As someone who has a white pedicure all year round, I'm ready to bare my toes as soon as someone says "let's book a flight somewhere hot". As a summer person, the answer to a trip to somewhere warm will always be "YES", so while I wait for an upcoming holiday, I'm relying on the UK to pull through with sunny days. Luckily, with a heatwave on the horizon, so it's all systems go when it comes to planning warm-weather outfits. But only the ones that are worthy of forcing my boyfriend to take a picture of me in will do, so they have to be good.
With plenty of summer outfit inspiration already on Instagram, I want to show you the 5 summer looks I plan on copying. And to do so, they require putting trainers, ballet flats and slipper shoes to one side, in favour of summer's hero shoe: sandals. But which styles are trending in 2026? Rope iterations are being added to shorts, wedge thongs are paired with nostalgia-inducing dresses and trousers, and the humble flip- flop never fails when added to sporty shorts. Sound good? Keep scrolling to see the key sandal styles everyone is backing this summer, and the outfits to style them with—according to the chicest women on my feed.
1. Flip Flops + Sporty Shorts + Fine Knit Top
Style Notes: Rubber, jelly, suede or leather—it doesn't matter as long as they're a simple flip flop. The minimalist '90s silhouette never fails to be a summer hero, so if it isn't broke, right? Vanessa matches her brown pair to sporty Adidas shorts (yep, they're back once again) and I love how they look with a loose-fit knit top.
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This suede iteration looks so polished.
Love the navy contrast on this pair.
So sleek over a bikini top.
This screams 'summer' from all angles.
At the top of my summer wish list is this Loewe x Paula's Ibiza bag. I'm in love.
2. Thong Wedges + Linen Dress + Olive Jeans
Style Notes: The art of summer layering is a true skill, and London-girl Chloe has mastered it. I remember wearing dresses over trousers as a teenager, but that won't stop me trying it out once again after seeing how this linen dress looks over olive green jeans. When it comes to sandals, heeled thongs have also been given a throwback feel with wedges being key this summer. 13-year-old me approves of this whole look.
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They're the ultimate '90s revival, and I'm so here for it.
Just embrace the creases considering it's 100% linen.
The four lengths of M&S trousers—extra short, petite, regular and long—always sells them to me.
This also comes in zebra, FYI.
Fresh from the new Jimmy Fairly x Missoma collab.
3. Snake Print Sandals + Bandeau Top + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Massimo Dutti's snake print sandals went viral a few years ago, and all forms are back for summer 2026. While antelope and cow prints have been big for spring, for summer, python print is slipping into our wardrobes and a subtle sandal is the easiest way to wear it. See how good they look with wide-leg trousers and a bandeau?
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I would also wear these to a wedding.
Chartreuse green is one of the colours of the season.
So light and airy for summer.
A chic addition to you summer jewellery rotation.
4. Rope Sandals + Shorts Co-ord + Bandana
Style Notes: Rope sandals have been a thing since 2024 (thanks to Miu Miu), and they're sticking around this summer, too. While there's so many new styles around, unexpected red will always get my vote, and Rebecca's look cute with a chic chocolatey co-ord, and a summer hair saviour—a bandana.
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I've tried these on and can confirm they're as comfy as they look.
A set so chic, Free People created it in not one, not two but 15 different colours!
I always take a silky scarf on holiday to hide sandy beach hair.
Butter yellow with chocolate brown is a summer match.
Statement necklaces are back.
5. Ankle-Tie Sandals + Halter Top + Slip Skirt
Style Notes: If you prefer to have your sandals firmly in place (sorry, flip flops) then an ankle-tie pair is the summer style to opt for. Trishna has added hers to a halterneck top and polka dot slip skirt and if you see me copying this look multiple times a week from now on, no you didn't.
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An alternative to a tank.
As someone who is 5'4", I appreciate that this skirt also comes in petite.
The golden hardware makes this A.Emery pair even better.
Dragon Diffusion still never fails for summer.
So sleek.