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One thing is for sure this year: a foundation of solid wardrobe essentials is proving more impactful than fashion-forward finds. This return to the classics comes as little surprise, given the rise of what we like to call non-trend trends—think subtle striped shirting, anonymous It bags, straight-leg denim, and more. Also known as quiet luxury, this pared-back (but never boring!) approach is not only limited to ready-to-wear. Modern, minimalist footwear, such as sleek strappy sandals or even kitten heels, is quickly becoming the centerpiece of our warm-weather wardrobe. Worn with equally strong staples, like linen suit vests, breezy blue button-ups, and simple slip dresses, we’re leaving our statement-making shoes behind in favor of styles that are equally as effortless as they are elegant.
Vogue’s Summer Minimalist Footwear Edit:
- The Kitten Heel: Neous Petra slingback pumps, $610
- The Thong Sandal: The Row Avery sandals, $820
- The Fisherman Sandal: Gabriela Hearst Lynn leather caged sandals, $890
- The New Wedge Sandal: St. Agni leather wedge sandals, $305
- The Strappy Sandal: Tory Burch multi-strap sandals, $298
- The Mesh Ballet Flat: Khaite The Marcy crystal flats, $880
- The Smoking Loafer: Toteme The Travel loafers, $620
- The Chunky Sandal: Everlane The City Crossover Sandals, $160
- The Textural Take: Chloé Pema woven-jute espadrille sandals, $639
- The Neutral Sneaker: Gucci MAC80 sneakers, $950
When crafting a minimalist footwear collection for summer, a simple yet stylish sandal is where we suggest you start. Look to strappy styles from The Row, a label synonymous with quiet luxury, or thong sandals from Toteme. Notably nautical, but a minimal must is the fisherman sandal. Offerings from Emme Parsons to even Gabriela Hearst’s metallic style whisper ‘chic’ without trying.
If you remember, late last year, we reported on the never-ending allure of the non-shoe shoe—a favorite amongst fashion darlings to Hailey Bieber. This summer, the trend is reimagined with a selection of mesh ballet flats from the likes of Khaite and The Row to Dear Frances and Le Monde Beryl. Also on our most wanted list are kitten heels, which help achieve that low-key polished look we so desire. Smoking loafers dominated our spring shopping carts and with styles in bright white and ecru, the momentum is not going anywhere. Resort-ready footwear is also on our radar–think festive textural takes, like a raffia-adorned sandal from Johanna Ortiz to elegant espadrilles from Chloé. And finally, because no minimalist footwear collection is complete without a sleek sneaker, find neutral styles from Gucci and Rag & Bone to wear alongside your other elevated essentials.
Minimalist footwear has become a status symbol as of late, proving that sometimes the more minimalist, the merrier. Shop 60 of the simplest (and chicest) summer styles, below.
The Kitten Heel
For that low-key polished look we all so desperately desire, look no further than the kitten heel. With a micro-heel height, the shoe style defines everyday elegance. This summer, wear the staple with a simple slip dress or a pair of slouchy denim–the stylistic opportunities are endless. Offerings from Aeyde and Neous to Khaite and Toteme are nothing short of outstanding.
The Thong Sandal
Dip your toes into summer with a timeless thong sandal. Sure to go with everything in your warm-weather wardrobe, choose barely-there sandals from The Row and A.Emery to Zara’s heeled version. Meanwhile, Everlane’s Endless Summer Sandal features elegant ankle straps that are as sleek as they are comfortable.
The Fisherman Sandal
Since we’re still a few weeks shy of summer, the fisherman sandal is the perfect transitional shoe style. Go the neutral route with pairs from Emme Parsons and Ancient Greek, or opt for Gabriela Hearst’s more festive fisherman’s.
The New Wedge Sandal
This summer, the wedge sandal is back–and it’s better than ever. With a minimalist revamp, the comeback style is nothing like its past clunky cohorts. For everyday wear, wedges from Khaite and St. Agni whisper ‘chic,’ while options from Paris Texas and Maryam Nassir Zadeh offer up an elevated edge. Meanwhile, Zara’s metallic wedges are a mainstay in your affordable capsule wardrobe.
The Strappy Sandal
Strappy sandals from The Row and Gucci to Tory Burch and Massimo Dutti are wonderfully wanderlust. Wear the Grecian styles with a swimsuit and chic coverup or with a tropical-printed dress to take you straight to vacation.
The Mesh Ballet Flat
Let us introduce you to this summer’s version of non-shoe shoes: the mesh ballet flat. The style reached star status thanks to The Row and Khaite, both of which debuted the mesh flat on their spring runways. Other options include those from Dear Frances and Le Monde Beryl to Loeffler Randall and Margaux.
The Smoking Loafer
This spring, we said so long to our chunky loafers in favor of sleek smoking loafers. For summer, options in off-white and ecru feel especially fitting. Of course, still find Tory Burch’s cult-classic ballet loafers and Toteme’s croc style.
The Chunky Sandal
For a bold summer look, a chunky sandal is the ultimate outfit topper. Birkenstocks are a certified classic, while Loewe’s Anagram sandals are newer on the scene. Off-set the chunkiness and style with an airy linen dress or a matching suit vest and trouser.
The Textural Take
Because it’s soon-to-be summer, after all, find festive textural takes in raffia and crochet to add to your minimalist footwear collection. Options include platform sandals from Chloé and Clergerie to macramé loafers from St. Agni and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
The Neutral Sneaker
Regardless of the season, a neutral-style sneaker is a must in any capsule wardrobe. Sleek styles from Toteme and The Row to Rag & Bone and Nike are the definition of pared-back but never boring.
