Match your accessories to each other, not to the dress.

That’s the rule.

Matching your sandals and tote to the exact shade in your beach dress usually ends up looking a bit costume-y—like you’re trying too hard for a resort catalog. Instead, treat the dress as the statement piece and let the accessories form their own little team.

Stick to a neutral or tonal pair: tan leather sandals with a natural straw tote, or white canvas with beige rope sandals. They’ll tie the whole look together without fighting the dress. If your dress has a pattern, pull one of the minor colors for an accent accessory (like a blue sandal to match a blue floral) but keep the other piece neutral.

You want to look put together, not like you’re wearing a uniform.