5 Sandal Styles That Go With Every Summer Outfit
The right pair of sandals can carry you through 90% of your summer. The wrong pair sits in your closet all season while you default to sneakers.
Here are the 5 sandal styles that actually work — with what to pair them, where to wear them, and which ones to skip.
1. Braided Roman Sandals
Best for: Everyday wear, walking, vacation days
The braided sandal is the workhorse of summer footwear. Clean lines, classic silhouette, works with everything from sundresses to shorts to linen pants.
Why it works:
- Neutral enough to disappear (in a good way) into any outfit
- Adjustable straps mean all-day comfort
- Ages beautifully — a good pair looks better after a few summers
Our Paevellae Braided Summer Sandals are exactly this — Roman-style braided detail, cushioned footbed, works with 90% of your closet.
Style with: Linen dresses, denim shorts, wide-leg pants, midi skirts
2. Block Heel Slides
Best for: Dinner, dates, semi-formal events
When you need to look slightly dressier without abandoning comfort, block heel slides bridge the gap.
Why it works:
- Height without the pain of stilettos
- Slide-on ease
- Works day-to-night with a change of top
Style with: Midi dresses, wide-leg trousers, high-waist jeans, cocktail attire
3. Espadrille Wedges
Best for: Garden weddings, brunch, vacation photos
The espadrille wedge is the summer version of the closed-toe heel — comfortable enough for hours on your feet, dressy enough for events.
Why it works:
- Wedge height without instability
- The rope detail signals "summer" instantly
- Photographs beautifully (Instagram friendly)
Style with: Flowy maxi dresses, high-waist shorts, linen jumpsuits
4. Rhinestone / Party Sandals
Best for: Weddings, evening events, cocktail parties
When you want your feet to do half the work of the outfit.
Why it works:
- Adds sparkle without a full sequin dress
- Elevates simple dresses instantly
- Works for holiday events year after year
Style with: Simple black midi dress, monochrome outfits, evening maxis
5. Ankle Strap Flats
Best for: All-day comfort, work events, dressy casual
Not every sandal needs a heel. Ankle strap flats give you all the security of a strappy shoe with none of the height.
Why it works:
- Ankle strap keeps foot secure
- Flat = all-day walking possible
- Dressier than a slide, easier than a heel
Style with: Midi dresses, cropped jeans, culottes, jumpsuits
What NOT to Buy
Some sandal styles look great on the shelf but fail in real life:
Skinny stilettos with straps: Painful after 20 minutes. Ankles will hurt tomorrow.
Very thin flip-flops: Not sandals. Pool shoes only.
Overly embellished flats with weak soles: The rhinestones fall off, the sole cracks, you're done in one summer.
Anything that requires a "break-in period": If a sandal doesn't feel good in the store, it will never feel good.
The 3-Pair Summer Wardrobe
If you're starting from scratch, buy these three:
1. Braided flat sandal (everyday) — Paevellae style
2. Block heel slide (dinner/date) — mid-height
3. Ankle strap flat (dressy casual) — nude or black
That's your entire summer covered. Add rhinestone party sandals if you have weddings coming up.
Fit Rules
Sandals should fit like this:
- Toes 1cm from the front edge (never over)
- Heel 1cm from the back edge
- Straps snug but not tight — you should be able to slide a finger under
- The footbed should follow your natural arch
Signs of a bad fit:
- Toes hanging over
- Heel slipping when walking
- Red marks after 10 minutes
- Foot slides side-to-side
Ready to Shop
Browse our full sandals collection — from braided Roman styles to block heels to party sandals.
Related: Summer Wedding Guide · What to Wear on a Summer Vacation