Trust Me—Shorts Look Even More Fashionable With These 6 Summer Shoe Trends

Summer, we've missed you. And if there's one thing we've been counting down to this year, it would undoubtedly be the return of bare legs season. Whilst designers tried to distract us with supersized jeans and the high street is still singing the virtues of the denim maxi skirt, those of us who have been quietly suffering in the rising temperatures are looking for something a little more practical. When our favourite linen trousers are still covering a little too much skin, we're heading straight to our wardrobes and digging out a pair of shorts. Nothing signifies that summer is well and truly in effect quite like the first time in the year you put on shorts. 

Don't already own a pair of reliable shorts? Well, you can pick up some great pairs from just about any brand, both designer and high street (although linen is our style of choice). In the warm weather, there's nothing better than pulling on a pair of shorts that go with everything, and whether you're into classic khakis or currently-trending "jorts" (that's long jean shorts, FYI), there's a style to wear to the office, the park and even for evenings out. 

Now that we're all in agreement that shorts are the best heatwave-proof option, the only thing left to figure out is what to wear them with. The obvious answers are tank tops, loose shirts, simple tees or swimwear, but I'm talking specifically about footwear. I find that my usual high-top trainers don't make much sense with shorts, and as much as I love cowboy boots, I'm no Daisy Duke. In a bid to solve this fashion conundrum, I sifted through socials and scoured the new-in sections of some of our favourite brands to determine the very best shoes to wear with shorts, and I have the conclusive results. 

So whether you've bought a pair of denim shorts, holiday-ready linen, micro hot pants or sensible culottes, consider this your definitive guide to always getting the shoe styling right.

1. RETRO TRAINERS

Style Notes: Thank god for comfy trainers. Thanks to the likes of New Balance, Salomon and Asics, the retro dad sneaker is cool again, and it happens to be the perfect accompaniment to a pair of loose, cotton shorts. 

SHOP TRAINERS:

2. SLINGBACKS

Style Notes: Proof that shorts aren't only for casual wear, they also look incredible with a kitten-heel slingback for dressier occasions. Imagine a waistcoat with a tailored pair of shorts and an elegant slingback heel on a summer evening. Dreamy. 

SHOP SLINGBACKS:

3. STRAPPY SANDALS

Style Notes: We've all got that one pair of strappy sandals (usually gladiator) that we bought a few summers ago and wear on repeat. The truth is, the strappy sandal never goes out of style. Opt for flats and wear with a loose shirt tucked into a pair of printed shorts. 

SHOP STRAPPY SANDALS:

4. FLIP-FLOPS

Style Notes: The humble flip-flop had fallen out of favour of late, but thanks to The Row's Ginza pair, the thong sandal has had a fashionable makeover. Premium leather pairs are the editor's shoe of choice, but I've also spotted colour-pop Havaianas making a return to holiday wardrobes all over Instagram. 

SHOP FLIP-FLOPS:

5. SLIDERS

Style Notes: You've got to appreciate a shoe so effortless, you can quite literally slide into it. Sliders are the barely-there sandals that make immediate sense with shorts—the epitome of the "throw-on-and-go" uniform. 

SHOP SLIDERS:

6. DRESSY MULES

Style Notes: Another way to take shorts from dressed-down to dinner plans is with party mules. Embellished heels, chic satin and luxe leather look particularly good with denim and tailored shorts for a look very reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw. 

SHOP MULES:

Next Up: 9 Brunch Outfits Worth Instagramming Over Your Avocado Toast