My Chicest Colleague Tipped Me Off—This '90s Sandals Trend Will Replace Ballet Flats This Summer
I heard that shell sandals will be the ballet flats of 2026—suddenly, I’m seeing them everywhere.
If you’re in the market for a fresh summer shoe trend, allow me to introduce the only new-in style I'm backing for this summer: shell sandals. Closing in on Mary Janes and ballet flats as fashion people’s go-to chic shoe, I have a feeling these embellished flip-flops are about to be everywhere this season.
A little more whimsical than the ultra-sleek flip-flops that have dominated for the past few summers, shell sandals bring a playful, relaxed energy to an outfit while still delivering that polished, warm-weather finish. Adorned with shell or mother-of-pearl embellishments, they almost feel jewellery-like and impart a slightly dressier edge.
They work just as well with relaxed linen trousers and an easy tank as they do with a floaty summer dress, making them a clever addition to any summer capsule wardrobe. And with fashion’s wider shift towards mermaid-inspired styling alongside the arrival of high summer, I can’t imagine it’ll be long before the chicest dressers start adding them into their regular rotation.
Tempted to get ahead of the trend? Keep scrolling to discover the chicest shell sandals to shop right now.
Shop Shell Sandals:
Style these with linen and cotton dresses all summer long.
Be quick! I can't see these staying in stock for long.
These also come in a dusty pink shade.
These are such a chic alternative to flip flops for the high summer months.
Style these with jeans or pair them with a trending sheer skirt.
The flip flop trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Add a pop of colour to your summer rotaion.
I'm banking these ahead of high summer.
