Trust Me, I'm a Stylist—You Only Need These 6 Shoes This Summer
Scroll on to shop the ultimate summer 2026 shoe capsule, that fashion people will be wearing on rotation this season.
Anyone else enjoying a more curated wardrobe these days, or is it just me? The older (and wiser) I get, the more I realise I'm not interested in having lots of pieces in my collection, just the right ones. I want to spend less time rifling through drawers and piles of unmatched shoes in the morning and more time enjoying my coffee in peace.
This is why, as a stylist and fashion editor, I'm such an advocate of a capsule wardrobe. Give me a small edit of versatile and easy-to-style pieces any day over complicated trends and uncomfortable designs I know I'll hardly wear. And it's not just clothes I apply these principles to—it's footwear as well. At the beginning of each season I try to pinpoint just a few shoe styles that feel chic and relevant, that I know will cover me for all occasions. And since summer is just around the corner, I thought I'd share with you the six styles making up my summer shoe capsule for 2026.
Don't worry, just because it's a shoe "capsule" doesn't mean it has to be boring. It's important that a capsule works for you and your own personal style, so this is more about curating a selection of hardworking shoes to complement (and elevate) your existing summer wardrobe than just covering off the basics. The following six styles, in my expert opinion, are at once practical, versatile and incredibly stylish. I've been keeping tabs on all the new spring/summer collections, and a close eye on the feet of the coolest influencers and industry insiders (not in a weird way, I promise)—and it's these six styles that I can guarantee you'll see on rotation this summer.
The best bit? You probably own some of them already. Minimalist leather sandals are eternally chic, so it's unsurprising that these feature again for 2026. Keep your low-profile trainers and slip-on flats from spring within reach—these lightweight styles become the perfect partners for summer's dresses, denim shorts and linen or poplin trousers when you need a more comfortable, closed-toe option. Comfort reigns in the heels category as well, and I'm convinced just one simple '90s wedge is all you need to go from weddings to work and weekend dinners in style. While classics are essential in a capsule collection, summer is a great time to have some fun with your accessory choices—so I'm backing colour block flip-flops and jelly sandals as your personality pieces for summer 2026. They'll breathe life into last year's warm-weather basics, that's for sure.
Keep scrolling to see and shop my six-piece summer shoe capsule wardrobe for 2026...
The Minimalist Sandal
Classic but still cool.
The epitome of anti-trend.
I've always loved a lace-up sandal.
Such a good price point.
Another great high street option.
The Wedge Heel
Perfect if you want a high heel height.
Shoes are a perfect way to add a pop of colour to a neutral outfit.
I love the vinyl touch here.
SO chic.
Reformation always has really good minimalist shoes.
The Lightweight Trainer
Even more lightweight than a Samba.
The mesh makes these feel really elevated.
A fashion girl favourite.
The ruched back is a popular design choice for summer 2026.
Act fast, these are selling out everywhere.
The Colour Block Flip-Flop
I just ordered these myself.
The original that kicked off the whole trend.
A more purse-friendly version.
I love this bold blue.
Colourful and jelly—two trends in one.
The Soft Slip-On
No matter how many ballet flats I see, these remain the perfect style in my opinion.
No one will think these are from the high street.
So simple and fresh.
I still have these on my wish list.
Slipper mules are about to be really big.
The Jelly Shoe
Surprisingly comfortable.
I love the butter yellow.
You can always count on COS for cool shoes.
The cult designer buy of the season.
Such a bargain.
