Flat flip-flops have become my everyday summer shoe at this point. Especially with oversized linen trousers, relaxed shirts, simple tank tops, beach dresses or swimwear underneath an open shirt. They make outfits feel cleaner somehow. Less forced.

The interesting thing is that luxury brands have fully embraced them too. What used to feel very minimal and almost too simple suddenly became fashionable in the most elevated way possible. The Row has obviously played a huge role in that shift, but so many brands now have their own interpretation of the perfect flat flip-flop.

Some are extremely minimal leather versions. Some feel very 90s. Others lean into softer jelly materials or slightly sculptural soles. I have also been seeing beautiful styles from Christopher Esber, Saint Laurent and Ancient Greek Sandals recently, especially styles that work just as well in a city as they do near the beach.

I also think flat flip-flops work because they fit perfectly into the entire “vacation wardrobe” aesthetic people are obsessed with right now. Everything feels slightly undone this summer in the best way. Linen wrinkles. Oversized raffia bags. Hair dried naturally after swimming. Jewellery layered casually. Flat flip-flops belong perfectly in that world.

And honestly, after years of uncomfortable summer sandals, I appreciate a trend that actually allows me to walk properly.

Now for my personal weakness: heeled flip-flops.

I genuinely think this might be one of my favourite summer shoe trends in years because they somehow manage to feel elegant and relaxed at the same time, which is surprisingly difficult to achieve.

The tiny heel makes such a difference. Suddenly the entire silhouette feels more elevated, slightly more feminine, slightly more dressed up, but still incredibly easy to wear. I love them with long slip dresses, white skirts, relaxed evening outfits or even simple jeans and a blazer during summer nights.

And unlike very high heels, these are actually realistic shoes. You can wear them for hours. You can walk to dinner in them. You can wear them on holiday without immediately regretting your life choices after fifteen minutes.

Toteme has some incredibly chic versions this season, especially if you love very minimal Scandinavian styling. Jude also has beautiful options that feel modern but still timeless. Then of course there are the more elevated designer versions from Alaïa, Gianvito Rossi and Manolo Blahnik, which almost feel like jewellery for your feet.

I have already bought a few pairs myself because once you start wearing heeled flip-flops, it becomes slightly difficult to go back to traditional summer heels. They just work with everything.