You don’t have to splash out a ton of cash on an entire new wardrobe to stay on top of Spring/Summer 2024’s biggest trends. In fact, we’re not even recommending it. A much more planet- and wallet-friendly way to upgrade your look for the coming season is to invest in trend-forward accessories that have the power to elevate even the simplest outfit. Whether it’s a trendy bag (which has a timeless appeal), a new sunglasses silhouette, statement earrings, shoes, or all of the above, the key to a flawlessly on-trend ensemble is all in the details.
As a shoe enthusiast, I always start my seasonal footwear transitions with my feet, and I encourage you to do the same. For SS24, mesh flats, cowboy boots, minimalist thong sandals and ballerina styles dominated the runways, and thankfully, they were all comfortable and chic.
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Thanks to the popular “FROW” at the Chloé show, wedge heels are also hot right now, with other brands jumping on the trend with their own modern designs. If you’re looking to brighten up your all-black summer goth ensemble with a splash of color (like me!), red shoes are the way to go.
So, without further ado, here are the trending shoes you should invest in for SS24.
ELLE’s SS24 shoe trend guide
Mesh Flat
With the sun finally out and the rain (hopefully) easing up, now’s the perfect time to embrace the mesh flats trend that’s taking the fashion world by storm. The shoe’s near-invisibility makes it incredibly breathable, perfect for warmer weather, and the sheer material gives it a super sexy look. Alaia’s fishnet design is a great one to start with, but if you’d prefer something more subtle, pick up Dear Frances’ roses before they sell out again.
Alaïa leather-trimmed fishnet ballet flats
Kait Marcy crystal-embellished mesh ballet flats
COS leather-trimmed mesh ballet flats
Dear Frances Rose Mesh Strap
Thong sandals
The flashiest shoes aren’t always the most impactful. Case in point: this season’s minimalist thong sandals. They’re flip-flops, but they’re loud and the epitome of effortless cool. They’re stylish with an oversized shirt and capris during the day, but also truly stand out with a linen mini skirt or more formal attire in the evening.
Totem Leather Thong Sandals
THE ROW Ginza two-tone leather and suede platform flip-flops
Reformation Jesse thong sandals
Cowboy boots
The western trend is here to stay this season, with everyone from Beyonce to Bella Hadid spearheading the Texas revival – right down to the shoes. If you’re looking to go for a more fashion-forward look than farmer’s, pair SS24’s cowboy boots with a long, laced bohemian dress, inspired by Celine, or team a silk slip with an oversized blazer, or wear with baggy jeans for an off-duty cool-girl vibe.
Ganni Leather Cowboy Boots
Isabel Marant Duerto embroidered suede cowboy boots
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COS embroidered leather cowboy boots
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Kait Dallas Leather Knee Boots
Pop red
If red tights and socks added colour in autumn, try the same effect this season with red shoes. Whether it’s Gucci’s already iconic deep burgundy patent leather slingbacks or Reformation’s phone-booth-coloured square-toe mules, these are a wardrobe revolution for anyone looking to refresh their tired summer palette of neutrals.
Gucci Signoria Slingback Pumps
Reformation Megan Flat Mules
Cos pointed mesh slingback kitten heel
Ballerina shoes
Ballet flats haven’t been this popular since the 2000s, and the trend looks set to continue this time around. From luxury designers to the high street, there are endless ballerina styles to choose from this season, including classic satin slippers, sparkly showstoppers and Margiela’s edgy open-toed tabis. The best part is, ballet flats go with any style, so you can splurge on your favourite shoes with the peace of mind that comes into the equation, knowing that the cost per wear will be close to zero.
Mango Satin Ballerina with Buckle
Frances Bara Crystal Pumps
Pretty Ballerina Lee Flats
Margiela Tabi split-toe leather ballet flats
Mega Wedge
With wedding season now in full swing, you’ll be happy to hear that the wedge heel is officially back—just not as you know it. Forget the canvas-tied espadrille styles that were a staple at garden parties of the past. For spring/summer 2024, stacked shoes are on trend with a more refined, minimalist, modern aesthetic, seen everywhere from Ferragamo and Rick Owens to Zara. But the cult style of the season is undoubtedly Chloé’s viral graffiti mega wedge heel—provided you have the ankle strength to walk in it.
Chloe Maxim Wedge Sandals
Reformation Enya wedge sandals
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