THE FOOTWEAR EDIT:
SUMMER SHOES AND SANDALS
Step into the high summer in style with our round-up of the best women’s footwear for warm weather, from head-turning trainers and kitten heels to flatform and clog-style sandals
The rebooted Nineties mule
Heeled mules, the much-loved Nineties staple, are back with a vengeance this summer. Choose a pair with another cherished pre-YK2 feature – the kitten heel – and the result is a glorious mix between ease and glamour. They’ll keep your feet feeling cool and comfortable all day and are still dressy enough to slip on for a night out, too. We love this vibrant lime green pair, perfect for adding a pop of colour to every outfit, from a pretty floral wrap dress to your favourite jeans and a tee.
The chic summer flats
Offering more coverage than sandals, a stylish pair of flats will be your saviour when paired with wide-leg trousers or this season’s must-have shorts. A fuss-free choice on run-around days, a pretty pair of ballet pumps or sophisticated loafers will complement smarter looks for meetings or lunch appointments or opt for flatform loafers to tick the trend boxes this season. Take your pick from a wide variety of colours and designs from our extensive summer range without having to compromise on comfort, thanks to Insolia Flex technology. As for the hosiery, keep things interesting with patterned socks.
The comfy-yet-cool slider sandals
Chunky buckled sandals fuse style with practicality, making them the ideal choice for everyday wear. Beloved by minimalists and street-stylers alike, a pair of simple sliders with a deeply moulded or flatform sole and wide adjustable straps will work with everything from floaty smock dresses to utility jumpsuits. Earthy tones complement tonal looks while bright colours will instantly lift your mood, making them ideal for holidays. And, thanks to the loungewear trend, socks with sandals are a chic way to elevate casual outfits at home – choose ribbed thermal socks for a cosy off-duty look.
The on-trend trainers
Got your white trainers sorted? It’s time to up your game with standout styles ranging from star-print sneakers to chunky-sole trainers. Keep your outfit simple with these head-turning footwear designs – a pair of shorts or a denim midi skirt will complement the shoes without contending for the limelight. (Add a pair of invisible trainer liner socks if going bare-legged.) Putting on a pair of brightly coloured or patterned trainers is a brilliant way to brighten up your morning routine, whether you’re running errands, walking the dogs or taking the kids to school. Happy feet, indeed.
The retro clog sandals
Whether you go for black, white or tan or bronze, a pair of Seventies-inspired clog sandals will be your summer staple. Pair with a satin midi skirt for work, wide-leg jeans at the weekend or your favourite summer dresses for sun-drenched weekends in the park. Alternatively, gladiator sandals or lace-up sandals with ankle ties are an easy way to add interest to an otherwise understated look, effortlessly upping the style stakes.
The chunky flatform
If you want to stride effortlessly through this summer, choose a pair of flatform sandals. Practical and wearable, but seriously on point, they’ll instantly update your summer wardrobe. The elevated chunky sole lengthens legs for another win, and you can comfortably wear them anywhere, from exploring sandy beaches and city streets to running after the kids at the park, thanks to the sturdy flat sole. Team with pretty much anything, such as a classic holiday-ready T-shirt and denim shorts combo or a dramatically feminine maxi dress.
Words: Sarah Lafarge and Dulcie Emerson
