)
Not every sandal suits every event, the type of saree, the place, and the time of day all matter.
For weddings or festive events:
Think shimmer, metallic tones, and drama. Heels always elevate the grace of a saree. Try Kolhapuri heels or embellished wedges. They give you height without torturing your feet through a six-hour function.
For office or casual wear:
Keep it minimal and comfy. A solid tan or nude sandal works with cotton and linen sarees. Low block heels or flat sandals look elegant without screaming, “Look at my feet!”
For traditional ceremonies or temple visits:
Go ethnic and easy. Simple flats, juttis, or slip-on Kolhapuris look beautiful with silk or handloom sarees. Bonus: they’re easy to remove if you need to enter barefoot.
Match the Sandal to the Saree Style
The kind of saree you’re wearing can instantly narrow down your sandal options.
Georgette or Chiffon Sarees:
These are light, flowy, and dreamy. Pair them with sleek heels to wear with saree, like pencil heels or metallic stilettos. They elongate your frame and add that touch of glam that Bollywood heroines swear by.
Cotton or Linen Sarees:
Perfect for daily wear or summer events. Go for comfortable flats or wedges. Even good sandals for pregnant women, those soft, supportive ones, can pair beautifully with a crisp cotton saree.
Designer or Party Sarees:
Think glittery straps, rhinestone work, or bold colors. Wedges, ankle-strap heels, or peep-toe sandals are perfect for that red carpet moment (even if it’s just your cousin’s engagement).
Silk Sarees:
They’re grand, rich, and demand classy footwear. Think gold-toned heels or traditional heels with a little shine. Avoid chunky sneakers or platforms; they’ll look too out of place.
Coordinate with Saree Color
Here’s the rule: your sandals should complement your saree, not compete with it. If your saree is heavily embellished, keep the footwear subtle. And if the saree is simple, go wild with the sandals: sequins, beads, glitter, whatever makes you happy.
- Black or brown sandals suit earthy sarees, think khadi, cotton, or printed ones.
- Gold or beige sandals go with almost everything, from red silks to pastel chiffons.
- Silver or metallic tones work beautifully with cool colors like blue, lavender, or mint.
- Go for contrast, like red sandals with a white saree or emerald green with peach. Just make sure it looks intentional, not accidental.
Height and Comfort: Don’t Sacrifice Your Toes for Fashion
You might want to look taller, but that doesn’t mean you should wobble all night. When choosing heels, always test your comfort first. Can you walk naturally? Can you climb stairs without holding your saree like a newborn?
Block heels and wedge sandals are your best friends for weddings, receptions, and parties. They give you height, stability, and confidence. If you’re new to heels or planning to dance, skip stilettos, trust me, they’ll betray you by the third round of garba.
And if you’re pregnant or just need extra comfort, good flats or Kolhapuri sandals for pregnant women are surprisingly chic now. Look for cushioned soles and adjustable straps, perfect for long hours in sarees or kurtas.
Walking Gracefully in Sandals
Here’s a quick tip that’ll save you from countless saree stumbles. Always adjust your saree length after you wear your sandals. That way, your pleats sit just right, and you’re not stepping on your own pallu. When walking with sandals on a saree, take smaller steps.
Keep your back straight and walk like you’re floating. If your sandals have straps, make sure they’re secure; you don’t want them slipping mid-walk. And if you’re still worried, practice walking in your saree at home. Seriously, it works wonders.
Bonus: Mix and Match with Other Outfits
One of the best parts about investing in good sandals is how versatile they can be. When your footwear is both pretty and practical, it earns its place in your wardrobe forever. The same pair you wear with a saree can often go with your other outfits too.
- Even your sparkly sandals can make it to date night with a cute dress.
- Pair your ethnic flats or Kolhapuris as sandals with lehenga during weddings.
- Use your wedges or metallic heels as sandals to wear with jeans for that Indo-Western brunch look.
Final Thoughts
Choosing which type of sandals to wear with saree isn’t rocket science; it’s a mix of comfort, color, and confidence. The right pair can lift your outfit (and mood) instantly.
Whether you go ethnic with juttis online, glam with heels, or comfy with wedges, just make sure your sandals make you feel fabulous. Because when your feet are happy, your saree drape automatically looks better, and that’s the real secret nobody tells you.
FAQs
- Which type of sandals to wear with saree for a wedding?
Go for Kolhapuris, wedges, or metallic strappy sandals that add height and sparkle.
- Can I wear flats with a saree?
Absolutely! Ethnic flats, Kolhapuris, or juttis look great with cotton or silk sarees.
- Are heels necessary with saree?
Not mandatory. But heels to wear with saree help improve posture and make the drape fall beautifully.
- Can I reuse my saree sandals with other outfits?
Yes! The same pair can go with lehengas, jeans, or even Indo-western looks.
- What’s the best footwear for comfort?
For long events or pregnancy, opt for shoes to wear with saree or sandals with cushioned soles and ankle support.

