It’s true—for years, flip-flops have been synonymous with easy summer dressing. They’re the shoes we instinctively reach for when the temperatures rise, and whether we’re heading to the beach, running weekend errands or packing for a holiday abroad, they’re the throw-on-and-go wonder that we’ve come to rely on. But this season, fashion’s most stylish dressers are proving there’s a whole host of chic alternatives that deserve a place in your warm-weather wardrobe too. Offering the same effortless appeal, but with a noticeably more elevated finish, this summer’s biggest anti-flip-flop trends strike the perfect balance between comfort, versatility and polish.

From nostalgic colour trends and elegant flats, to timeless woven sandals and refined loafers, the shoes dominating both the streets and the runways feel considered yet incredibly easy to wear. They pair just as effortlessly with linen trousers as they do floaty dresses, Bermuda shorts and tailored separates, making them the kind of hardworking investments you’ll reach for time and time again. And, better still, these styles transition seamlessly from casual daytime to your evening plans too, proving that practical footwear doesn’t have to compromise on style.