Summer Shoe Guide 2023 - Top Picks From A Personal Stylist
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Summer footwear is a hot topic in my client appointments right now! I’m so excited to share my top summer shoe styles for women. Summer is just starting but the temps are already rising here in Nashville, Tennessee. If your city is anything like mine, versatile warm-weather shoes are a must!
What makes a versatile pair though? And how do you find shoes that are both comfortable AND stylish?
Have no fear! I’ve put together a few options to demonstrate my process of choosing shoes for clients. Let’s dive in!
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The Summer Sneaker
Believe it or not, sneakers are a great choice for the warmer months! Please note that I’m talking about a “fashion” sneaker AKA a “casual daytime” sneaker and not your athletic shoes. These are meant to be comfortable and functional everyday shoes - not your trail runners! My top recommendation is a low-top, high-quality leather sneaker in white or metallic. It’s a wardrobe staple that will serve you well year-round.
But there are other options if you live in an especially humid climate (more on that below) and find a leather sneaker too hot for the summer months.
If choosing leather, make sure it’s soft and won’t rub or create blisters. Invest in quality no-show socks (my favorite are Bombas!) to keep your shoes fresh and voilà, you’re set for warm-weather weekend activities in comfort AND style.
My sneaker picks are below 👇
Low-top Leather Sneaker
I love this classic leather sneaker from Koio. They’re handcrafted in Italy and have an OrthoLite® Hybrid™ insole. I always recommend my private clients buy a sophisticated, non-athletic pair of white sneakers. They’re wardrobe essentials and work for all four seasons! The Capri in the color Triple White is a pair I recommend often!
Low-top Canvas Sneaker
For those in humid climates who just can’t bear to put sneakers on in summer, try a breathable pair in canvas like these from Adidas. The canvas is lightweight but the rubber sole gives you plenty of traction. This is one of my favorite low-cost white sneaker options to recommend because the platform gives you a little height (i.e. a long line!). They’re perfect for someone with a sporty, casual style.
The Summer Sandal
The classic warm-weather shoe, the sandal! You don’t need many, just two strategic pairs. You heard me, a max of two pairs of sandals is all you need!
I always suggest owning a minimal pair that can be dressed up or down AND a second pair with a comfortable footbed (for the days you do more walking). Both pairs should be equally stylish and in prints and colors that offer maximum versatility.
Pro tip: Sandals tend to get beat up quickly so don’t be afraid of replacing them every year or two!
My top sandal picks are below 👇
Minimal Sandal
You know I love to level things up so my top pick for you flip-flop lovers is the Tkees Riley sandal.
The rose gold (the company calls the color “beach pearl”) is my top pick and will pair with just about everything in your wardrobe. They could go from a casual daytime look (think t-shirt and shorts) to a summer date night outfit (maybe a breezy summer dress?) with ease. Features I love? They’re made from real leather and have a rubber sole so you won’t slip-slide all over the place. One thing to note, this brand only makes whole sizes. If you’re between sizes, I suggest sizing up.
Comfort Sandal
Wearing comfortable shoes does NOT mean you have to sacrifice style! These sleek Sorel slides are the perfect example. I recommend the taupe or cream color for maximum versatility. If you’re looking at a pair of sandals that come in a metallic or animal print colorway, remember that they will act as a neutral and add visual interest to your outfits. To me, they’re more desirable than having a black and brown pair because one colorway will go with all outfits!
The Summer Heel
If you’re ready to spice up your life (yes, that’s a spice girl’s reference) with summer heels, boy do I have some suggestions for you! If you’re working in an office, try a heeled sandal instead of a more traditional pump for added breathability. If the more formal events you’re going to this summer look less like an office and more like a trip to a winery, date night, or an outdoor wedding, try an espadrille wedge. They’re a timeless style with a solid base that gives you stability on concrete or grass.
My top warm-weather heels picks are below 👇
Heeled Sandal
This is one of the most versatile shoes you can add to your wardrobe (if you wear heels that is!). This Naturalizer Block Heel has it all - a comfortable footbed, stable block heel, and stylish design. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, a metallic shoe will always add visual interest to your outfits and pairs with any color palette. Whether you’re wearing these for a presentation at work, date night, or to your best friend’s wedding, they will complement your looks perfectly.
Espadrille Wedge
These classic espadrilles are another Koio find. They have a 3.25” heel height set on a 1.5” jute platform which makes them incredibly walkable yet stylish. Either color would be a versatile addition to your wardrobe but whenever you invest in an item, it’s important to choose colors that easily pair back to what you own. If your summer wardrobe is filled with earth tones and anchors best with brown - go for it! Vice versa when it comes to the black pair.
Beware of the temptation to buy in both colors though! Stick to the color that suits your personal style and wardrobe best so you’ll be able to wear these for years to come.
A well-curated shoe collection is essential for every woman's summer wardrobe! By incorporating these three must-have shoes, you'll have a range of options to suit various occasions and outfits. Remember to choose shoes that reflect your personal style and enhance your overall look - no more average gal style!
With these versatile options, you'll be ready to step out in confidence and embrace the sunny days ahead.
