It's Here: The Summer 2026 Way to Wear a Dress With Sandals

Ana Escalante's avatar
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Published In Features
Elsa Hosk wearing a mini summer dress with flip-flops.
(Image credit: @hoskelsa)
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Every summer has that one outfit formula that suddenly clicks amongst the fashion crowd, and this season, I keep coming back to dresses with flip-flops. I know, I know—it sounds almost too simple. But that's exactly why it works. After countless summers of chunky or strappy sandals and overly complicated summer shoe trends, there's something about a minimal pair of flip-flops that makes a dress feel instantly effortless. It's easy and unfussy, perfect for hot summer days where simply even putting on clothing is a challenge (much less thinking about your footwear).

I've been spotting the combination everywhere lately, from Paros vacation photo dumps to Parisian city street style shots. A breezy linen dress, a pretty satin slip, a cotton poplin maxi—they all feel a little more relaxed with simple flip-flops instead of overly intricate footwear. No need to go out and buy a whole new summer wardrobe, just looking at the pieces you already own a little differently. Ahead, I'm sharing the dress-and-flip-flop pairings I'm loving most this summer, plus the pieces I'd shop for each.

How to wear dresses and flip-flops this summer

Drawstring Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @monikh)

Lace Slip Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @balencianas)

Assymetrical Dress + Jeans + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Eylet Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @rubylyn_)

High-Neck Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

Silk Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @thealiceedit)

V-Neck Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Kaftan Dress + Flip-Flops

Woman wearing summer dress with flip-flops.

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)
Ana Escalante
Ana Escalante
Associate Features Editor

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.