4 Sandal Trends You Can Keep Wearing With Your Fall 2026 Outfits

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The transition from summer to autumn means changing out warm-weather favorites like denim shorts and tank tops for cozy pieces like oversized sweaters and stylish trenchcoats. Even so, fashion lovers don't need to pack away all summer sandals for fall 2026, as several styles will translate effectively into autumnal ensembles. So far, the summer months have been dominated by easygoing staples that have one nostalgic thing in common, like loose denim and graphic tees alongside throwback favorites like capris and wedges. The kitten heel has also ruled the entire year, being ascribed to different sandal styles ranging from classic thongs to open-toed slingbacks.

When forecasting what's going to be popular in upcoming months, the collections that graced runways during the fall and winter are strong indicators of what's to come. At the same time, celebrities and online creators are sure to influence which pieces go viral. Not only do these indicators illustrate what sandals to keep in your closet for the upcoming season, but they also provide inspiration for how to style such footwear for fall.

In addition to landing on the list of heeled sandal trends that will elevate your summer 2026 wardrobe, block-heeled sandals translate well to fall outfits. This shoe style features a square base that is typically more supportive than sleek stiletto alternatives. As for the sandal element, both open-toed retro renditions and strappy '90s-inspired pairs have risen in popularity throughout the warmer months. 

To bring these styles into autumn, lean into the vintage vibe by wearing warm-toned pairs like Cole Haan Women's Josie Block Heel Sandal with similarly retro pieces. Baggy or flared jeans, as seen on stars like Taylor Swift and Kaia Gerber, make for an easygoing option, and you can dress for the weather by wearing these sandals with a corduroy miniskirt and turtleneck combo.

Meanwhile, strappy styles such as Marc Fisher's Gurion will pair well with the elevated slip dresses that hit the runway in fall 2026. Stars like Alexa Chung and Simone Ashley have already begun wearing reinventions of the once-minimalist piece, sporting iterations with boldly-colored lace and deconstructed detailing. Block heel sandals perfectly complement such outfits, further cultivating the throwback vibe while still feeling modern.

Fisherman sandals are another shoe style to keep on hand as the seasons change. While the practical footwear ranked among comfy sandal trends for summer 2026, the shoe has enough versatility and timelessness that it's not limited to one season. Fisherman sandals typically consist of interwoven pieces of leather that create something of a cage around the foot, offering a semi-closed-toe option that can easily be worn in the fall. 

Celebrities like Katie Holmes and Gwyneth Paltrow have leaned into the coastal energy of these sandals, styling the leather kicks with white pants and breezy button-ups. Such easy-going pieces translate well into the fall months with an updated color scheme, as burnt oranges and bold reds are set to be trendy alongside the season's classic light browns and earthy greens. Otherwise, you can't go wrong by pairing these sandals with classic jeans. 

Additionally, fisherman sandals such as the Hello Seaside Sandals from Dr. Scholl's pair well with warm socks to protect against cooler weather while channeling cozy autumn vibes. They serve as a fitting contrast to slouchy or oversized menswear items like trousers and blazers, and pair especially well with the popular plaid pieces we saw on fall 2026 runways.

Kitten heels don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, especially considering they received such a firm stamp of approval from celebrities. In this way, open-toed kitten heels promise to be a solid option for autumn. While the thong style, which landed the title of summer 2026's simplest heel trend, will likely stay behind with the warm weather, single-strap and peep-toe iterations such as Nine West's Luvlie Heeled Sandal can carry a minimalist aesthetic into fall. 

Kitten heels in cream and light brown will marry well with the white-and-beige layering trend we've seen on fall 2026 runways. This includes the autumn-ready trench coat, which celebs like Hailey Bieber and Alexa Chung have already combined with pairs of these modest heels. Classic button-ups, knitted vests, and khaki trousers are timeless pieces to try with these sandals.

Kitten heels also seamlessly transition from daytime to evening wear, so they work well with other staple pieces that can be similarly dressed up or down. For example, a classic black dress can be worn with a tailored blazer while the sun's out, or be prettied up for a night out with statement jewelry and bolder makeup. Either way, kitten heel sandals work great with such enduring staples.

While slingback sandals serve as a heel-securing option for summer, they show promise of sticking around for early autumn. Heeled versions have been especially popular lately, but there are plenty of flat iterations of the shoe. Following the resurgence of minimalist thong sandals, slingback styles with thinner straps, such as Sam Edelman's Emmie Block Heel Sandals, are set to stick around. They can effortlessly elevate an evening outfit, creating a Y2K-inspired vibe when combined with dresses that feature handkerchief hemlines and ruffled trims. To really bring it into fall, top off your look with a chunky cardigan with a playful pattern or embellishments.

Additionally, peep-toe slingbacks have been popular among celebs, so the style is expected to endure the following seasons. Not only did Sabrina Carpenter opt for a bow-adorned pair when stepping out at Paris Fashion Week, but actor Ellie Bamber also sported a bright yellow pair to complete a color-blocked ensemble. Overall, there are a handful of trendy summer sandals that will keep your outfits elevated for fall 2026.