How to Wear the Summer Heel Trend Everyone Bought Last Year in 2026
Look like the coolest dresser this season.
Last year, one shoe trend dominated the internet and the streets. It was easy to style, perfect for the warm weather, and very comfortable for all-day wear, and it wasn’t a pair of flip-flops. It was its much more elegant older cousin: kitten-heel thong sandals. This shoe trend was genuinely everywhere we turned, and now it’s back for another round of being summer’s top shoe trend. Kitten-heel thong sandals are the answer to your summer shoe dilemmas. Trust me, I’ve already dusted off my pair for the rest of the season.
I’ve seen them styled with long shorts all around NYC and with white denim online. Some fashion people are even wearing them with casual cargo pants for a stylish contrast. If you haven’t tried a pair of kitten-heel thong sandals yet and need some convincing, keep scrolling for some outfit inspiration and shop each look.
With Long Shorts
Long shorts are back to take their rightful place as summer’s It bottoms trend. They look especially chic with a pair of kitten-heel thong sandals and a delicate top. This look is perfect for spring and the transition into summer. I’m never opposed to outfit repeating, as this look is perfect for any daytime occasion, whether you’re going to an event or just running errands and want to look cute. Accessorize with a pair of sunglasses and a simple shoulder bag, and your look is complete.
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With Polished Black and White Pieces
More often than not, less is more. Let your shoes do the talking by keeping your clothing items simple. A polished white linen button-down shirt and a pair of black Bermuda shorts will do just the trick. You can even try styling this look vice versa with a black top and white Bermuda shorts, and it will still look just as elevated. Throw on your shoes, a pair of sunglasses, and a bag, and you’re chic for the day.
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With White Denim
White denim is always an interesting way to switch up a spring and summer look. We all love summer whites, so a pair of white jeans is fitting to wear with a pair of kitten-heel thong sandals. Try styling your denim and shoes with a lightweight funnel-neck jacket if the weather permits. Then add a burgundy, slouchy leather shoulder bag for a pop of color. And if you really want to up the ante, wear a pair of kitten-heel thong sandals in a bright color like orange.
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With Balloon Pants
Balloon pants are perfect for spring and summer. They’re flowy, lightweight, and make an outfit even more fun without trying too hard. Try styling them with a pair of kitten-heel thong sandals and a funnel-neck jacket like this look, or if the weather is much warmer, just stick with a simple white tank top or baby tee. You’ll still look incredibly chic either way. Throw on your everyday shoulder bag to take on the day as your best-dressed self.
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With a Trench
Trench coats are always a must for spring, as chilly mornings and nights call for them. Rather than a pair of sneakers or flats, try dressing up your outfit with a pair of thong sandals like this look. It’s simple but still chic. This look is perfect for a night at the museum or walking to dinner. It’s also a great look for a chilly day of running errands.
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With a Sheer Skirt
Sheer skirts are quite controversial, but if you’re brave and want to try them, then I highly recommend them. They look so cool with a pair of thong sandals. Let the shoes and skirt be the combination everyone focuses on, and just add a plain white, ribbed tank top. Your look will pop even more if you keep your top as simple as possible, like this outfit. Again, the less-is-more approach is always worth it. This look is one of the easiest ones to put together out of the bunch and undeniably the coolest.
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With a Tank and Cargo Pants
If you want to give It-girl energy all spring and summer, then you need to keep contrast in mind when getting dressed. Try styling your thong sandals with a pair of cargo pants and a simple tank top. It can be a white tank and tan cargoes, or you could choose your own color combinations. This outfit is quintessential cool girl, and if that’s the vibe you want to give off this season, then this look is for you to re-create.
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At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.