There is no way out of partaking in this trend – not that we mind: red sandals are everywhere, and it’s the kind of effortlessly chic styling trick that’s perfect for summer.
Once again, it feels as though all the designers and retailers have gathered in a secret conclave for a meeting of minds where they decided what we will collectively be wearing. And the results are in: for summer 2026, skirts will be shorter, earrings will be dangling, and sandals will be red. Last year was all about kitten-heeled flip flop sandals; now it's all about embracing slashes of scarlet straps on our feet.
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Whether your budget lends itself to luxury brands like Miu Miu and The Row, or more affordable, high-street picks like Mango and Massimo Dutti, there is one detail we see being repeated incessantly: it's the power of red shoes. Some with barefoot-thin straps, others with padded footbeds and delicate straps. Their soles can be barefoot-thin or thick, but just make sure the shoes are in a bright cherry red, and you’ll be in style.
There are many ways to answer the question of how to wear these red sandals, and that's exactly why we love them. It turns out red sandals look as good with casual jeans as they do a crisp white shirtdress. They go with miniskirts, shorts, slip dresses, and capris too. Basically, most pieces in your closet will make their way into a look with red sandals – and look fab, too. Ahead, some of our favourite formulas on how to wear red sandals for summer.
For a casual outfit: Red sandals & an oversized T-shirt
Weekends are when your most relaxed basics really get to shine. But you can add a little polish and flair to a baggy white tee with your red sandals. And consider swapping in a pair of capris instead of your usual jean shorts — they’re even more comfortable, and feel a little more intentional.
Don’t forget the matching blazer, either. At most offices, summer is when you can have a little more fun with your style. And nothing adds a bit of fun like a pop of colour courtesy of your red sandals.
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For a beach holiday outfit: Red sandals & a summer dress
It’s a wearable way to pull off the boho look that’s so trendy right now. A crochet summer dress is easy to pack and quite versatile when it comes to dressing it up or down, depending on your plans. Add a pair of red jelly sandals and embrace the holiday spirit.
Linen sets are super comfortable, but still put together enough that you won’t catch strays from your mom, aunt, or grandmother about looking ‘too casual.’ Instead, they’ll be asking where you got those cute two-tone flip flops.
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For brunch with friends: Red sandals with a floral top
Elegant but comfy, and easily adaptable to whatever the day holds in case that brunch turns into shopping into dinner into a full night out. The loose cargo trousers work perfectly with the splash of red.
The red heel will pop against a satin slip dress in navy or black. You can tie a scarf around the waist and add an embellished bag for extra pizazz if you want, but we all know the real star here will be down at your feet.
A version of this article originally appeared in Glamour España.
