The Hottest Summer 2023 Shoe Trends, According to Fashion Editors
There's a clear theme with summer 2023's fashion trends: duality. The shades of quiet luxury—think ivories, caramels, and slate gray—and ostentatious hues like electric lime green and vibrant orange will co-exist in your summer color palette. You'll don high-waisted trousers and linen blazers for in-office work days, but after hours, reach for statement sequins and party-ready pieces for evenings spent sipping spritzes and dining al fresco. Summer 2023's shoe trends reflect a similar balance of aesthetics: You'll find practicality with work-appropriate loafers and ballet flats but also the chance to express your more playful side via kitschy cool sandals and platform pumps.
As Kate Bellman, Nordstrom's Women’s Managing Fashion Editor, details, the best shoes for summer 2023 exist on opposite ends of the sartorial spectrum—but shopping the seasonal footwear edit is not as tricky as it might seem. Ahead, Bellman offers insight into the front-running shoe trends, and you'll find a well-curated, ready-made edit to shop so you can hit the ground running this summer.
Prep Codes
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"Tailoring has been influential the past few seasons and is only tracking to get bigger for upcoming seasons. With that, the prep codes have prevailed through key footwear styles bringing importance to loafers and Mary Janes," explains Nordstrom's Bellman. "For summer, look for lightweight materials, like a woven raffia version, or a pretty color palette."
G.H. Bass Whitney Weejun Penny Loafer
Free People Diana Double Strap Flats
Sam Edelman Lowell Slip-On Woven Tailored Loafer Flats
Gucci Horsebit-Detailed Leather Loafers
Repetto Pink Fabienne Mary Janes
Bibi Lou Zagreb Slip-On Loafers
Strap In
Statement straps, whether that be gladiator-esque cages or interwoven leather cords, are a dominating look among summer's trending shoes. As for specific silhouettes, try a flat sandal that laces up the leg or a strappy slingback heel that works for both formal occasions (perhaps that summer wedding you have coming up the docket?) and everyday wear.
J. Crew Lucie Strappy Block-Heel Sandals
Emme Parsons Susan Leather Sandals
Vince Coline 60MM Strappy Leather Pumps
Aquazzura Ponza Croc-Effect Leather Sandals
Steve Madden Exotica Ankle Wrap Sandal
Banana Republic Lace-Up Flat Leather Sandal
Level Up
"Platforms and flatforms continue to be on the rise for the summer months and provide a sleek pairing to both effortless tailoring or sexy silhouettes," details the Nordstrom fashion expert. "Exaggerated heights feel even more modern this season with strong architectural wedges and reinvited design elements of the everyday heel."
Aerosoles Nadia Block Heel Slingback Sandal
Loeffler Randall Fae Platform Heel
Neous Cher Leather Slingback Platform Sandals
Castañer Chiara 80 Canvas Wedge Espadrilles
Tony Bianco Rio Sandal
Saint Laurent Carine Platform Sandal
Arts & Crafts
"As the temps start to heat up, be sure to amp up the color for your sandal assortment as well," implores Bellman. "Vibrant hues and colorful craft details"—think woven textures, quirky patchwork, funky fringe, and flair—"add an amped-up playfulness to show off your pedicures." Arts and crafts, but make it polished and fit for your day-to-day.
Tory Burch Marquetry Flat Disk Slingback Sandal
Doucal's Fringe-Detail Leather Sandals
Guilhermina Woven Flats
Farm Rio Caramel Granny Square Crochet Sandals
Chloé x Teva Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole Flat Sandal
Bottega Veneta Dot Woven Leather Mules
Ballet Flats
"Adding a touch of effortless and ease to our shoe wardrobe, our romance with the ballet flat continues through the summer months. As versatile as they are feminine, they pair perfectly back to a long, ethereal dress, as they do to balance out the toughness of wide-leg jeans," describes Bellman of the classic, fool-proof flat.
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat
Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina Flats
J. Crew Zoe Ballet Flat in Mesh
Charles & Keith Tie-Around Ballerina Flats
The Row Satin Ballet Flats
Maeve The Sabina Ballet Flats
Meet the Fashion Expert
Kate BellmanManaging Fashion Editor at NordstromKate Bellman is the Managing Fashion Editor at Nordstrom.
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