The best shoes for vacation season

There is a lot to consider when choosing which shoes to pack for a vacation – not only do you want pairs that will add a fashion-forward edge to your look, but there are practical elements to consider, too. Will they complement the pieces in your day-to-day wardrobe and work for evening? If you’re looking for a chic seasonal update, a super-high wedge is the way to go, and works beautifully with everything from blue denim to floral midi dresses. For a more perennial style, opt for versatile neutral shades in modern shapes. And if that isn’t standout enough for you, try a ’90s-inspired strappy sandal – wear with a silk slip dress to amp up the retro connotations.

The wedge is having renaissance this season, and there are a number of options to choose from. With its coterie of A-list fans, not many brands can elicit the same level of global cult status as Jimmy Choo, and the British label’s ‘Allis’ rope-style wedge is set to be star of your vacation wardrobe. But it isn’t the only brand jumping on the platform bandwagon: Stuart Weitzman’s ‘Lexia’ wedge comes in an exotic snake print (one of the season’s in-demand prints), while Sophia Webster’s ‘Lucita’ style features an ultra-chic rose-gold finish on the straps. Alternatively, Vince’s ‘Sutherland’ suede wedge comes in a slip-on mule shape, making it ideal for all-day wear, to take you from beach to bar in style.

The forever-in-fashion neutral sandal is one of those brilliantly versatile footwear options – it works just as well with classic suiting or blue denim in the city as it does with a floral dress at a wedding or light linen at a beach bar. At once timeless yet of-the-moment, the season’s modern heeled styles from insider-favorite labels Neous, By Far and Wandler are a wardrobe win. Alternatively, opt for Tabitha Simmons’ flat ‘Nellie’ sandal, part of an exclusive summer capsule, to give your look a whimsical beach-boho vibe thanks to their slim ankle ties embellished with miniature shells.

If you haven’t done so already, then you’ll want to get your hands on a pair of barely there sandals, which can currently be spotted on the feet of pretty much every street-style star you can think of. Perfectly in tune with this season’s ’90s mood, it’s an easy way to inject your look with a throwback vibe yet is understated enough that it doesn’t take away from the rest of your outfit. With their minimalist, strappy silhouettes, Giuseppe Zanotti, Emme Parsons and Studio Amelia’s flats are ultra-cool choices on days when you want to make a subtle statement, while Staud’s mock-croc ‘Gita’ style is the ideal after-dark choice – the 2.5 inch heel height is ideal for dancing all night long.