How to Style Summer’s Hottest Shoe Trends, From Ballet Sneakers to Rope Sandals

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Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu, The Image Direct, The Row, Xander Opiyo

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As summer temps continue to climb, our clothing count drops accordingly. When it’s hot and sticky, it only makes to want to wear as little as possible. But less doesn’t have to mean boring. Minimal items can still have maximum impact, particularly when it comes to the space south of our ankles.

Shoe trends are a great way to experiment with summer style, and this season there are so many fun ones to choose from. From nostalgic favorites like jellies and rope sandals, to the comeback of the ’90s thong sandal and the omnipresent retro sneaker, we’ve picked our favorite shoe trends of summer and are showing you how to style them. Read on!

Vogue’s Favorite Summer Shoe Trends:

Featured in this article

The Cord Sandal
Flòwze Flo sandals
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The Minimalist Flip-Flop
A.Emery Flora leather flip flops
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The Summer Boot
Khaite Clive boots
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Cord Sandals

Miu Miu’s hike-friendly cord sandals call for a micro miniskirt, preppy polo, and extra accessories.

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Miu Miu

Nastro sandals

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Alex Mill

cropped Jo shirt

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Prada

stripe oxford pleated mini skirt

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Éliou

Diero necklace

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Flòwze

Flo sandals

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Loeffler Randall

Ozzy Sport sandals

Summer Boots

Though you may want to avoid these on the 90-plus degree days, boots look chic in the summer when paired with a breezy mini dress.

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Khaite

Clive boots

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Dôen

Almadia crochet-trimmed mini dress

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Massimo Dutti

nappa leather woven tote bag

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Chan Luu

Sundial dot bandana

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JW Anderson

zip-detailed ankle boots

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Zara

split leather kitten heel boots

Flip-Flops

Channel your inner Olsen twin in elegant thong sandals paired with easy red trousers and a tank, for a cool twist on summer off-duty wear.

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A.Emery

Flora leather flip flops

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Toteme

Curved ribbed stretch tank

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Donni.

The Linen Simple pants

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The Row

small Bindle tote

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The Row

Dune flip flops

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Aeyde

Melody leather flip flops

Ballerinas

Lean into the detailed minimalism of Alaïa’s raffia ballet flats by pairing them with sleek basics and oversized sunnies.

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Alaïa

leather-trimmed raffia ballet flats

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Cos

boat-neck a-line midi dress

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Miu Miu

Miu Enigme sunglasses

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Aesther Ekme

fold-over flap shoulder bag

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Le Monde Beryl

mesh Mary Jane ballet flats

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Gucci

Double G ballet flats

Boat Shoes

The once-preppy staple has received a high-end makeover courtesy of Miu Miu, Emme Parsons, and the like. Pair yours with elegant separates, like an oversized shirt and long-line short. Ahoy!

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Emme Parsons

Parker flats

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J.Crew

Étienne oversized shirt

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Leset

Arielle City crepe shorts

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Kallmeyer

cottage tote

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Reformation

Fia boat loafers

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Miu Miu

unlined bleached leather loafers

Jellies

The early-aughts staple and has fully entered the summer-chic echelon. Bring yours into the now by pairing a flirty matching set and basket bag.

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Ancient Greek Sandals

Iro jelly flats

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J.Crew

x Rouje Poet top

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J.Crew

x Rouje Poème skirt

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Hat Attack

Mary tote

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Cos

cut-out jelly ballet flats

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Gap

jelly ballet flats

Ballet Sneakers

Harry Styles will certainly agree: slim, ballerina-like sneakers are the sporty-chic choice of the season. Between his white Dries Van Noten pair and his bright yellow Prada pair, his summer shoe wardrobe is on point.

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Prada

Collapse low-top suede sneakers

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Cos

crew-neck cotton t-shirt

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Still Here

Everyday relaxed mid-rise jeans

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Loewe

aviator slim sunglasses

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Toteme

canvas low top sneakers

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Adidas

Tokyo shoes

Strappy Sandals

An elegant T-strap sandal will be your best friend this summer. It’s the perfect piece to dress down a maxi or dress up a simple trouser.

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Jil Sander

leather t-strap sandals

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Sir

Pietra printed maxi dress

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Sophie Buhai

egg small hoop earrings

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Toteme

Scoop suede clutch

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Khaite

Cage flat sandals

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Madewell

The Kira sandals