It's true—for years, flip-flops have been synonymous with easy summer dressing. They're the shoes we instinctively reach for when the temperatures rise, and whether we're heading to the beach, running weekend errands or packing for a holiday abroad, they're the throw-on-and-go wonder that we've come to rely on. But this season, fashion's most stylish dressers are proving there's a whole host of chic alternatives that deserve a place in your warm-weather wardrobe too. Offering the same effortless appeal, but with a noticeably more elevated finish, this summer's biggest anti-flip-flop trends strike the perfect balance between comfort, versatility and polish.

From nostalgic colour trends and elegant flats, to timeless woven sandals and refined loafers, the shoes dominating both the streets and the runways feel considered yet incredibly easy to wear. They pair just as effortlessly with linen trousers as they do floaty dresses, Bermuda shorts and tailored separates, making them the kind of hardworking investments you'll reach for time and time again. And, better still, these styles transition seamlessly from casual daytime to your evening plans too, proving that practical footwear doesn't have to compromise on style.

So, f you're looking to refresh your summer wardrobe or simply want an alternative to the ubiquitous flip-flop, you've come to the right place dear reader. Keep scrolling to see the key summer shoe trends fashion editors, influencers and industry insiders are embracing this season—styles that feel modern, timeless and destined to become the hardest-working pairs in your collection (and not a flip flop in sight).

1. Cage Shoes

Style Notes: One of my favourite things about flip-flops is how breathable they are. On the hottest days you won't want to commit to full coverage, leather shoe, and for that reason, caged sandals should be high on your agenda. Just as easy to slip on and go, but with a little more directional detailing, from jellies to leather, cages sandals are proving popular during heatwaves when you need a shoe smarter than a flip-flop .

Shop Cages Sandals:

2. Gold Sandals

Style Notes: Eat your heart out, Carrie Bradshaw—statement gold sandals have skyrocketed almost overnight, an expected colour choice for sunny summers. It makes perfect sense though, once the sun catches this metallic, it really comes alive, so whether you're wearing an equally dressy slip, or styling up a white tee and jeans, these shoes are the focal point that are sure to earn you compliments.

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3. Boat Shoes

Style Notes: We can't discuss summer shoes without preparing for every eventuality (this is British weather after all), and once the hot spells have subsided you're going to need something a little more substantial—enter the boat shoe. These may be considered divisive, but the truth is, they aren't too far removed from the classic penny loafer, just with some extra detailing. All of my favourite pairs right now are in buttery soft suede that pairs well with white dresses and voluminous trousers, but did I mention how good bold pops of colour look too?

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4. Rope Sandals

Style Notes: Windbreakers, Bermuda shorts, bucket hats and visor sunnies, fashion is experimenting with another Gorpcore summer, and if it looks like it could have stepped straight off a hike and onto a runway, it's going to score major points. Inspired by trekky-chic (can we call it that?), rope sandals have the same trail-following energy as the laces of a hiking boot, albeit with more elevated execution. Take notes from Alexis [pictured above] and keep your look simple, allowing the sandals to take centre stage.

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5. Ladylike Shoes

Style Notes: As much as minimalist flip-flops feel like they go with everything, they aren't quite right for every dress code. Sometimes when you need a little extra polish, only the smartest shoes will do, and this summer instead of severe courts and angular heels, you can trust ballet flats, slingbacks, and to get the job done. Take it from the best dressed French girls who are rarely seen in flop-flops away from the beach.

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6. Wedges

Style Notes: We've had a lot of trends (both bad and good) make a reappearance off of the back of the Y2K revival, and one of the most recent is wedges. Peep toes, flatforms, boho wood—the elevated sole is highly favoured again (pun intended), and they make for more comfortable and longer wear than most skinny heels. Exactly what you need on a hot summers day.

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The spell of good weather is far from over, but by this point in the season, even your go-to summer favourites can start to lose a little of their shine. If you're feeling that way, rather than investing in an entirely new outfit, I'd recommend making one small addition to enhance your summer rotation.

Courtesy of Jennifer Lopez, who I recently spotted on holiday swapping classic black flip-flops for a sophisticated gold pair, my summer wardrobe is about to get a whole lot more elevated. Styled with a white cotton minidress, the metallic sandals enhanced the lightness of her look rather than grounding it, as black leather flip-flops inevitably would.

There's something inherently elevated about gold footwear. While it's not your typical neutral, it's just as versatile—its pale shade wearing well with many others. Unlike cream or beige, gold adds a little extra depth and dimension to an outfit, whilst tying in with gold jewellery to create a sense of cohesion that always feels considered.

Inspired to give your summer wardrobe one final refresh? Read on to discover the best gold flip-flops to shop now.

Shop Gold Flip-Flops:

As someone who is just about to embark on a girls’ holiday to Mallorca later in the month, you can only imagine my delight upon realising that Jennifer Aniston had just touched down on the Balearic Island for a vacation of her own.

The Spanish hotspot has always attracted the most discerning tastemakers, from Audrey Hepburn to Dua Lipa, so it should come as no surprise that the Emmy Award-winning actress had chosen it for her Euro Summer vacation plans. However, as someone in the throes of planning my wardrobe for my own trip, knowing what the star had decided to pack for her holiday certainly piqued my interest.

Despite being far more well-travelled than me, it came as a slight shock to see her in an outfit I’d never particularly wear whilst abroad. Though her itinerary only seemed to include cruising around on a yacht, she stepped out wearing bootcut jeans, flip-flops and The Row’s highly sought-after and, sadly, sold-out Margaux bag. That is to say, the exact formula that she’s been wearing on repeat since the ‘90s.

Since her breakthrough, and dare we say, most iconic role as Rachel Green on Friends, the actress has never wavered from her signature minimal style. It’s one of the qualities that has made her approach to personal style so prolific, with her looks always consistently simple and elevated, regardless of the shifts in the trend cycle. Because of her commitment to always wearing minimal essentials you’ll find in any well-edited wardrobe, her silhouettes never date.

If it were me, I’d probably touch down in Palma wearing jelly sandals, balloon shorts and a raffia hat; an ensemble that could serve me for both a casual setting and the Deià beaches I’d be making a beeline for. (Though I certainly wouldn’t say no to carrying her designer bag.)

Despite our different approaches to summer dressing, there is something to be said for sticking to your laurels, even if that is wearing casually cool denim on days where the temperatures can soar above 30°C. And truth be told, wearing something more streamlined and pared back, especially for a travel day, will ultimately have you appearing far more considerate in the long run. So, scroll through to shop the staples Jennifer Aniston has relied on during every passing summer, and has even gotten this fashion editor to change her tune.

Shop Jennifer Aniston's Black Flip-Flops, Bootcut Jeans and The Row Bag:

We're approaching that sweet spot in summer when the temperature dips just enough to make styling your favourite jeans feel appealing again. At the same time, sandal season is far from over, and thus, the perfect conditions for one of my all-time favourite outfit formulas—straight-leg jeans and thong sandals—has arrived.

In fact, I'm already seeing this styling formula find its feet. Spotted on the very same evening, Cindy Crawford and Claire Foy stepped out in the combination, putting a spotlight on the jeans and shoe combinaiton that chicest dressers will be wearing next.

Wearing jeans in the same timeless cut, Cindy and Claire swapped skinny and flared styles for relaxed straight-leg jeans with a slightly oversized, '90s-inspired fit. Keeping their looks effortless, they paired their jeans with pared-back flat sandals—Cindy opting for sleek T-bar thong sandals, whilst Claire chose simple flip-flops.

Whilst Cindy completed her look with a billowy black blouse and Claire leaned into the approaching season with a rich red knit, this jeans and shoe trend works just as well with a simple white tank or classic T-shirt, making it an easy outfit formula to you can revisit throughout the rest of summer and well into early autumn.

The outfit combination I'll be wearing until the very last warm day of the season, scroll on to shop the straight-leg jeans and thong sandals I recommend.

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I've always believed that some of the strongest outfits are born in the space between seasons, so whilst I'm still making the most of summer dressing, I've also started thinking about the autumn staples I can begin weaving into my wardrobe now, and Jennifer Lawrence has reminded me of one of the very best.

Pairing summer's favourite shoe trend—sleek leather flip-flops—with what I predict will be one of autumn's most-worn trousers, wide-leg black styles, Jennifer crafted one of her best looks. Effortless and elegant, her black, wide-leg trousers and leather flip-flops outfit offers an easy way to settle your styling into the new season without giving up the breezy pieces we're still reaching for now.

Choosing fluid black trousers that pooled around her feet, Jennifer's minimalist leather flip-flops revealed just enough skin to stop the look from feeling heavy. She finished the outfit with a white button-down shirt, styling a knit draped over her shoulders and tied across the front, and Dior's convertible Cigale Bag in a soft pale pink worked to bring a hit of colour to an otherwise pared-back palette.

We're currently in that sweet spot of the year when full-length trousers feel comfortable again, but open-toe shoes are still more than appropriate. If you're looking for an easy outfit formula to wear now and well into next season, keep scrolling to shop the best wide-leg black trousers and leather flip-flops to recreate Jennifer Lawrence's look below.

Shop Black Trousers and Flip-Flops:

I'm constantly surrounded by stylish women. Between the well-dressed colleagues I work with every day and the steady stream of celebrity outfits I keep tabs on for work, I'm never short of outfit inspiration, and lately, within these style circles, I've noticed a specific outfit formula cropping up again and again. All of a sudden, jeans and loafers are no longer the default. Instead, fashion people are reaching for capri pants styled with kitten-heel flip-flops for just about every occasion.

If this combination has become the summer 2026 equivalent of jeans and loafers, it's for good reason. Spotting the pairing multiple times around the office this week was one thing, but then I saw it twice at the same event, with both Vittoria Ceretti and Kylie Jenner stepping out in almost identical looks.

The first to catch my eye was Kylie, who emerged at last week's World Cup wearing sleek, knee-grazing capri pants with the season's favourite shoe trend. Overtaking strappy sandals and slingbacks, kitten-heel flip-flops have become a fashion-person favourite shoe. Resting on a low heel, they offer lift without sacrificing comfort, whilst the minimalist flip-flop silhouette lends outfits a covetable '90s ease.

Whilst the cropped hemline of capris can visually shorten the leg, the slight elevation of a kitten heel helps to balance proportions, creating a longer, sleeker silhouette that's suited to high-summer dressing.

Model Vittoria Ceretti was also amongst those I've recently spotted in the combination, styling her cropped capri trousers with the same trending heels.

Fashion's newest favourite outfit formula shows no signs of slowing down. Scroll on to shop the chicest capri pants and kitten-heel flip-flops to recreate the look yourself.

Shop Capri Pants and Kitten Heel Flip Flops:

Leather flip-flops will always have a place in my wardrobe, but if you're looking for a flip-flop that feels just a little more playful this summer, there's another style I have to point you towards.

Spotted beachside this week, Eva Longoria swapped classic leather pairs for a set of clear flip-flops, styling the trend with high-waisted denim shorts and a simple bikini top. Bringing an easy-going energy to her outfit, Eva's transparent flip-flops leaned into the season's favourite shoe silhouette, all the while offering the practicality needed for beachside styling. Unlike leather styles, the rubberised construction copes with sand and water, making them a smart choice for holidays and beach days.

Whilst their casual nature makes them a natural partner for denim shorts, I also love the idea of using them to bring a playful twist to this season's knee-length skirts and elegant midi dresses, as the transparent finish means they pair well with any shade.

A few seasons ago, I never would have predicted clear flip-flops would become a fashion-person favourite. Yet in 2026, they're proving to be one of the most surprising summer shoe trends around. Intrigued? Scroll on to shop the best clear flip-flops below.

Shop Clear Flip-Flops:

Aside from sun protection, the main objective when choosing summer accessories is to enhance your outfit. The warm weather and lack of layers that come along with it allow for more fun and freedom when choosing your accessories. There may not be many parameters when shopping for summer accessories, but something I always avoid is ones that lean tacky. Good news: The five summer accessory trends I'm highlighting below are anything but. In fact, they do the opposite of cheapening your outfits—they elevate them in one fell swoop.

Why just five accessories, you ask? Well, these are big ones, and among them all, they cover pretty much every category: a bag, a sandal, a piece of jewellery, a sunglasses style, and headgear. Something else to note about these accessories is that I have a strong feeling that they'll be sticking around for future summers, so they'll be smart, worthy wardrobe investments if you choose to make them. Scroll on to find out why they're so very useful and to shop my favourite options from each category.

1. Logo-Less Raffia Tote

Style Notes: Raffia totes are nothing new, and that's part of the reason they're such a smart purchase. This summer, in particular, the fashion crowd is gravitating toward classic logo-less totes.

Shop the Elevated Accessory:

2. Wraparound Sunglasses

Style Notes: You probably know by now that the coolest sunglasses to wear right now have a futuristic wraparound shape. They're so chic that they elevate literally any outfit they're paired with, so they're basically magic.

Shop Warparound Sunglasses:

3. Leather Flip-Flops

Style Notes: All flip-flops are trending right now, but this most elegant, outfit-upgrading pair you can wear are leather ones—hands down.

Shop the Elevated Accessory

4. Pendant Necklaces

Style Notes: Pendant necklaces are back, and it's bold, summary shapes on a long cord that the chicest dressers are embracing. They look especially chic paired with simple summer clothing.

Shop Pendant Necklaces:

Silk Head Scarves

StyleNotes: Baseball caps and raffia bucket hats are lovely headwear options, but the most 2026 accessory to wear on your head is a silky scarf. It pairs perfectly with a bikini, among other things.

Shop the Elevated Accessory

Flip-flops are currently dominating the fashion scene from the streets of New York City to the coast of the Hamptons and the hills of Los Angeles. However, I say this in the nicest way, but not everyone wearing them knows how to style them in the most elevated way possible. One option, though, is to follow Sofia Richie Grainge's lead. Instead of defaulting to classic linen trousers, swap them for a more forward option like jacquard pants.

This week, Grainge posted a carousel of photos on Instagram captioned "SRG Summer." In the pictures, she wore a chic warm-weather ensemble that included a strapless scarf-style top paired with matching jacquard drawstring pants. She added a blue-and-brown striped sweater, which she casually draped over her shoulders, and completed the look with brown flip-flops and a raffia shoulder bag. But just because her outfit was simple and understated doesn't mean it wasn't polished.

Jacquard pants add richness to the thong sandals, while the flats ground them, creating a balanced look. It's a win-win situation. On top of that, the pant trend feels more relevant than ever right now because jacquard is having a moment. Aside from pants, the intricate pattern is adorning coveted shoes such as The Row's Frances Slippers, which have been spotted on the likes of Kendall Jenner and Elsa Hosk in recent months.

All that said, if you're looking for an easy way to make your favorite flip-flops look expensive, jacquard pants would be one of my top recommendations. Read on to shop my edit of the best pairs below.

Shop Jacquard Pants and Flip-Flops

Yes, there actually is a "cool girl" way to style jeans and sandals right now, and, fresh from the streets of Los Angeles this week, Lucy Hale demonstrated exactly what it looks like. Forgoing slim-fitting denim and chunky caged sandals, she instead reached for slouchy wide-leg jeans and understated, '90s-inspired flip-flops—the chicest way to wear denim and get your toes out this summer.

The loose-leg jeans skim the frame for a comfortable and relaxed feel. Meanwhile, the barely-there flip-flops keep the look streamlined and balance the volume of the denim, whilst the slip-on design plays into the unfussy energy of the look

Styled with a simple strappy tank, a baseball cap and, with a smoothie in hand, Lucy delivered one of the coolest—and most L.A.—looks I've spotted all summer.

To get this chic styling formula right, let the jeans puddle slightly and hang loose, then offset their volume with sleek, minimal sandals. Taking Lucy's outfit as my blueprint, scroll on to shop the wide-leg jeans and '90s-inspired flip-flops I'd recommend buying—and wearing together—this season.

Shop Wide-Leg Jeans and Flip-Flops:

Minimalist skinny thong sandals have had an undeniably strong run, becoming the default warm-weather shoes for everything from relaxed denim to polished tailoring. But if this summer has proven anything, it's that fashion people are starting to crave footwear with a little more presence. Rather than reaching for barely-there silhouettes, the most stylish dressers are gravitating toward versions that still feel sleek but bring a stronger, more directional finish to every outfit.

The update comes in the form of thick thong sandals. Defined by wider leather straps, sculptural footbeds, and a substantial shape, they make even the simplest outfit feel intentional. The silhouette strikes that rare balance of effortless and elevated, making it just as appropriate with breezy dresses as it is with linen trousers, oversize button-downs, or relaxed jeans. It's the kind of subtle shift that gives an entire wardrobe a current feel without requiring a complete overhaul.

Whether you're shopping luxury labels or affordable brands, thick thong sandals are quickly becoming the style fashion insiders are investing in. They offer all the versatility of their slimmer predecessors but with a richer, more modern aesthetic that feels perfectly aligned with where style is headed. If you're looking for one shoe trend that will carry your wardrobe through the rest of summer and well into early fall, this is the pair worth prioritizing.

The Thick-Thong-Sandal Trend

Get the look: Sheer black top + Black maxi skirt + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Zip-up sweater + Linen pants + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Pink jacket + Leggings + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Strapless top + Loose and long shorts + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Bright tank + Midi skirt + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Black top + Loose trousers + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: T-shirt dress + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Loose blouse + Ruffle skirt + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Knit tank + Loose skirt + Silk scarf + Thick thong sandals

Get the look: Linen top + Linen skirt + Thick thong sandals

It's officially flip-flop season, and whilst my Instagram feed is awash with stylish women wearing everything from Havaianas and Bobbies to The Row's now-iconic Dune sandals, there's one pair I keep spotting above all the rest: Ancient Greek Sandals' Saionara Jelly flip-flops. This season, it's the glossy red pair in particular that's quietly reached cult status.

In many ways, they feel like the natural successor to The Row's now-iconic Dune flip-flops, which sparked fashion's obsession with elevated thong sandals and, more recently, unexpected pops of red. The Saionaras capture that same understated appeal, but with a softer, more playful sensibility. Crafted from translucent PVC, they catch the light in a way that almost resembles glass, bringing subtle texture and interest to even the simplest outfit.

What I love most, though, is their versatility. They look just as at home styled with linen trousers and oversized shirts as they do with cotton poplin dresses, Bermuda shorts or a slinky black skirt for dinner. Equal parts nostalgic and directional, they're the sort of sandals that quietly pull an outfit together without ever competing for attention.

Keep scrolling to shop the cult style, along with the other flip-flops fashion people are backing this season.

Shop The Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Flip-Flops

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The outfit of summer 2026 is here, and all you need to re-create it is a tank top or T-shirt, low-rise drawstring pants, and flip-flops. Now that we're melting our way through July and summer outfits abound, some themes have become quite apparent, and one is that this outfit formula has become the fast favorite among cool dressers. Due to the often-oppressive heat of summer and the laid-back pace of life this time of year, simple and versatile outfits that are appropriate for the sweltering days are necessary, and the one I'm calling the number-one summer outfit of 2026 fits the bill perfectly.

The beauty of this outfit is that the options of tees and tanks to wear with drawstring pants of any color or print are endless. You could dress it up for the city or down for a day at the beach. Either way, if you wear this breezy pant outfit, you'll look effortlessly cool. Keep scrolling to see and shop the popular outfit formula.

Shop 6 Versions of the 3-Piece Outfit

Outfit 1

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Outfit 2

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Outfit 3

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Outfit 4

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Outfit 5

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Outfit 6

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If you want to keep jeans in your summer rotation, then you'll appreciate the chic denim-and-sandals pairing I just spotted in New York. Stepping out in the city, Dua Lipa styled a classic pair of straight-leg stovepipe jeans with black leather flip-flops, bringing an effortlessly cool, '90s-inspired energy into her low-key look.

Building on her understated foundation, Dua layered a black tank top beneath a white button-down shirt, finishing the look with oversized black sunglasses and a roomy black leather shoulder bag, creating an unfussy but polished summer outfit that's so easy to recreate.

Whilst ballet flats will always look chic with jeans, this latest heatwave makes the pairing feel a little impractical. Instead, open-toe leather flip-flops have become the summer shoe of choice. More refined than the chunky fisherman sandals that have dominated the past few summers, this pared-back style works particularly well with this season's slimmer jean silhouettes, creating a sleek, warm-weather outfit that you can keep coming back to.

One of the chicest ways to style denim this summer, read on to shop my edit of the best Dua-inspired jeans and leather flip-flops available now.

Shop Jeans and Flip-Flops:

As we settle into this week's heatwave and the sun-soaked month of July, I’ve been frantically analysing my summer wardrobe to ensure I’m making the very best use of it. After combing through what I consider a very carefully curated edit, I’m positive my clothes are in a good place (I've stocked up on enough pretty blouses and lightweight linens to make it until August); but it wasn't this that made me take pause. No, the issue arose when I looked at my footwear—more specifically my flip flops.

As a fashion editor who believes comfort and style should work in conjunction, I must admit, I’d fallen short when it comes to sandals. After poorly investing in cheap impulse buys, the pairs I do own were rigid and unforgiving, wreaking havoc on my legs and feet with every wear. Luckily for me though, Archie’s Arch Support Flip Flops (£35) suddenly popped on my social media feed. With 124,000 positive reviews and a loyal following amongst the fashion girls of London, New York and LA, I couldn’t help but wonder what all the fuss was about.

Designed with the brand's signature arch support, the contoured footbed and deep heel mould to your feet, reducing foot strain (in short, no more aching ankles). With a seamless all-in-one construction and finished with thick, supportive straps they’re reassuringly durable—so worrying about a snapped toe-thong or a pushed-out plug is a thing of the past. And in the comfort department, the girls on my FYP have reaffirmed they come second to none. Thanks to their stretchy toe-post, “scrunching your dogs" to keep your flip-flops in one place will happen no more.

As if Archies couldn’t get any better, they’re backed by some of the chicest, flip flop-wearing celebrities too. Jennifer Aniston has long ditched her ‘90s Havaianas for a number of the brand's 16 colours (and if there’s anyone with a breadth of flip-flop knowledge, it would be Jen Ann. Pairing well with your summer rotation of midi skirts, leggings and linen trousers, it's crazy to think one little switch will make a world of difference. Scroll down to shop Archie’s Arch Support Flip Flops below.

Shop Archies Arch Support Flip-flops Below:

Every summer has that one outfit formula that suddenly clicks among the fashion crowd, and this season, I keep coming back to dresses with flip-flops. I know, I know—it sounds almost too simple. But that's exactly why it works. After countless summers of chunky or strappy sandals and overly complicated summer shoe trends, there's something about a minimalist pair of flip-flops that makes a dress feel instantly effortless. It's easy and unfussy, perfect for hot summer days where simply even putting on clothing is a challenge (much less thinking about your footwear).

I've been spotting the combination everywhere lately, from Paros vacation photo dumps to Parisian street style shots. A breezy linen dress, a pretty satin slip, a cotton poplin maxi—they all feel a little more relaxed with simple flip-flops instead of overly intricate footwear. No need to go out and buy a whole new summer wardrobe, just looking at the pieces you already own a little differently. Ahead, I'm sharing the dress-and-flip-flop pairings I'm loving most this summer, plus the pieces I'd shop for each.

How to Wear Dresses and Flip-Flops This Summer

Tank Dress + Flip-Flops

Lace Slip Dress + Flip-Flops

Asymmetrical Dress + Jeans + Flip-Flops

Eyelet Dress + Flip-Flops

High-Neck Dress + Flip-Flops

Silk Dress + Flip-Flops

V-Neck Dress + Flip-Flops

Kaftan Dress + Flip-Flops

Don't get us wrong—black flip-flops are a staple in any well-curated summer wardrobe. But if you already own a pair or two, consider adding a fresh alternative to your rotation this season. While there are plenty of anti-black designs, such as colorful two-tone styles and bold beaded ones, a surprisingly versatile option that stands out is leopard-print flip-flops. Just look at Lori Harvey.

Spotted in L.A. last week, Harvey styled dark-wash baggy jeans with a black tank top. She accessorized with black sporty sunglasses and carried a large shopping tote bag on her shoulder. For shoes, she wore Alaïa's leopard-print flip-flops.

On Lori Harvey: Alaïa shoes

The appeal of leopard-print flip-flops lies in their versatility. Long considered a fashion neutral, the pattern blends well with foundational shades like brown, tan, black, and white. Whether paired with relaxed denim and a simple tank top or a button-down shirt and pencil skirt, this sandal trend adds just the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming the outfit.

For a carefree, effortlessly chic look, consider swapping out standard black flip-flops for leopard-print flip-flops. Don't be surprised when the compliments follow. Keep scrolling to shop the best pairs.

Shop the Best Leopard-Print Flip-Flops

If the summer of 2026 has taught me anything, it's that the flip-flops we once relied on solely as poolside shoes have now firmly cemented their place as a capsule wardrobe staple. Talk to any editor, influencer or fashion person in 2026, and you’ll find that they all own at least one pair of these easy slip-on sandals. Long gone are the days of the flimsy rubber in overly bright colours we all probably associate with our childhood; in their place lie a myriad of sleeker, versatile shades that you’ll spot on any elegant dresser. The most recent colour I’ve been spotting on chic fashion people? Brown hues that perfectly strike the balance between being classic enough to pair with any colour or pattern and feeling fresh enough to serve as a nice yet no-less-polished point of difference from timeless black flip-flops.

I can picture myself styling these with my white tank and black linen trousers for the office, and swapping them for a lace-trimmed satin slip dress and a statement clutch for summer evenings. But not only will brown flip-flops pair well with your warm-weather staples now, but they can easily be taken well into early autumn by pairing them with a lightweight cardigan and stovepipe jeans.

Whether you’re thinking of investing in a trusty high-street hero or olanning to splurge out that bit of extra cash on a designer find, brown flip-flops are guaranteed to last in your wardrobe for many years to come. Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best.

The Best Brown Flip-Flops for Summer 2026

Aside from sun protection, the main objective when choosing summer accessories is to enhance your outfit. The warm weather and lack of layers that come along with it allow for more fun and freedom when choosing your accessories. There may not be many parameters when shopping for summer accessories, but something I always avoid are ones that lean tacky. Good news: The five summer accessory trends I'm highlighting below are anything but. In fact, they do the opposite of cheapening your outfits—they elevate them in one fell swoop.

Why just five accessories, you ask? Well, these are big ones, and between them all, they cover pretty much every category: a bag, a sandal, a jewelry piece, a sunglasses style, and headgear. Something else to note about these accessories is that I have a strong feeling that they'll be sticking around for future summers, so they'll be smart, worthy wardrobe investments if you choose to make them. Scroll on to find out why they're so very useful and to shop my favorite options from each category.

Logo-less Raffia Tote

Raffia totes are nothing new, and that's part of the reason they're such a smart purchase. This summer, in particular, the fashion crowd is gravitating toward classic logo-less totes.

Shop the Elevated Accessory

Wraparound Sunglasses

You probably know by now that the coolest sunglasses to wear right now have a futuristic wraparound shape. They're so chic that they elevate literally any outfit they're paired with, so they're basically magic.

Shop the Elevated Accessory

Leather Flip-Flops

All flip-flops are trending right now, but this most elegant, outfit-upgrading pair you can wear are leather ones—hands down.

Shop the Elevated Accessory

Pendant Necklaces

Pendant necklaces are back, and it's bold, summery shapes on a long cord that the chicest dressers are embracing. They look especially chic paired with simple summer clothing.

Shop the Elevated Accessory

Silk Headscarves

Baseball caps and raffia bucket hats are lovely headwear options, but the most 2026 accessory to wear on your head is a silky scarf. It pairs perfectly with a bikini, among other things.

Shop the Elevated Accessory