21 Spring/Summer Shoes & Cute Outfits to Match
Finding the perfect shoe just got easier. Here’s a look at 20 popular spring and summer shoes and some cute outfits that look great with them.
1. The Woven Mule
Mules have taken on an artisanal look this spring. Woven loafers mules are the new “it” shoe. These comfy flats have a basket weave beauty that works with a casual look, from jeans to shorts to sundresses.
You’ll find woven loafer mules in several neutral shades from dozens of popular brands. These crisp, white ones have a barely-there heel that makes them uber relaxed and comfy. Wear them with jeans, a flowy blue blouse, a sporty tote and a pair of fab earrings. What a great casual but classy look!
shirt | shorts | sandal| bag | earrings
2. The Raffia Wedge
Here’s a sunny day shoe that looks cute with jeans and sundresses and will give you a leg up when wearing shorts. This classic espadrille is a favorite summer shoe because the thick platform wedge makes it comfortable and easy to walk in. It also happens to make your legs look amazing!
You don’t need many other summer shoes when you have this one because the natural raffia finish goes with everything. It’s the earthy texture that gives this sandal its excellent summer vibe.
3. The Slip-On Sneaker
The sporty-chic trend that started a couple of years ago ushered in slip-on sneakers, and this spring, they are more popular than ever. This comfortable shoe is versatile and easy to wear and comes in almost every finish you can imagine, including exotic snakeskin!
A slip-on sneaker is perfect for skinny jeans or cuffed boyfriend jeans, but don’t be afraid to wear it with a dressier look either. Pair a fun slip-on sneaker with a pleated summer skirt and a clutch bag for a feminine look that’s sporty and youthful too.
blouse similar| sandals | bag | jeans | earrings
4. Strappy Orange Slide
Bright colors are in fashion, and that goes for shoes too. If you prefer darker shades, you can still be in style by wearing more subdued colored clothing, popped with bright shoes. These strappy slides are super modern and look so cool with jeans, shorts, and sundresses!
5. The Chic Wedge
Try a stacked wedge heel when pumps are too dressy and don’t want to wear flats. These blue suede wedges complement this rope bag and give this casual boilersuit a sophisticated boost.
6. The Strappy Slide
This spring, straight slides are the hottest new shoe style and give an effortlessly chic look. Your favorite espadrille inspires this Marcella slide sandal from Steve Madden with its summery chunky rope heel.
It comes in many colors, but my favorite is this tan nubuck shade, which pairs with everything and looks sophisticated. It’s the perfect match for this breezy pinstripe sundress, which I am sure will be snapped up in no time.
7. Pastel Shoes
Pale pinks, blues, yellows, and greens are the easter egg shades trending in shoes. I love the soft rose color of these sexy ankle strap shoes by Louise et Cie. The pale pink color combined with the edgy snakeskin texture is exciting. At 3 1/4 inches high, these are heels I can wear.
Pair these pointy-toe pumps with a pretty unique occasion dress, or wear them to dress up a more casual outfit like this one with the floral culottes and denim jacket.
8. Statement Sneaker
Oh, how we love our statement sneakers, and they are not going away anytime soon. They keep getting better and better. These trendy slip-on sneakers come in this gorgeous sage green and feature a thick bumper capsule that is so popular.
These are from Dr. Scholl and have an anatomically designed footbed, and you have the perfect casual shoe. You can bet they are like walking on a cloud.
9. Snake Print Shoes
You won’t have to go into the deep grass to catch sight of a snake this spring and summer. They’ll be plenty of snake print footwear all over city streets. Snake print footwear is hotter than ever, lending an exotic edge to any outfit.
This cute flat combines the snake print trend and the strappy sandal trend I told you about earlier. Snake print is a great neutral and works with other neutrals or solid colors.
10. Square Toes, Lucite Heels
It’s hip to be square this summer. Square-toed shoes are the newest in shape. Combine a square toe with the latest trendy lucite heel, the slide style, and this pastel yellow color, and you have a very modern-looking shoe.
What a great statement shoe and a real conversation starter! For shoe addicts, this fashion-forward shoe is for you!
What do you think of the new square-toed shoes? Have you bought a pair of slides yet?
What shoes will you be wearing this spring and summer, and what will you be wearing them with?
11. Rope Wedges
Creamy canvas rope espadrilles that tie up into a pretty bow at the ankles complement this netted top and shorts look. Rope wedges are the perfect summer shoe when you need some height. Worn with these longer shorts, they make your legs look slender and sexy.
12. Suede Block Heels
Strappy, suede, block heel peep toes in this rich brown shade are an excellent match for this dress. This comfortable Safari shirt dress is a classic, natural look that looks best with an earthy shoe.
13. Canvas Wedges
When there’s a busy pattern up top, you don’t need much going on around your toes. Canvas wedges work with the summery vibe of a bold graphic print tunic over white jeans. A wedge is a perfect way to get some height in a casual shoe, which means you will need to wear flared jeans like these above.
14. Flat Sandals
This pretty pastel maxi has a breezy vacation feel and calls for flat, barely-there sandals (if you want that “just wandered in from the beach look”). These pretty Tory Buch slides do the trick.
15. Spring Booties
It may still be too chilly for a sandal, so a light-colored feminine bootie will do the trick when you are wearing a leggings transitional outfit. Look for elegant and light like this soft, taupe bootie.
16. Nude Heels
16. Nude HeelsA nude shoe with a delicate heel is your go-to shoe when your dress is feminine and fussy. Also, you don’t want to take the spotlight off that ladylike lace. . Don’t forget to get a beautiful pedicure! Heavier or bigger boned gals can go for a thicker heel to balance out the look with their body type.
17. Lace-Up Flats
These lace-up ballerina flats have been trendy, not just for their look. Women love the low heel and comfort of a ballet flat style. Black is the perfect choice because it is the primary color in these cropped pants that draw attention to your ankles and feet. Wearing black shoes creates a nice, long, lean line that makes your legs look longer and lets your floral pants be the star of the outfit.
18. Woven Slides
A casual sundress calls for a sandal that is just as relaxed and summery. This cute woven sandal is the perfect match for this pretty, off-the-shoulder eyelet dress. Wide raffia bands artfully crisscross over the foot for a natural but sophisticated look.
Add a rustic raffia bag to complement the shoes. (No, it’s not too matchy, matchy). Add some cool shades, cute earrings, and a fabulous sun hat for the perfect spring/summer look.
19. Snakeprint Sandals
Snakeprint has been trending for a while now, and we seem to be going into a second phase with a whole new range of colors. These coral snake print sandals with the low block heel may sound gaudy if you described them to someone, but look how cute they look in real life. The key with a shoe like this is to let it stand out. So, for this reason, we’ve chosen to go with pretty much an all-white look.
This cute pineapple tee works because it also has bits of coral in it, which makes the shoes look more connected to the outfit. The wicker bag also goes with the chic, tropical vibe.
20. Chunky Square Toe Sandals
There’s something fabulous about these shoes that caught my eye. That chunky heel and square toe have such a cool, mod vibe that it can instantly update an outfit. We’re showing them with shorts for a sassy look, but these would also look fabulous with wide legs pants or a sundress, long or short.
21. The Strappy Block Heel
All the pretty ruffle tops we see this spring and summer call for a feminine, sexy sandal. A strappy block heel sandal like this one above delivers! Slip on this sexy cage sandal with the flared block heel, and get ready to make your entrance into spring. These shoes are showstoppers and will dress up any outfit and give you an effortlessly elegant look.
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.