The Heeled Sandal Trends That Will Elevate Your Summer 2026 Outfits

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The summer months naturally see winter staples like leather boots traded in for toe-peeping sandals, as staying cool is a major priority amid rising temperatures. Still, fashionistas can rest assured that style doesn't have to be sacrificed for the sake of comfort. While various styles of flats, such as mesh ballet shoes, seem to be here to stay, there are plenty of trendy styles of heeled sandals that provide a major boost to any summer outfit.

According to experts, the fashion trends dominating the summer 2026 season are all about relaxed-fit designs and polished basics, with specific items like midi skirts and oversized button-ups being in vogue. This shift towards refinement and minimalism is definitely present in prevailing footwear trends, but there are plenty of ways to play around with color and texture. Ranging from retro touches to petite heel heights, these heeled sandals will elevate your style in all the right ways.

The 2020s have seen the popularity of '70s fashion staples like earthy patterns and platform boots, with celebrities even providing inspiration for trendy curtain bangs. So, it's not surprising that Hollywood figures have infused this retro-influence into some of the summer's hottest shoe styles. Open-toed shoes featuring block heels and a thick, square-shaped support are not only super stylish, but they also rank among the 2026 sandal trends perfect for older women. The sturdy heel is reminiscent of retro, platform styles without being too chunky, while the vintage vibe is emphasized by warm tones in addition to leather and wooden textiles. 

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Taylor Swift wore a pair of open-toed block heels when pictured visiting New York City's Electric Lady studio in June, with the Gucci shoes coming in a deep orange color accented with gold hardware across the toe strap. The singer continued the vintage energy with the remainder of the outfit, sporting a cashmere polo from Guest in Residence, high-waisted denim, and a chunky, dark orange bag. While Swift's exact pair of sandal-style heels costs quite the pretty penny, Kate Spade's Halo Platform Sandal serves as a similar option for those embracing the retro vibe.

There's no denying that espadrille wedges have long been a classic summer shoe, with a Michael Kors iteration of the textured heels even having a pre-Paris vacation moment on an episode of "Gossip Girl" back in 2011. Even so, more pared-back wedges are proving to be majorly popular for the 2026 summer season, with fashionistas reaching for inverted and sculpted wedges combined with simple sandal styles. This specific trend reflects 2020's interest in more minimalist, but polished aesthetics, such as the controversial clean girl beauty and aspirational quiet luxury fashion. 

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In June, Elisha Cuthbert rocked an inverted pair of wedges consisting of a wide, metallic strap across the toes. The Rachel Comey shoes were styled with a simple, lace-trimmed skirt and a fitted, vest-style top. The pieces make for an easy and breezy summer look that taps into the popularity of midi skirts while the inverted wedges really make the outfit feel polished. To shop other styles, check out the Merriam Wedge from Michael Kors.

Mesh ballet flats have been a major shoe throughout the mid-2020s, with celebs like Gigi Hadid and Lily Collins being pictured in the trendy footwear. This woven texture translates well to a sandal for the summer season, working with both block and kitten heels. Specifically, mules featuring straps made of raffia or braided leather have a chic, boho-inspired energy ready for a European holiday or beachside vacation.

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Kylie Jenner demonstrated how to style breezy mules for a red-hot look back in May 2025. She wore a pair of tan, slim-heeled mules from Jacquemus with a bodycon dress in bright red, accessorizing with gold jewelry and a crocodile handbag. While the individual elements of this ensemble are pretty simple, they all come together with the woven mules for a sexy, vacation-ready outfit perfect for her Miami destination. 

For additional styling options, pair styles like the Camille 2 Heeled Mules from Sam Edelman with breezy white dresses and linen pants for an instant outfit upgrade. Otherwise, don't be afraid to add a splash of color with pairs in trendy shades like Tiffany blue and butter yellow.

If sky-high stilettos are a deal-breaker for you, then the petite kitten heel is the way to go when it comes to summer sandals. This style of shoe has been consistently dominating celebrity wardrobes, with sandal iterations consisting of classic thongs and minimalist, overlapping straps being both chic and warm weather-ready. Not only does this footwear offer the elevated appearance of heels without the pain of towering styles, but they also can be styled with a variety of different looks, as seen with celebs.

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Milly Alcock stepped out in a pair of red Vivaia kitten heels when promoting "Supergirl" in June. She used the strappy sandals to elevate an overall casual outfit, donning a navy polo with an oversized collar and knee-length denim shorts while accessorizing with large sunglasses and a red, quilted purse. Meanwhile, Kaia Gerber went for a dressier look when pictured in late May. The actor styled a pair of Mango sandals featuring both thong and slingback straps with a blue dress worn under a classic trench coat. 

When compared, these celebrity outfits show just how versatile the kitten heel sandal truly is, elevating a casual ensemble while completing an evening look. If you're looking for your own pair of these summer-ready shoes, then Nine West's Cassa kitten heels are a good place to start.