5 Must-Have Shoes For Summer

Get your bridal clients prepped using this guide to scheduled services, plus a few on-trend nail looks perfect for the wedding day.

BY GELISH

07.03.24

It’s that time of year to swap out boots for breezy sandals, not only to keep you cool, but to make a serious style statement. From classic silhouettes to bold designs, this summer’s sandal trends are all about embracing comfort without compromising on fashion. But do you know what’s in and what’s out? Here, Morgan Haile weighs in on the most popular shoe trends for summer so you know exactly what to slip into this season.

IN: Birkenstock-Style SandalsOUT: Braided Straps

After Birkenstock made a massive comeback last year, the buckle-style sandal is now all the rage. “This style is one you’ll reach for time and time again,” Morgan says. Other designers are following suit with chunky straps and oversized buckles, replacing the once-beloved braided strap, which has since fallen by the way side. “But your look won’t be complete without NEW Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil with Hyaluronic Acid.” Morgan’s tip: Apply the cuticle oil to the heels of your feet as well as your cuticles to keep your whole foot hydrated!

IN: Kitten HeelsOUT: Sky-High Stilettos

While super-tall stilettos make legs look a mile high, they aren’t the practical choice this summer. Styles overall are gearing towards lower to the ground and far more comfortable. Enter: the kitten heel. Skinny or square or something in between, as long as the heel hovers around 1 to 2 inches, you’re all set. “Pair with gold and silver on toes to turn heads,” says Morgan. Her advice? “Dip your toes in Gelish A-Lister or Give Me Gold for a real taste of the ’90s.”

IN: Chunky PlatformsOUT: Cork Wedges

While comfort reigns supreme, another common denominator of summer sandals is “what’s old is new again.” Take the stacked heel platform sandals that have taken hold this season: A nod to 1970s styles, but made modern, these chunky platforms allow you to get a little extra height while maintaining wearability. “Step out in heavier framed shoes paired with a bold, on-trend color, like dirty lime Gelish Flying Out Loud,” Morgan suggests. Unfortunately for cork wedge wearers, though, that material is taking a backseat for a while.

IN: Slim Strap SandalsOUT: Logo Slides

This summer, designer insignias plastered over thick-strap pool slides and large logo sandals are making way for more refined and understated styles. Think minimalistic, thin strap sandals in leather (instead of plastic). “This style is perfect paired with a chic light tan crème, like Gelish Don’t Bring Me Down,” Morgan says. “This color and strappy sandals are all you need!” And if you simply must mark a name brand on your shoes, then look for another popular style: designer flip-flops that feature a nominal logo.

IN: White/TransparentOUT: Neon

While many of us have sworn off white sandals (except maybe for bridal events), now’s the time to embrace the snowy non-color. Where neons were once the champion of this season, this time around we’re seeing less brights and far more whites on everything from pumps to sandals. “The same goes for toe color,” Morgan enthuses. “Trade in your neons for a fresh summer look like iridescent Izzy Wizzy, Let’s Get Busy in either Gelish gel polish or Morgan Taylor lacquer.”

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