My Flat Shoes Have Some Competition: I'm Styling Jeans and Skirts With These Chic Heels Instead This Summer
After hours of scouring the spring/summer 2026 runways, I’ve found the seven standout heel trends that every it girl will be wearing this season.
I have to be honest, I’m very much a flat-shoe fashion person most of the time, but on those occasions that I do decide to throw on a heel, I can guarantee you it will be a very simple black one. Polished, put-together, and, most importantly, expensive-looking at any price point, I’ve only ever invested in classic black heels. But with summer 2026 on the horizon, I’ve decided to look for fresher heel trends to elevate my otherwise minimal outfits. And trust me when I say that the heel trends that I've found are already giving my flat shoes a run for their money.
Now, of course, this doesn’t mean that I’ll be investing in heel styles that are hard to style or feel too out there for my pared-back comfort zone. But it does mean that I’ve spent the last few weeks searching for non-flat shoe trends that feel as fresh for 2026 as they do timeless enough to last in my wardrobes for years to come
My first port of call? The runway, of course, and the spring/summer 2026 shows were filled with a myriad of chic heel styles that are set to dominate the upcoming season. And you’ll be pleased to know that they all come minimalist-approved. From elegant high-vamp iterations that are perfect for the office to playful PVC styles reminiscent of my early-2000s childhood, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the seven standout heels trends that everyone will be wearing this summer.
Keep scrolling to discover the seven heel trends set to dominate summer 2026 (and beyond).
7 Heel Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear In Summer 2026
1. Flip-Flop
Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear UK, then you’ll know just how much we adore a flip-flop in summer. But for 2026, this classic sandal is getting an elegant update in the form of heeled silhouettes. Much more suited to formal occasions than my regular flat-shoe iterations, I’ll be reaching for this polished sandal trend for weddings, garden parties and dinner dates alike.
Shop the Trend:
Simple, chic and easy to style.
I'd style these with a white linen co-ord and leather woven tote.
No one will guess these are a high-street find.
Pair with everything from light linen trousers to floaty midi dresses.
Understated elegance.
2. Snakeskin
Style Notes: With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that still remains muted and versatile, snake-print heels dominated the spring/summer 2026 runways with everyone from Mugler to Elie Saab hopping on the trend. Over the past few years, we’ve seen leopard, cow and even deer print take over the footwear market, but as a minimalist, the understated and sleek vibe of snake print makes it by far the most compelling high-heel choice.
Shop the Trend:
These will pair well with neutrals and bold hues alike.
These won't stick around for long.
An investment heel that you'll keep in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Mint Velvet is so good right now.
Manolo Blahnik always gets it right.
3. PVC
Style Notes: If you’re into the playful jelly sandal trend that’s also making a comeback this season, then let me introduce you to the shoe styles' chic older cousin. Enter the PVC heels. Reminiscent of the vinyl styles that dominated the late ‘80s and early 90’s, this heel trend is officially back for summer 2026, backed by the likes of Simone Rocha, Loewe, Leonard Paris, and so many more.
Shop the Trend:
These will go with everything.
These are currently at the top of my luxury summer wish list.
These are perfect for minimalists who want to try out the trend.
Zara always gets it right.
For if you really want to make a statement.
4. Two-Tone
Style Notes: If you know that you’re unlikely to branch out from your neutrals this summer, then the two-tone heel trend thats set to dominate 2026 is for you. Not only does this shoe style feel more elevated than your typical one-coloured heel, but the high-contrast nature of the trend will look expensive and intentional at any price point.
Shop the Trend:
Straight from the runway.
These look like so many designer options on the market right now.
Perfect for in or out of the office.
Between the canvas base, contrasting leather, and curved heel, this pair is seriously elevated.
Such a pretty colourway.
5. Barely-There
Style Notes: If you’re a minimal dresser, then you’ll be happy to know that barely-there heels are trending again for summer 2026. Classic, incredibly easy to style and inherently polished, you cannot go wrong with investing in a pair of these versatile heels to keep in your wardrobe for many seasons and years to come. But the best part? This '90s-inspired shoe style looks expensive at every price point, meaning there’s something suited to all budgets this summer.
Shop the Trend:
No notes from me.
Minimalists will love these.
The perfect summer event heel.
The styling possibilities are endless.
These have such a '90s feel to them.
6. High-Vamp
Style Notes: Sandal season is officially here, but if you dislike getting your feet out around the busy streets of London as much as I do, then I have the perfect shoe trend for you. The high-vamp heel trend, defined by its obvious lack of toe cleavage and higher coverage around the front of the foot, echoes the chic power-dressing silhouettes that defined the 1980s. To me, it's the perfect heel style for those of us who prefer that sleeker, more sophisticated look, lending itself well to office and evening dressing.
Shop the Trend:
Wear with jeans, midi skirts or Bermuda shorts alike.
The chicest shoe silhouette I've seen in a very long time.
I almost mistook these for designer.
For an effortless pop of colour.
So sleek.
7. Statement Stiletto
Style Notes: From edgy metallics to bold floral applique, statement stilettos were spotted all over the spring/summer 2026 runways from the likes of Chanel and Weinsanto. Wearing this eye-catching shoe style might initially feel rather daunting, but trust me when I say they're actually incredibly easy to style, due to the fact that this statement shoe will stand out on its own, needing only the simplest of basic layers to go with it. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward heel that you’ll rely on for special occasions, no matter the time of year.
Shop the Trend:
A statement heel if I've ever seen one.
Imagine this with a white satin midi dress and statement clutch.
These look way more expensive than their under-£50 price tag.
Iconic.
Just wow.
