Leading up to summer, we’ve been discussing the biggest trends and top shopping items worthy of adding to your cart. From major summer handbag trends to the best designer investment pieces to know about to the pieces Who What Wear editors are buying first, there are already some buzzy items to have on your radar for the season ahead. If you’re curious to know what is unfolding in the footwear realm, here, we’ve diving into the best summer shoes to shop.
For summer 2023, we’re seeing pieces that range from timeless and practical with the continued momentum of modern minimalism to fun and statement-making with the rise of unexpected, eye-catching colors. Regardless where you’re headed this summer or what your personal style is, there are a fresh crop of shoes that feel primed for your new-season wardrobe. Ahead, the best summer shoes to add to your cart right now.
The return of ’90s minimalism has defined fashion in recent years and that influence is continuing strong with footwear this summer. Silhouettes ranging from strappy thongs to sleek wedges to simple pared-back slides are dominating. If you’re looking for shoes that are as versatile as they are cool, these check both of those boxes.
For pieces that add a talking point to your look, focus your attention on shoes with eye-catching colors. Saint Laurent’s two-tone heels are one of the buzziest shoes of the season, while Chanel’s pink sequined slingbacks have a growing waitlist ever since Sofia Richie Grainge wore them during her wedding weekend.
Quiet luxury pieces continue to fuel conversations in the fashion space as we see an uptick in subtle designer pieces with a high level of craftsmanship. Look for pieces that have timeless designs without any flashy logos.
The ballet flat renaissance is upon us. Last year, Miu Miu’s satin ballerina shoes emerged as one of the cult pieces to own and in 2023 we’re seeing them take a new direction. New styles on the market for summer have semi-sweet details such as mesh fabrics, rhinestones, and Mary Jane straps. They’re already one of the most talked-about shoe styles of the season.
The fashion mood is shifting with the rise in elegant, elevated pieces. If you’re interested in tapping into that sense of timeless sophistication, look for pieces like pointed flats and heels that are designed with details such as gold hardware, heritage logos, and classic shapes.
We’ve named raffia as one of the biggest accessories trends of the summer as designers reimagine the natural material for shoes and bags this season. These vacation-worthy shoes feel primed for the summer months if you’re looking for new footwear to add to your suitcase.
