6 Summer Shoes That Make Getting Dressed a Breeze

what to wear
Written By Hallie Abrams
Summer Shoes

Let’s be honest, summer should feel easy. Breezy outfits, sun-kissed plans, and sandals that don’t leave you blistered or barefoot halfway through a garden party. But finding the right shoes for the season? That can be... less than breezy.

After more than 20 years styling real women with real closets (and real summer foot problems), I can tell you there are six types of shoes that will make your warm-weather wardrobe work way harder for you. Think of these as your shoe starting lineup. Each one has a job, a purpose, and a place in your rotation. If you’re packing for a trip, getting dressed for a shower, or just heading to the grocery store, these are the pairs you’ll reach for again and again.

Let’s walk through them. Pun absolutely intended.

6 Essential Summer Shoes

These are my absolute go-tos!
Shop the look →

1. The “Evaporating” Nude Heel

The magic shoe that lets your outfit be the hero

This is the summer shoe MVP. A walkable, barely-there heel in a nude tone (whatever nude means for your skin tone) creates that long-leg illusion and quietly supports any outfit without stealing the show. It “evaporates,” which means your clothes can shine.

You can go block heel, kitten heel, or even a skinny heel. What matters most is that it's neutral, versatile, and something you can actually wear without grimacing.

Try:

Wear it with: midi and mini dresses, wide-leg trousers, cropped jeans, even shorts.

Shop Evaporating Nude Heels:

2. The Barely-There Flat Sandal

Summer’s quiet MVP

This one doesn’t ask for attention, but it always shows up. A minimalist flat sandal with thin straps and a neutral color is your go-to for everything from beachside dinners to walking the dog.

It’s low profile in both form and fashion, packs easily, and works with almost any outfit.

Try:

Wear it with: linen pants, sundresses, flowy skirts, or even a bathing suit cover-up.

Shop Barely-There Flat Sandals:

3. Easy On/Off Slides

Slip in, slide out, all summer long

Slides are your summer secret weapon. They’re grab-and-go. No straps. No fuss. No bending down.

Depending on your style, this could be:

Choose one that matches your lifestyle. Sleek leather if you lean dressy. Cushy footbed if you’re always on the move.

Wear it with: jeans, joggers, beachwear, or just your favorite comfy dress.

Shop Easy On/Off Slides:

4. The Statement Shoe (Optional, but Joy-Sparking)

Because sometimes your outfit needs a little pizzazz!

Not every summer shoe has to disappear. A statement shoe brings the fun and the fashion. Whether it’s a bold color, a cool embellishment, or a sculptural heel, this one’s for the days when you want to zhuzh things up a bit.

I have a pair that I call my “scarab shoes.” They’re an investment, but they feel like wearable art. And the best part? You only need one standout pair. It does the work for you.

Tip: Your statement could be color, shape, sparkle, or texture. Just pick one and let it shine.

Try:

Wear it with: simple pieces such as jeans, a white tee, a solid dress, etc. to let the shoes be the star.

Shop Statement Shoes:

5. Closed-Toe But Still Breezy

Mesh ballet flats for the win

Sometimes sandals feel too open. Maybe it’s not quite pedicure-ready day. Maybe you’re headed into air conditioning or just want something a little more polished. Enter: the mesh or woven flat.

Think of it as a breathable closed-toe option. It looks chic, feels airy, and pairs just as well with denim as it does with a dress.

Try:

Wear it with: cropped trousers, midi skirts, or even a shorts-and-button-down combo.

Shop Closed-Toe Shoes for Summer:

6. Sneakers (Yes, You Still Need Them)

Athletic, fashion, or both—depending on your life

Summer isn’t all sand and sangrias. You still need a sneaker. Maybe two.

  • An athletic sneaker is a must if you walk a lot, chase kids, or hit the gym.

  • A fashion sneaker is your stylish-but-comfy go-to for errands, travel days, or casual hangs.

Pick what suits your life, or grab both.

Wear with: everything from wide-leg linen pants to cotton dresses. (Yes, dresses. Don’t overthink it.)

Shop Sneakers:

You don’t need a million shoes. You just need the right six. The ones that work hard, look great, and make your summer style feel effortless.

Take a peek at your current summer shoe stash. What’s missing? What’s seen better days? Now’s the perfect time to fill in the gaps so your warm-weather wardrobe can do its thing, without a second thought about what to wear on your feet.

What summer shoes are your go-to this year? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @thewardrobeconsultant — I love hearing what’s working for you!

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Hallie Abrams
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