In Paris and NYC, These 7 Shoe Color Trends Signal a Chic Summer Outfit
If there's one thing I've noticed while scrolling street style photos from Paris and walking around downtown NYC lately, it's that everyone's outfits seem to start from the shoes up. This summer, it's not just about the silhouette. It's the color that makes the look feel fresh, from polished chocolate-brown sandals to powdery pastel heels and bold two-tone ballet flats. The chicest dressers are swapping predictable neutrals for shades that instantly elevate even the simplest outfit formula. I've been especially drawn to how these shoe colors make summer basics—like relaxed denim, breezy white dresses, and tailored shorts—feel intentionally styled without trying too hard.
Below, I'm breaking down the seven shoe color trends fashion people in Paris and NYC are wearing nonstop this summer and sharing the best pairs to shop if you're ready to give your warm-weather outfits a chic refresh.
Shop the Best Summer Shoe Color Trends
Stark White
Prepare to drag our your favorite pair of white shoes. Just like breezy white dresses and maxi skirts are back in, this surprising shoe color trend is once again making its way back into the trend cycle. Stark-white flip-flops or ballet shoes looks effortlessly cool with linen pants or jeans.
Clear PVC
Just as jelly sandals entered our whimsical collective consciousness last year, clear gummy-bear shoes are here to stay. Unlike previous iterations, though, fashion people are leaning all in to the PVC footwear trend, opting for clear materials and see-through shoes.
Muted Turquoise
Red flip-flops are so 2026. Instead, fashion people have been taking a liking to dark, muted tones like turquoise and olive green. Deep, rich blue shoes are especially striking when layered against bright hues and colorful pastels that will no doubt be everywhere on the streets of Mallorca and Taormina.
Butter Yellow
Who doesn't love a bright, summery butter-yellow moment? When worn with a simple white-button down and jorts, butter-yellow shoes have to be the bright spot in summer 2026 shoe trends.
Vintage Brown
Continuing on the rich theme, worn-in vintage-brown mules, boat shoes, and ballet flats have been having a moment. Nothing looks quite as chic as shoes that have been well-loved on travels across the globe or in your own neighborhood.
Black and White
Thanks to the newfound love of Matthieu Blazy's Chanel, fashion people's affinity for two-toned shoes, specifically in black and white, has been making its way across our feeds. While you can keep it classic with simple ballerina flats and corresponding color-blocked toe cap, options like espadrilles and comfortable sneakers will serve you well too.
Faded Denim
With the rise of colored jeans, fashion people have been getting their classic denim fix by incorporating jean material into their footwear. Whether it's a pair of faded slingback flats or a funky designer denim pair, this summer 2026 shoe color is an It-girl favorite.
