The Beaded Sandal Trend Is The Easiest Way To Upgrade Your Most Basic Outfits

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Want to upgrade a basic outfit in the warmer weather? Look no further than beaded sandals. The major footwear trend of summer 2026 has helped usher out previously popular minimalist shoe styles for something much more maximalist and fun, as it's brought color and embellishments into our footwear rotation. Major fashion houses like Saint Laurent to Jimmy Choo have put their own spin on beaded sandals, which tap into the beachy boho aesthetic that's made its way back into our wardrobes. They're also perfect for highlighting summer 2026's pedicure trends.

What we love most about this tootsie exposing trend, though, is that it's so versatile and adaptable. If you want a more formal shoe with a little height that can work for the likes of weddings or garden parties, Fuazuzu's Strappy Wedge will add a pop of color and glamour to an all-white 'fit. Wedges are also one of summer 2026's biggest sandal trends, so you'll be double en vogue. Looking for something more comfortable and flat for your summer adventures scoping out a new city? Try Ancient Greek Esther Sandals, which are understated enough to work with almost any look (including a flowy maxi dress) while elevating it from basic to boujee. For an overall more casual style, reach for Oakmoo's Jeweled Sandals in Brown, which would be perfect for a day by the pool or a visit to the beach with denim shorts and a tank top. The monochrome brown will upgrade your warm weather look without feeling too overdone.

The versatility of beaded sandals is a blessing and a curse. Because there are so many shapes and styles on the market, there are countless ways to wear the funky shoe style — but that can make narrowing down the perfect look tough. Fortunately, though, we don't have to look too far for some inspo from our favorite celebs, who have rocked everything from statement-making small beads to more understated chunky versions.

If you want to make a major statement, take a page from actor Jessica Biel's fashion book. In 2016, at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, she served up a look that could totally still work today. The star paired a halterneck blue and red paisley print maxi dress with blue heeled sandals that featured eye catching beads. The strappy footwear had beaded fringing over the top of her foot in yellow, blue, black, and red, and marked a fun way to put a twist on the trend and elevated her dress, which could otherwise have looked too basic for the red carpet.

Beaded sandals don't have to be so bold though, as singer Tate McRae (who's proven her fashionista status by wearing one of 2026's hottest denim trends) confirmed. She demonstrated the power of a beaded sandal with an all-white outfit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. She sported a darker, more understated version of the trend with larger beads, which she paired with a white, slightly cropped, top and matching white jeans. The longer hem on her pants skimmed the large beads on her heeled version of the major shoe trend. The "2 Hands" hitmaker kept the color darker though, which offered some contrast against her white clothing and matching pedi.