We’re halfway through 2026, and we’ve managed to tick off a fair few things on the spring-to-summer transition checklist. Spontaneous heatwave? Check. Freak showers? Check. Misjudged jacket situation? Check, and check. But if one thing is for certain in the back and forth of the last few weeks, it’s that we’re fully in the throes of sandal season.

If you’re not yet pedicure ready, consider this fair warning. No matter whether you’re wearing a blouse and jeans, or shorts and a tank top, sandals are the easiest and chicest go-to shoe right now, and there’s no better feeling than packing away your winter boots to the back of the wardrobe ready to embrace a hot summer.

With so many sandals on the market it’s difficult to know where to begin. Do you invest in a smart heel that will be perfect for wedding season? Are flip flops too casual to wear to the office? Are wedges really the major trend that the internet would suggest right now? Well, I’m happy to say that I’d done the legwork for you, and rounded up some of this season’s biggest sandal trends to make your life easier. Whether you’re packing your suitcase or just preparing for summer in the city, consider these the summer shoes that will elevate your warm weather outfits to dressy new heights.

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1. Bare Minimal

Style Notes: It’s always refreshing to see any fashion trend take off that really requires no muss, no fuss from the wearer, and barely-there, minimalist sandals are set to be huge in 2026. Chalk it up to our love of brands like The Row, Khaite and Jil Sander, but this is a shoe trend that leans into ‘less is more’, and lets your outfit do all of the talking. Hero styles are undoubtedly the simple black flip flop and delicately strapped flats, but whatever shape you choose, look for a restrained palette of black, white and cocoa brown for a timeless shoe that will go with everything already in your wardrobe.

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2. Beads. Beads, Beads

Style Notes: You might not be quite ready to turn your wardrobe over to the khaki safari trend, but one way you can nod to the look is with a pair of beaded sandals. There is something free-spirited about these embellished sandals that will bring even the most simple outfit to life, and even though you might not be able to trek across the Serengeti in a Jimmy Choo kitten heel, you can look every bit the intrepid explorer while navigating the city.

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3. Textural Attraction

Style Notes: Minimalist sandal fans, look away now. If you thought a basket bag was enough, raffia and woven sandals are bubbling up this year, and are the perfect accompaniment to your cotton dresses and linen trousers. This summer you can find slippers, espadrilles, and even heels in raffia that look they could have handwoven by artisans in an old town. You might not find Moschino’s full pom pom sandals the most wearable [pictured above], but rest assured, these textured sandals are surprisingly versatile, and make for a great conversation starter.

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4. Little Bow Peep-Toe

Style Notes: Elegant! Classy! Refined! Peep toe shoes are the sartorial equivalent of a dry martini—retro, but sophisticated. With brands like Jude making the peep toe feel modern again, they have suddenly surged in popularity among the a-list and influencers alike, and are the perfect option for warmer days that could do with a little ventilation. You don’t have to commit to heels though—with so many options on the market, you can find just as many peep toe flats as you can stilettos, and Mimi’s look [pictured below] is a masterclass in how to dress up casual linen co-ords with a smart summer shoe.