As a shopping director, I’m constantly on the lookout for footwear that combines style, comfort, and versatility. My virtual cart is always filled with shoes that can transition from office meetings to weekend brunches without missing a beat.
From luxurious designer slides to affordable summer staples, here’s a peek at the ten shoe silhouettes currently capturing my attention and wallet.
1. LOEWE Petal Anagram Leather Slides
Luxury meets everyday wearability with these stunning LOEWE slides. The delicate petal design incorporating the brand’s signature anagram offers a sophisticated twist on casual footwear.
Made from buttery-soft leather that molds to your feet with each wear, these slides become more comfortable over time. The neutral colorway ensures they pair effortlessly with everything from linen trousers to summer dresses.
Worth every penny of their investment price tag, these slides will elevate even the simplest outfit to designer status. I’ve already planned countless summer outfits around these beautiful statement pieces!
2. Ancient Greek Sandals Zoi Leather-Trimmed Woven Cord Sandals
Handcrafted excellence defines these artisanal beauties from Ancient Greek Sandals. Each pair features meticulously woven cord with leather trim, creating a rustic yet refined aesthetic that transports you straight to a Mediterranean coastline.
Inspired by traditional Greek craftsmanship, the natural materials develop a gorgeous patina over time. The slight heel provides just enough lift without sacrificing the comfort needed for all-day exploration.
Versatility makes these sandals a standout in my collection – they work equally well with flowy maxi dresses or cropped denim. Their timeless design ensures they’ll remain stylish for many summers to come.
3. Old Navy Jelly Lattice Ballet Flats
Nostalgia hits hard with these playful jelly flats that transport me straight back to childhood summers. The updated lattice design gives these affordable gems a modern twist while maintaining that fun, carefree spirit we all need in our closets.
Surprisingly comfortable for long wear, these water-friendly flats have become my go-to for beach trips and poolside lounging. The rainbow of available colors makes it tempting to collect multiple pairs – I started with classic black but quickly added the transparent glitter version too!
Budget-friendly fashion doesn’t get better than this $20 find that delivers style and practicality in equal measure. They’re perfect for those summer downpours when you don’t want to ruin your expensive leather shoes.
4. Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Minimalist elegance defines these sleek kitten heel sandals that have quickly become my workday heroes. The barely-there straps provide just enough support while maintaining a delicate profile that elongates the leg beautifully.
Standing at the perfect height of 2 inches, these heels offer elevation without the discomfort of higher styles. The cushioned footbed means I can confidently wear them from morning meetings straight through evening events without a backup pair in my tote.
Available in several neutral shades, I opted for the versatile bone color that works with everything in my wardrobe. For under $100, the quality and design rival pairs triple the price, making them an exceptional value for trend-conscious shoppers.
5. J.Crew Andi Ballet Flats
Classic never goes out of style, as proven by these timeless J.Crew ballet flats that have earned permanent status in my rotation. The buttery leather develops a beautiful worn-in look that only improves with age and wear. Constructed with a slightly cushioned insole, these flats provide unexpected comfort for all-day city exploration.
The elegant almond toe strikes the perfect balance between pointed formality and rounded casualness, making them appropriate for virtually any occasion. Recently redesigned with an improved fit and more flexible sole, the updated version addresses the break-in period that plagued earlier iterations.
I now own them in three colors – black, caramel, and a limited edition burgundy that adds unexpected pop to neutral outfits.
6. Adidas Sl 72 Sneaker
Retro sportswear makes a stylish comeback with these vintage-inspired Adidas sneakers that capture the essence of 70s athletic design. The iconic three stripes stand out against the nylon and suede upper, creating that perfect throwback vibe without looking costumey.
Featherlight construction makes these sneakers ideal for travel – they pack flat and weigh practically nothing in a suitcase. The cushioned footbed provides surprising support for city walking tours or casual weekend adventures.
Color combinations range from subtle neutrals to bold primary palettes inspired by the original 1972 Olympic designs. My personal favorite features a navy base with red and white accents that somehow manages to work with nearly everything in my casual wardrobe.
7. H&M Knot-Detail Flip-Flops
Budget-friendly beach essentials don’t get better than these elevated flip-flops with their distinctive knotted strap detail. Unlike typical rubber versions, these feature a softer material that prevents the dreaded between-toe irritation that ruins many summer outings.
Sleek design elements like the monochromatic color scheme and minimalist profile make these look far more expensive than their $12.99 price tag would suggest. The slightly cushioned footbed provides unexpected comfort for extended wear, whether strolling boardwalks or navigating poolside terraces.
Available in several sophisticated neutrals, I grabbed both the cream and black versions to cover all my casual summer outfit needs. These have quickly become my go-to for quick errands and beach days alike.
8. Vince Marin Leather Lace-Up Loafers
Masculine-inspired footwear gets a refined update with these sophisticated loafers that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The buttery leather develops a gorgeous patina over time, making each pair uniquely yours with continued wear.
Architectural elements like the stacked heel and substantial sole provide subtle height without sacrificing stability or comfort. The lace-up detail offers adjustable fit while maintaining the clean lines that make these so versatile for work-to-weekend styling.
Despite their substantial appearance, these loafers require virtually no break-in period thanks to the supple leather and thoughtfully designed interior. They’ve quickly become my preferred option for polished comfort during long workdays when I need to look professional without sacrificing foot comfort.
9. Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat
Playful nostalgia meets grown-up sophistication with these charming mary janes that add character to any outfit. The delicate ankle strap provides secure fit while creating a flattering line that works beautifully with both cropped pants and midi skirts.
Crafted from smooth leather with a slightly padded insole, these flats offer day-long comfort that belies their structured appearance. The rounded toe box provides ample room without looking clunky – a difficult balance that many similar styles fail to achieve.
Available in several versatile shades, I couldn’t resist the glossy black patent that adds subtle texture to monochromatic outfits. These have quickly become my secret weapon for elevating simple ensembles with minimal effort.
10. DRIES VAN NOTEN Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
Avant-garde meets athletic in these extraordinary designer sneakers that exemplify why Dries Van Noten remains a fashion insider favorite. The unexpected color combinations and mixed-media construction create visual interest that elevates even the simplest outfit.
Premium materials set these sneakers apart – the buttery suede and leather trim develop beautiful depth with wear. The substantial sole provides excellent support while creating that coveted chunky profile without veering into overly trendy territory.
Investment pricing reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design that transcends seasonal trends. I justified the splurge by calculating cost-per-wear over years of use – these will remain stylish long after more trend-focused footwear has cycled out of fashion.