Summer 2026 footwear report
What's Coming In For Summer, From The Ground Up
Classic investments, playful updates
Shoes are one of the most fabulous ways to bring a new trend into your wardrobe, as long as you are not paying a fortune to do it. My rule never changes: invest in a classic shape and colour in 100% leather, and it will stand the test of time. That is cost per wear at its best. But once that foundation is in place, some fun is needed along the way.
If your clothing tends to stay in the basics lane rather than venturing into high fashion, footwear is your easiest, lowest-risk way to update your look. Here is what I am expecting to see coming through for the summer season.
The mesh shoe
A directional piece without the commitment
First up is the "mesh shoe", typically in the shape of a ballet pump. It is fresh, a little unexpected, and it looks absolutely fabulous worn with the new balloon pants that are also trending this season. If you have been wanting to try something a little "out there" without committing too hard, this is it.
Frankie Strappy Ballet
Tan mesh with a double crossover strap. Wear it with the new balloon pants for the full directional look.Shop at Cotton On
Luella Crochet Pump
Softer and more textural, a lovely alternative if woven mesh feels a touch too directional for you.Shop at Bash
The flip flop
Flat or kitten heel, your call
Another big one for summer is the flip flop, and here you get to choose your own adventure: flat or kitten heel. If you love that clippity cloppity sound as you walk, the kitten heel version is for you, and it has been showing up all over the runways this season.
Personally, I am a flat flip flop girl through and through, especially once we hit high summer. It has a wonderful way of taking a smarter outfit and giving it a more casual, street style feel. That said, the kitten heel version is tempting me. It gives off proper fashion feels, and I might just have to give it a try myself.
FF Thong Heeled Mule Sandal
The kitten heel version, for proper fashion feels and a bit of clippity cloppity fun on the runway-inspired side.Shop at Bash
The jelly shoe
A blast from the 80s, back for good reason
Love them or hate them, the jelly shoe is back. It is a proper throwback to the 80s, when I had my first (and only) pair. I recently picked up the Keona jelly shoe from Poetry and was very pleasantly surprised by how cute it looked and how well it fitted. It adds an effortless, playful bit of chic to an outfit, so it came home with me. Not sure how sweaty my feet will get by the end of the day, but let's see how we go. I will definitely be styling it for you on Insta, so stay tuned.
Also very in vogue right now is the caged slip-on from Woolworths, which comes in two colourways. Fun and flexible, and an easy way to try the trend without committing too hard.
Keona Jelly Shoe
Cute, comfortable, and a surprisingly good fit. My own pick this season.Shop at Poetry
The ballerina sneaker
Two ways to wear the trend
This one is a genuinely interesting trend, because I see it splitting into two directions. My own preference, and the one I will be gravitating toward, is the cleaner, neater sneaker, also known as the skinny sneaker. We have already seen this one coming through since winter, so there are plenty of options readily available if you want to get ahead of it.
Adidas Barreda Mary Jane
The sportier version, styled closer to a classic Adidas trainer. A cute, playful pick, and I think it will particularly appeal to the younger generation.Shop at Bash
Your move
Which trend are you trying first?
Hit reply and let me know. And if you would like a hand building a wardrobe that works with trends like these instead of chasing all of them, I am just a message away. Book a styling sessionYours in fashion,
