I'm a Summer Enthusiast—5 Pairs of Sandals I'll Be Sporting This Season with Every Warm-Weather Outfit.
As someone who sport a white pedicure year-round, I'm eager to show off my toes the moment an opportunity arises to "book a flight somewhere sunny." Being a summer enthusiast, my answer to any warm destination will always be a resounding "YES." While I await my next holiday, I'm counting on the UK to deliver some sunny days. Fortunately, with a heatwave on the way, it’s time to prepare my warm-weather outfits. But they must be impressive enough to justify having my boyfriend take pictures of me, so only the best will do. With loads of summer outfit ideas already filling my Instagram feed, I'm excited to share the five summer looks I intend to recreate. This means temporarily setting aside trainers, ballet flats, and slippers in favor of summer’s standout footwear: sandals. But what styles are trending in 2026? Rope sandals are being styled with shorts, wedge thongs are matched with nostalgic dresses and trousers, and the classic flip-flop pairs perfectly with sporty shorts. Sound appealing? Keep scrolling to discover the essential sandal styles that are gaining popularity this summer and the outfits to pair them with, as seen on the most stylish women in my feed.
1. **Flip Flops + Sporty Shorts + Fine Knit Top**
**Style Notes:** Whether they are rubber, jelly, suede, or leather, it doesn't matter as long as they are simple flip flops. The minimalist '90s style is always a summer favorite, so if it works, why change it? Vanessa pairs her brown flip flops with sporty Adidas shorts (yes, they're making a comeback), and I adore how they look with a loose-knit top.
**Shop the Look:**
- Nobodys Child Brown Suede Flip Flops: This suede version looks so refined.
- Adidas Originals X Asos Three Stripe Sprinter Shorts in Brown: I love the navy detail on this pair.
- Reformation Elliot Boucle Crew: Perfectly sleek over a bikini top.
- ANNI LU 18ct Gold-Plated Golden Shell Pendant Necklace: This piece exudes summer vibes.
- LOEWE + Paula's Ibiza Swing Medium Leather-Trimmed Raffia Shoulder Bag: This Loewe x Paula's Ibiza bag is at the top of my summer wishlist. I’m in love.
2. **Thong Wedges + Linen Dress + Olive Jeans**
**Style Notes:** The skill of summer layering is truly an art, and Londoner Chloe has perfected it. I remember wearing dresses over trousers in my teenage years, but seeing this linen dress over olive green jeans has inspired me to try it again. Heeled thongs also embrace a retro vibe, with wedges being key this summer. The 13-year-old version of me would approve of this entire look.
**Shop the Look:**
- Le Monde Beryl Micro Wedge Thong-Strap Leather Sandals: These are the ultimate '90s comeback, and I'm fully on board with that.
- M&S Pure Cotton Crease Front Barrel Leg Trousers: The variety of lengths available—extra short, petite, regular, and long—always attracts me.
- Reformation Lucia Tote Bag: This option is available in zebra print as well, for your information.
- Jimmy Fairly Oval Sunglasses: Fresh from the latest Jimmy Fairly x Missoma collaboration.
3. **Snake Print Sandals + Bandeau Top + Wide-Leg Trousers**
**Style Notes:** Massimo Dutti's snake print sandals became a sensation a couple of years back, and all varieties are back for summer 2026. While antelope and cow prints dominated the spring season, python print is making its way into our wardrobes for summer, with sandals being the easiest way to incorporate this trend. Just look how well they pair with wide-leg trousers and a bandeau!
**Shop the Look:**
- Khaite Loop 35 Snake-Effect Leather Sandals: I would wear these to a wedding, too.
- ASOS DESIGN Mix & Match Cotton Crinkle Asymmetric Bandeau Top in Green: Chartreuse is one of this season's trending colors.
- COS Pleated Modal Wide-Leg Trousers: Light and breezy for summer.
- Daisy London Jewellery Polly Wave Stud Earrings Silver Plate: A stylish addition to your summer jewelry collection.
4. **Rope Sandals + Shorts Co-ord + Bandana**
**Style Notes:** Rope sandals have been popular since 2024 (thanks, Miu Miu), and they are sticking around this summer. With so many new styles available, I always favor unexpected red, and Rebecca's pairing looks adorable with a chic chocolate co-ord and a summer essential—a bandana.
**Shop the Look:**
- M&S Strappy Footbed Rope Detail Sandals: I’ve tried these on and they are just as comfortable as they appear.
- Free People Strada Co-ord Set: This chic
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