Goodbye, Gladiator Sandals—Fashion Insiders In London are Wearing These 5 Shoe Trends Instead
From strappy mules to jelly flip flops, this seasons shoe selection is especially strong. Fashion expert Lauren Cunningham shares the sandals, trainers and heels the best dressed women are wearing.
There are a few unofficial signs that signal the start of summer: the sound of an ice cream truck, the smell of sunscreen on the walk to work and the baring of toes as you swap boots for sandals. Around this time of year, there's certainly no shortage of summer shoe options. Though among the coolest London dressers, some clear favourites for the new season are already emerging.
In a big city, practicality is equal to, if not more important than, aesthetics alone, and the summer shoes of the moment reflect exactly that. You wouldn't want to run for the tube in a wooden wedge, after all, nor an overly beaded strappy heeled sandal—I promise they're never as sturdy as they seem.
The sway, instead, is towards shoes that are both pared-back and polished, with slight alternations or updates that make them feel fresh. The failsafe flip flop—this season in trending 'jelly' material—make for easy outfit building, as do ballet flats, which are made more impactful in a snake print pattern. And as with jeans, tops and jackets, retro styles are proving all the more popular. Think 90s minimalist mules and the trainers you probably paraded around in at school. Scroll on for inspiration on how to work each style into your own wardrobe from the London-based ladies whose style I love.
5 Summer Shoes Trends Styled By London Girls
1. Jelly Flip Flops
Style Notes: In case you missed it, jelly is having a moment. I'm not speaking about the dessert (although, I have seen this trending on my Pinterest feed, but that's a story for another time), I'm speaking about the plastic shoe. Where jelly shoes used to just be their own thing, in recent years the plastic material has been adopted to many of our favourite summer styles: ballet flats, kitten heels, thong sandals. Not, it's the flip flop. Leading the charge is Christopher Esber, whose PVC sandals have already been spotted on many a cool dresser. The high street, predictably, is catching on fast, reimagining one of our footwear staples and reviving them in with an '80s and '90s mood. Well, what is summer is not for fun shoes?!
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I'm always spying these flip flops on my daily Instagram scroll.
This milky blue tone will pair just perfectly with summer whites.
This is a great option for the minimalists among us.
I own four pairs of Ancient Greek Sandals as they're incredibly well made. Plus, red shoes are trending once again.
2. Snake Print Flats
Style Notes: Ballet flats have long been a London girl staple, so it's little surprise to see them front and centre for yet another summer season. Rather than classic black, expect Matthieu Blazy's bold pink and burgundy Chanel pumps to lead the way, alongside a slightly more daring snake print. So long leopard print! What I love most is that the snakeskin pattern contrasts effortlessly with lightweight linens, cotton and even denim for a cool and casual finish.
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Consider these pointed-toe pumps your for every occasion shoe, whether for work or the weekend.
If you can't quite get on with the ballet flat come summer, a snake print mule offers the same effect.
Le Monde Béryl is fast becoming the if-you-know-you-know shoe brand among the best-dressed. The sticking point? It's now hard to find their pieces in stock.
A square toe flat feels a touch more fashion-forward than rounded styles, and they work especially well with jeans.
3. Strappy Mule Sandals
Style Notes: Thanks to Love Story and the renewed fascination with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's wardrobe, '90s minimalism is having another moment. Light-wash jeans, white T-shirts and strappy mules are on heavy rotation. Versatile enough to work with almost any outfit, they now come in an impressive number shades and heel heights to suit every preference. The lower the heel, obviously, often the more comfortable.
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Massimo Dutti's black leather strappy sandals are more similar to Marilyn's. Wear with everything from jeans to mini skirts and dresses for an easy elevated finish.
Almost every fashion editor I know owns a pair of Aeyde shoes and these sandals feel especially polished.
If you're looking for a real warm weather strappy sandal, consider one in a bright and bold shade. Orange will pair with more than you might think.
Saint Laurent's Tribute mules are a famed for being a key strappy mule style. If you're after an iconic high heel, this is a strong choice to invest in.
4. Vans
Style Notes: The last time you wore Vans, you may also have had braces, a backpack and homework, but the 2010s favourite is quietly making a comeback through the wardrobes of the coolest women around. Love them or loathe them, expect to spy a smattering of both the classic checkerboard print and the more minimalist lace-up sneaker this summer.
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First popular in the 70s, then 80s, and 2010s, the immediately recognisable shoe is seeing yet another resurgence.
For those not too keen on the bold chequered print, the lace-up canvas is also especially popular.
Proving their popularity, Valentino Garavani only recently collabed with the retro trainer brand, producing this skater-inspired shoe.
To very gently step back into the Vans trend, this neutral suede trainer feels a bit more modern.
5. Satin Slipper
Style Notes: The one downside to summer dressing? The inevitable blisters brought on by flip flops, sandals and every other kind of chic shoe (leather flip flops are a particular menace). So, a slip-on is always worth having in the rotation for exactly this reason, especially in sleek satin. Versatile enough to solve many a tricky styling dilemma, officewear very much included.
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These padded satin mules are sure to be extra comfortable, perfect for soothing sore feet after an unfortunate weekend.
For ultimate luxury, look to Loro Piana's viscose-silk blend mules in both black and cognac.
A bold colour feels especially apt for the evenings, especially in warmer weather.
The Row's minimalist pieces have captured more than a few fashion lovers' hearts, and these June Mules have, predictably, already sold out in most sizes.
