ONE STEP AHEAD

Words: Leila Petersen | Images: Getty

Walking on Sunshine might have been an 80s smash hit, but it’s also the mantra we’ll be taking into summer 2020... especially after what has felt like the longest winter ever (oh, lockdown). “Yes!” to striding into the new season with major optimism. We’re talking about new summer shoes, of course. Think sleek and minimal silhouettes, wedges that will take you to new heights, plus all the colour you could possibly need in your shoe arsenal.

Comfort is always a standard to go by when picking your staple summer shoe, which is why we recommend the double-buckle slider. Bringing both fashion and function together, this shoe is a no-brainer when it comes to everyday dressing. While this trend has been around for a while already, it's thanks to brands such as Rag & Bone and 3.1 Phillip Lim that the style is set to become even more hot this season.

How we’re wearing them this season: Pair these functional sandals with a floaty dress of pieces that showcase modern tailoring.

Sneakers are always a safe bet. Resistant to time, they will always be relevant and worth every cent. Of course, you can never go wrong with a reliable white sneaker, but colour and bulk are so tempting in the season of all things bright and beautiful. We’re talking about the not-so-humble dad sneak, even though they keep falling in and out of favour. If unlikely colour combos and chunky soles are what your summer outfit needs this season, we say go for it.

How we’re wearing them this season: A simple tee and medium-wash denim for that effortless off-duty appeal.

All attention to the ankles. Super-stylish espadrilles, thongs and gladiator styles were just some of the key silhouettes wrapped around runway ankles. We swooned over the bold colours, playful pastels and glitzy metallics. Easily paired with just about any summer staple, we have a hunch that this style of shoe will resurface as the shoe trend of the season.

How we’re wearing them this season: Boyfriend jeans, straight-cut denim, your favourite maxi… seriously, wear them with anything. For a real fashion-forward look, lace them over your pants.

For those looking for something sleek, consider the barely there skinny sandal. From toe-ring leather designs to reimagined thong styles, these minimalist styles are sophisticated, super chic and, for being so subtle, add a surprisingly considered finish to summer outfits. Just make sure your grooming practices are up to scratch, because your feet will be on full display.

How we’re wearing them this season: With our favourite lengthy, billowing dresses by day and sexy slip dresses by night.

For both comfort and trying out a different height, consider yourself served. It’s finally time for the wedge heel to shine (again), after seasons of the teeny-tiny kitten heel reigning supreme. But fear not. The styles are updated and much more of-the-now – think refreshing details such as flat, boosted platforms, gorgeous contrasting colours and scalloped edges. Here for it!

How we’re wearing them this season: A tailored short suit + wedges... not to mention a sundress-wedge combo for supreme summer feels.