FOOTWEAR BUYING GUIDE:
SUMMER SHOES AND SANDALS
Step into the new season in style with our round-up of the best women’s footwear for warm weather, from head-turning trainers and ballet pumps to chic sandals and espadrilles
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 chic summer-ready loafers
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 wear-with-everything espadrilles
Women’s espadrilles have become something of a sartorial sensation in recent seasons, acting as the perfect dressed-down antidote to maximalist floral blouses or statement-making trousers. Patterned espadrilles also look great with this season’s coolest jeans and a vest top, adding a dash of Parisienne flair to your spring-to-summer wardrobe. Our espadrilles come in a range of styles and patterns, and feature a variety of heights for a stable, balanced and comfy walking surface all day long.
The retro clog sandals
Whether you go for black, white or yellow, 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, while ticking off this season’s trends. We also love a pair of sandals with a flatform sole for effortlessly upping the style stakes.
The on-trend trainers
Got your white trainers sorted? It’s time to up your game with standout styles ranging from floral-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.
Words: Dulcie Emerson and Sophie Hines
