Summer dressing always starts from the ground up. Before the linen shirts and airy dresses, it is the shoes that quietly decide whether an outfit feels considered or forgettable. This season, a tight edit of seven silhouettes is emerging as the unofficial uniform of the well dressed, seen everywhere from city pavements to coastal boardwalks.

First are heeled thong sandals, a polished evolution of the ’90s flip-flop. With slim straps and low, sculptural heels, they lend just enough height to slip under a column skirt or tailored shorts without sacrificing ease. They are the shoe you can wear from a morning coffee run straight into a late dinner.

Next come minimalist leather slides. Deceptively simple, these flat sandals in supple black or tan leather are the workhorses of a chic wardrobe. Their clean lines pair with everything, grounding floaty dresses and wide-leg trousers with a quiet, expensive-looking finish.

Sporty fisherman sandals are the season’s most surprising hero. Once purely practical, they have been reimagined in sleek leather and saturated colors. Worn with crisp cotton separates or a sharp blazer, they strike that elusive balance between utilitarian and refined.

On the dressier end, barely there strappy heels continue their reign. Delicate ankle ties and fine straps frame the foot like jewelry, ideal for evening slip dresses or a simple tank and silk skirt. The key is a slim heel and unfussy design that feels modern rather than fussy.

For off-duty days, retro running sneakers dominate. Inspired by archival athletic styles, these low-profile trainers in muted palettes are the go-to with relaxed denim, tailored trousers, and even sundresses, adding a nonchalant, fashion-editor edge.

Platform espadrilles offer a nostalgic nod to coastal holidays. With braided jute soles and canvas or leather uppers, they add height while remaining walkable, especially with midi skirts and breezy sets that call for a touch of Riviera glamour.

Finally, embellished statement sandals step in when minimalism feels too quiet. Think sculpted hardware, bold colors, or unexpected textures. Worn with otherwise pared-back outfits, they become the focal point, proving that one strong shoe can carry an entire look.

Together, these seven trends form a complete summer shoe wardrobe: practical yet polished, nostalgic yet current, and, above all, designed for people who want their style to speak softly but decisively.