9 Chic Shoes for Spring…and Outfits To Wear Them With!

Spring & Summer Shoes

Are you feeling uninspired by your wardrobe for spring/summer? One of the simplest and most affordable ways to give yourself a wardrobe refresh is… finding a new pair of fab shoes! And, bonus… it doesn’t matter if you put on a few pounds, your size typically remains the same. Unless you just had a baby. Anyone else experience feet growth post babies?  I went from a size 7 to size 7 1/2.  Anywho, I’m SO excited to share some of my new spring/summer shoe faves in this post to help you put a little extra spring in your step – puns intended 😉 Plus, I’m sharing some new, stylish and modern outfits with each pair of shoes…

Flats

Sam Edelman Brown Slides

First up is something I get requests for all the time…flats! I’m 5’4” and love the little extra height that heels provide. But I understand many of you prefer lower heels or flats. I recently purchased these Sam Edelman slide-on sandals and I can already tell they are going to be heavy hitters this summer.  They’re a great everyday sandal option that will be incredibly versatile. The style is very similar to the popular Hermes “Oran” sandals without the Hermes price tag. Throw them on with jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, joggers, etc. They’re chic, high-quality, comfortable, and come in a bunch of colors. See how I styled them below…

How To Style

In this look, I styled the Sam Edelman sandals with this light, breezy Free People top and a pair of Veronica Beard shorts. This versatile summer must-have top is one you can wear with pretty much anything – shorts, jeans, joggers, and skirts for an effortlessly chic look. It’s 100% cotton so it’s breathable and cool, making it perfect for spring and summer. I love the cropped, billowy fit, blouson sleeves, and spread collar.

I bought these shorts for our recent trip to Africa and love the style and fit. They are longer than most shorts which I appreciate. They’re also cotton for maximum coolness. Two of my biggest tips when shopping for shorts over 40 is to find a pair that has an A-line shape and roomier legs…and these check those boxes! The belted accents, contrasting stitching, and pretty khaki color give it that ‘of-the-moment’ cargo or utility-inspired look.

Sam Edelman Metallic Sandals

The second pair of flats is also by Sam Edelman. The brand is known for its high-quality, comfortable, and affordable shoes so you really can’t go wrong with any of their sandals for summer! I also love that the sizes are the same across the board…cause I don’t like returning shoes. The sandals I’m wearing are the “Gold Leaf” color which is SO versatile, but they come in other colors too. I love the double strap for comfort and stability, but it also looks very sleek and streamlined. You can wear these with pretty much anything for spring and summer. For styling inspiration, check out what I paired them with below…

Shop more Sam Edelman shoes here.

How To Style

I styled the double-strap sandals with a gorgeous striped Maje mini dress. This shirtdress has luxe gold buttons down the front, contrasting striped pattern that’s strategically flattering, and a fun flounce skirt. This dress is the perfect combination of sophistication and femininity. I love the way it looks styled casually with these flat sandals but if you’re interested in seeing it dressed up a bit more with wedges, keep scrolling…

Wedges

Veronica Beard Espadrille Wedges

Do you remember these Veronica Beard wedges from last year? I wore them so much that I decided to try out another pair of the brand’s espadrilles for this spring! The new pair you’re seeing above are equally chic and comfortable. I love the criss-cross top, luxe suede fabric mixed with the traditional espadrille texture, and manageable 3.5” heel. The thick wedge makes them super easy to walk in and I love that they’re a simple slip-on mule…a must-have for quick summer dressing when you need to be ready and out the door in minutes! The neutral color will literally go with everything too! Throw on this gorgeous Maje dress and the wedges and you’re looking sophisticated, chic, and elevated for whatever you have planned that day.

Shop more Veronica Beard shoes here.

Valentino Rockstud Wedges

For my high fashion lovers, I present the perfect summer designer sandal by Valentino! I’m going to have a full review of these sandals coming to the site next month but spoiler alert…they’re amazing! Valentino is well-known for the studded details on their shoes, bags, and other accessories. I love that the studs add the perfect touch of edginess to these espadrille wedges. The metallic color is very on-trend but they also come in a few other colors. They have a 3.75” heel, but the 3/4” platform makes them easier to walk in than you would expect! They have an ankle strap so they aren’t as easy to get on as the Veronica Beard slide-on wedges, but the buckle is still pretty simple and quick to get on and off. Plus, you will feel extra secure with the strap.

Shop more Valentino shoes here.

By the way, if you’re interested in my review of the Valentino slide-on sandals, make sure you check out this post next.

 

How To Style

I styled the wedges with a pretty casual outfit…jeans and a button-down shirt. This is a go-to outfit or “style uniform” for me each spring and summer because it’s SO simple but always makes me feel pulled together! I’m wearing a blue and white striped button-down by Rails that’s super soft, lightweight, and breathable. If you’re a longtime subscriber, you know how much I love my Rails button-downs! 😉 I tucked it into a pair of tapered-leg Moussy Vintage jeans. Moussy Vintage has gorgeous denim washes and the fit is great for petite women because they have shorter inseam lengths. The exact wash I’m wearing is sold out but I linked a very similar pair and a few more affordable options below.

Heels

Cult Gaia Metallic Heels

How gorgeous are these heels?! I love the architectural heel and on-trend metallic gold color. Sculptural heels are very on-trend this season too. If you’re looking for a pair of statement shoes for a special occasion or to elevate your everyday jeans…these are a stunning option! (Disclaimer: these require some break in time.) The woven textured material makes them feel a little more casual while the square toe and suspended 4” heel make them such a unique, luxe-looking pair of shoes. Cult Gaia is known for their on-trend accessories, especially their bags and shoes, so if you’re looking for a fashion-forward pair of shoes for a special occasion, see what the brand has to offer here.

How to Style

You could easily wear these heels with a gorgeous mini or midi dress to a wedding or special event. But I wanted to show you a more casual way to style them and how I’ll probably wear them the most…with jeans! I’m wearing a pair of white Mother jeans and a gorgeous butterfly-printed top by Alice + Olivia. You might remember this outfit from this post where I actually styled these pieces with the brown Sam Edelman sandals from above.

These white jeans are a must-try if you feel like you can’t ever find a good pair of white jeans. Just trust me…they’re SO good. I have the same style in multiple washes because I love the fit that much!

My top is one of those pieces I have in my closet that I put on and immediately feel joy. The print and color are so vibrant and fun, it has chic pleated sleeves, a flattering V-neckline, and it’s super lightweight so you’d stay cool. This is a perfect summer girls night out or dinner look.

Open Edit Black Heels

Would you believe me if I told you these heels were under $50? Well, they are! Open Edit, an in-house Nordstrom brand has quickly become a favorite for on-trend shoes, accessories, and stylish basics so I decided to give these heels a try. They’re super comfortable, easy to walk in, and I love that they have adjustable straps for a more personalized fit (especially helpful if you have narrow feet like me). I’m wearing the black but they also come in beige…and for under $50, I think I might need the beige now too! 😉

Shop more Open Edit shoes here.

How To Style

You could easily wear these Open Edit heels with pretty much any outfit! But I wanted to show you a dressier outfit you could wear to an event, out to dinner with friends, or on date night. I’m wearing a black jumpsuit by Simkhai (yes, I need to have it hemmed – 34″ inseam). For a really special piece, I don’t mind the extra effort of visiting the tailor. This jumpsuit has a sexy, strappy plunge neckline, a flattering wide-leg, and ruched fabric around the bust and waist. I love that it looks like I’m wearing trousers and a strappy top rather than a jumpsuit. It’s a really unique piece to have in your closet. If you’re worried about showing too much skin, consider draping a blazer over your shoulders.

Platforms

Chloe Sneakers

Who else loves the comeback of the ultimate heels… platforms?? And, platforms aren’t just relegated to heels …like these platform sneakers by Chloe, for example! They’re a bit of a splurge, but I love the unique blanket stitching and mixed-media style. They are figuratively and literally…elevated! They have a small 2.5 inches platform, which is the perfect amount of added height on my 5’4” frame. Remember I brought these with me on my trip to the Middle East last year? They come in a bunch of other options including some fun, colorful styles. These sneakers have become so popular that Dolce Vita even made a look-a-like pair. If you want to try the trend and a similar look for a fraction of the price, definitely check these out!

Shop more Chloe shoes here.

Sizing note: These sneakers only come in whole sizes. If between sizes, size UP to the next size.

 

How To Style

I’ve worn these sneakers with everything from denim shorts and jeans to midi dresses…they’re much more versatile than you think! In this look, I styled them with the same white Mother jeans I was wearing with the butterfly top. But this time I swapped the top for a beautiful camel blouse by L’Agence. This blouse has pretty lace cuffs, subtle puff sleeves, and a flattering V-neckline.

Marc Fisher Woven Platforms

If you love the platform shoe trend and want to dive in, the next two pairs are for you. These Marc Fisher platforms have a boho-inspired feel and cool woven fabric. They have a chunky 4 1/4” block heel and a 1 5/8” platform that really gives you a lot of height…but are easy to walk in for heels! I love the very summer feel these platforms give and can’t wait to style them with skirts and dresses too.

Shop more Marc Fisher shoes here.

How To Style

You can wear these platforms with pretty much anything this summer, but I decided to style them with a green satin Maje jumpsuit. I love the contrast between the more masculine cargo-inspired jumpsuit and the feminine woven heels. This jumpsuit has cargo pockets, a smocked waist for added waist definition, a spread collar, and long sleeves. I have on a white bralette underneath but you could button it up further and wear a regular bra as well.

Sam Edelman Platform Sandals

This last pair of platforms by Sam Edelman gives that same summery feel as the last pair, but they’re a bit taller. With a 5.5” heel and 2” platform, these really bring on the height. The dramatic platform and woven texture make these the perfect vacation-ready shoes if you’re headed to the beach or a tropical destination.

How To Style

I can see these heels styled with a gorgeous maxi dress on a beach vacation, with shorts and a chic blouse for a summer date night, or…with this gorgeous pink dress by Alexis! If you’re looking for a special occasion dress that has coverage for your arms and legs, this is a stunning option. This dress has a longer midi length, short sleeves that still cover your shoulders, a v-neckline, and a super flattering cinched waist. I love the belted details on the waist that really elevate the dress. Wear it with the Sam Edelman platforms for a dressier look or with flats for a more casual look.

Which pair do you love most? Mine are the VB wedges because I think I’ll wear them the most. Let me know your favorites in the comments below!

Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive some incredible style resources. If you’re struggling with style or just need a style refresh, don’t forget about our Style Made Simple course!
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