End-of-summer sales are so tempting. You spot a fabulous pair of shoes at a great price, and then that sensible little voice says, But summer is almost over. Do I really need them?
Well, sometimes the answer is yes! I went a little shoe-crazy this summer, and now many of the pairs I picked up—and have been happily wearing—are marked down- big time!
The trick is to weed out the classic styles that won’t look dated next year. Many of the ones I’m sharing are also great to wear in early fall when temperatures are often hotter than August. Or you can tuck them away and take them on your next winter getaway down south. Guaranteed, they’ll look just as fabulous when you pull them out to wear again next summer, and you’ll save a lot of money too.
Some of my best shoe buys have been end-of-season finds like these. There are still quite a few sizes left, plus a few great summer bags I’ve been carrying all summer too, so take a peek!
1. Red, White & Blue Slides
These fun red, white, and blue beaded slides practically say summer! The nautical stripes and little red stars make them perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends—or anytime you want to add a playful, patriotic touch to a casual summer outfit.
2. The Glam Gold Sandals Readers Went Nuts For
These gorgeous gold sandals were a huge hit with my readers, and I can see why! The bold geometric details give them a glamorous, jewelry-like look that instantly dresses up everything from white jeans to summer dresses.
3. Canvas & Leather Slides
I love the quiet elegance of canvas and leather for summer. These slides have that understated, moneyed feel, and the equestrian-inspired detail makes them look especially refined. They’re casual, but in a very chic way.
4. Denim Espadrilles Wedges
Espadrille wedges always make me think of summer on the Mediterranean. I love that natural jute sole, and they’re one of the few summer shoes that give you some height while still feeling stable and easy to walk in. Feminine, summery, and comfortable—these were a winner for me.
5. Artsy Gold Dress Sandal
A gold sandal is one of my summer go-tos when I want to dress things up. That gorgeous sculptural gold detail is what sold me—it’s almost like wearing a little piece of art on your foot. Modern, glamorous, and easy to wear with just about any color.
6. Modern Woven Slingbacks
Woven texture gives a classic slingback a fresh summer feel. I like the sleek shape and modern squared-off toe, which also gives your toes a little more room. They look refined but are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear.
7. Silver Thongs
A little metallic goes a long way in summer. These comfy silver thong sandals have a bold buckle that gives them some personality, and while the metallic finish elevates an outfit, I found they practically go with everything.
8. Glam Kitten Heels
These gold mule sandals have such a feminine, almost Barbie-doll glamour. The delicate kitten heel and pretty braided trim make them feel elegant, but the lower heel keeps them comfortable and easy to walk in.
10. Lucia Charm Sandals
A little Grecian goddess glamour for summer! The round, jewel-like charms give these sandals a modern feel, while the T-strap has that classic Greek-inspired look. They’re beautiful with a flowy dress, but just as easy with shorts or cropped pants.
Going Going…Gone!
So many great shoes, so little summer! These were some of my favorites, and quite a few were your favorites, too. If you see a pair you love, don’t wait too long—sizes are disappearing fast.
I love all the outfits!
I love many of these items. I wish there were less expensive alternatives.
Some great ideas here. I will likely try a couple of them. I am not a big fan of laces and ankle straps, as I am too short. But I can sometimes pull off a flat if it has a low vamp. Slip-on sneakers – actually, sneakers of any kind – are not a look that suits me. I leave sneakers in the gym because they look dorky, no matter how I try to dress them. I bought a couple of pairs when they first hit the market in Hong Kong a couple of years ago. The bottoms are not dirty; that is how little they have been worn. More like tried on and then discarded in favor of something else.
Hello. I look forward to reading your site every week. I am 50 years old, an attorney, and a mother of two teens, and your advice is helpful with work and casual attire. As a petite person, 5’1″, it can sometimes be challenging to keep updated as not all clothes look good on a shorter person. And often, small departments equate short with matronly, which is the opposite goal. Please consider posting on styles for little women. Thank you again for your relevant and expert advice!
I will probably try all of the looks except the white. I’ve tried this look before and could not pull it off. I already have several pairs of slip-on sneakers as they were around last year too. I will seek out a metallic in both a flat and heel. It’s going to be a good fashion season. I’m on the hunt for high-waisted flare trousers (not jeans), but I have not found a pair yet. Any suggestions?
Interesting combinations … I’d have to work some of this into my wardrobe!
Now that we are starting to have some spring-like weather, I am DYING to get my warm-weather shoes out into the sunlight…but with my foot in a cast for another month or so, I’m going to have to wait a while longer yet!! I expect I’ll appreciate them that much more when the day I can wear them finally DOES come!!
I love the look of high heels and jeans, but I can’t wear heels. Could you feature something on looking stylish for those of us who can’t handle the high heels?
I’m all over the slip-on sneakers…I love my leopard print slip-on!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
Hi Deborah,
I was planning on doing a post on the slip-on sneaks soon. I love them. As you know, I can’t wear high heels due to my disease, but I have found more companies making comfortable yet stylish footwear. I have two pairs of slips; one is a leopard print by Sam Alderman, and they are so cushioned and feel great to wear. I can wear some gladiator sandals, leading shoes with cushion and stability. I love the white shoes with the primarily white look. ..
I love your article on the shoes and the styles.
I have a pair of orange wedge sandals similar to your photo. You are right; they go with anything. This summer, I wore them from shorts to dresses, denim to linen. On top of all the other great things about wedges, they are great anytime you will be attending a function that requires walking on grass. You don’t sink in.
For narrow feet, check donaldjpliner.com – they manufacture in Spain, and their sizing runs both a bit long and slim; plus, they offer narrow widths in many styles. They are not cheap, but you can haunt the site for reductions and additional percentages: great shoes, lots of flats, low heels, wedges, and beautifully high looks. Great post. And yes, to the suggestion for Earthies – they are great and offer an anatomical footbed for comfort and support.
I wish somebody would tell the shoe manufacturers that those of us with long skinny feet like cute shoes, too. With an 11 AAAA foot, I am looking at a lifetime of old lady shoes, ironically the only ones still manufactured in my size.
Hi Emily, Have you tried Zappos.com? Sometime Nordstroms online has narrow shoes too. If you could ever get to NYC and have some custom shoes made, they would be worth any price!
Hi Deborah,
Loved your article about summer shoes – especially ballet flats. My favorites are from Sambag. They do the cutest styles and are incredibly comfortable. I just bought the most divine pair of python skin ballet flats.
I LOVE shoes! I almost once became a shoe designer, but I never lost my affection for them. The ones you show here are great and would suit any woman at virtually any age. They look comfortable to wear and so stylish. Thanks for showing us how we can put a little more zing into our lives!
Hi Dena, Thanks for your comments! I want to know more about you “almost” becoming a shoe designer! Welcome to the group, and I hope to hear more from you soon!
This is a great article. I always have trouble pairing shoes with outfits. I would like to see the same type of article for winter wear. Thanks for all your help!
Thanks for these useful ideas :)
Great to hear from you, Sue!
I love Privos. They are the perfect combination of style and comfort.
I also love Earthies. They are stylish shoes with a heel that can be worn all day. By the same people who gave us Earth shoes.