These 6 Sandal Trends Are Dominating Summer Dressing
There are many things I love about summer—holidays with my family, weekends in the city with my friends—but most importantly the fashion that comes along with it. For months leading up to summer, I fantasised about getting dressed without considering the weather and wearing whatever I want. A summer staple that I never neglect however is a good pair of sandals. When the humidity of summer gets to me, it’s nice to know that my feet won’t be stuck in thick socks and trainers. For me, it simply has to be sandals.
Now that summer's finally here, I’ve taken the time to review the sandal trends that will dominate this season. After scouring both the runways and my instagram feed, I’m convinced that these six styles have true staying power in 2024. So keep scrolling to discover the pairs that I'll be shopping for summer.
1. Flip-Flop Season
Style Notes: I used to think simple rubber flip-flops were way too boring for my wardrobe, but lately, simplicity has been key, and I’ve fallen back in love with the easy-to-wear style. A 2024 update means that they are no longer just for the beach, as the latest iterations with mini heels are my favourite way to wear them, but the unexpected styling of a button-down shirt and trousers is even more eye-catching.
Shop Flip Flops:
2. Hardware
Style Notes: When I first think of sandals, I think of them as a dainty accessory, so I absolutely love what a tough-girl piercing can do to them. There have been notes of gold and silver hardware across the sandal category for a few months now, and it’s something I’m looking forward to exploring more.
Shop Sandals with Metal Hardware:
3. Merlot
Style Notes: A pop of red was once all that anyone could talk about, but lately, our minds have moved into the merlot category. If you like a generous pour of red wine, you’ll like this colour trend just as much. While I was initially thinking of wearing a merlot dress or pants, I’d like to start by updating my sandal collection first.
Shop Burgundy Sandals:
Chloé know what they're doing when it comes to sandals.
4. Asymmetry At Its Finest
Style Notes: What Bottega Veneta says goes, goes. After seeing its runway collection that spotlighted a pair of asymmetrical sandals (that haven’t even come out yet!), I’m searching for similar pairs. There’s really no wrong way to wear this trend.
Shop Asymmetrical Sandals:
If you aren't already familiar with Alohas footwear, consider these the perfect introduction.
5. Born In the '90s
Style Notes: The ’90s are calling, and they’re begging for their favourite pair of shoes back. The minimalist buckles that we once saw reign supreme have made their way back into the fashion crowd’s shoe collection, and I couldn’t be happier about it. At the helm of this trend is Miu Miu, whose buckled pumps are already an It buy among the fashion crowd, and if you thought wedges were better left to 90's girl groups, think again. As the front row at the Chloé FW '24 show proved, the wedge is also back and bigger than ever.
Shop 90's Inspired Sandals:
Just add pedal pushers. No, really.
Leopard print is another key trend to embrace this season.
6. Socks With Sandals
Style Notes: Socks with sandals were once a fashion faux pas, but lately, they’ve been on the absolute come-up. While my preference is tights, I also love to see people style a pair of socks in unique ways with heeled sandals. Switch up your look by trying this one out, it'll serve you well on chillier days.
Shop Hoisery and Sandals:
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
Not All Shoes Look Good With Socks, But These 6 Definitely Do
Fail-safe formulas.
By Natalie Munro
-
Expiration Date: 2025—7 Shoe Trends That I Think Are on Their Way Out
And the even chicer ones on their way in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
5 Boot Trends Everyone Is Wearing in Europe
From moto boots to burgundy styles.
By Emma Spedding
-
The Ultra-Elegant Shoe Trend Fashion People Keep Using to Elevate Their Basic Jeans
The perfect pairing.
By Natalie Munro
-
I Can't Face Wearing Heels—5 Flat-Boot Looks That Are Just As Polished
The chunkier, the better.
By Harriet Davey
-
I Spent Hours Researching 2025 Shoe Trends—These 6 Really Count
Trust me—I'm an editor.
By Maxine Eggenberger
-
I Swear This Trending Shoe Colour Adds So Much Oomph to Every Single Outfit
A wardrobe-altering shoe.
By Natalie Munro
-
H&M Just Released a Pair of £38 Mules That Are Designer-Passing and Bound to Sell Out
Just in time for party season.
By Florrie Alexander