I Can't Stop Staring at These 18 Perfect Summer Shoes

Last year, I traveled to Australian Fashion Week for the first time and while I was there, I was introduced to a number of incredible brands that continue to leave me captivated. From seeing stunning fashion shows like the one at Christopher Esber to visiting showrooms in Sydney to discover the collections of other designers, the unique point of view Australian fashion brands have left a big impression on me. Here, designers are pros at creating beautiful pieces with modern details, but also an easiness that makes them very wearable.

While there's no denying their expertise with beachwear and resort wear, shoes are another place where they shine. From strappy heels to minimal flats, their beautiful designs are ones I have stocked in my closet and can't stop talking about. Here, discover some of my favorite Australian shoe brands.

Studio Amelia

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(Image credit: @studioamelia_)

Creative director Emily Inglis of Studio Amelia designs shoes that are the ultimate balance of effortless and sleek. With an eye for minimal silhouettes ranging from wrap sandals to strappy heels, consider these the timeless shoes you'll have in your closet for years and years. The brand is a personal favorite and I own two pairs of the slingback flats—they're a wardrobe staple and I can attest that they go with practically anything.

Shop Studio Amelia

Christopher Esber

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

When I attended Australian Fashion Week last year, I instantly fell in love with the sophisticated designs of Christopher Esber after seeing his runway show. His shoes are infused with details like architectural straps and minimal wedges that are just dripping in coolness.

Shop Christopher Esber

By FAR

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(Image credit: @byfar_official)

By FAR is a label that you're bound to find in any cool fashion person's closet. Taking inspiration from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, the throwback designs have all the elements of cool style from decades past but are finished the modern details that still make them feel very of-the-moment.

Shop By FAR

Mara & Mine

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(Image credit: @maraandmine)

Founded by former stylist Tamie Ingham and model Jasmine Yarbough, Mara & Mine is a collection of stylish flats and heels inspired by their backgrounds in fashion. Here, you'll find everything from chic ruched straps to '90s-inspired square-toe silhouettes.

Shop Mara & Mine

A.Emery

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(Image credit: @alexisforema)

Launched by founder Anna McLaren, A.Emery focused on minimalist silhouettes and a versatile, neutral palette. The designs were also spotted on the runway at the Matteau resort 2020 show.

Shop A.Emery

St. Agni

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(Image credit: @stagnistudio)

Founded by husband and wife team, Lara and Matt Fells, St. Agni is the epitome of casual chic. All of the shoes are handcrafted by artisans who take up to 10 hours to make each pair.

Shop St. Agni

Next, discover the seven biggest swim trend to know about for 2020.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.