11 Heeled Sandal Outfits Perfect for Spring and Summer 2026
Hailey Bieber is leading the way with her ’90s-inspired heeled sandal rotation.
Reported by Vogue.
Forget everything you know about sandals being purely utilitarian. This spring and summer, heeled sandals aren't just a compromise between comfort and polish—they're the centerpiece of actually wearable, elegant dressing. And according to Vogue, fashion's most discerning editors and celebrities are making the case for why a lift of two to three inches can quietly transform an entire outfit.
The shift from flat strappy sandals to heeled versions is subtle but significant. Whether it's Hailey Bieber's go-to Toteme black thong sandals paired with suede jackets and tailored trousers, or Vogue's editorial team styling everything from barely-there Madewell pairs with lace slip skirts to bold statement heels in chartreuse and burgundy, the message is clear: heeled sandals work harder than their flat counterparts. They elevate casual pieces, they ground feminine silhouettes, and they do the heavy lifting in a minimalist outfit without screaming for attention.
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The diversity of options speaks to why this trend actually sticks. A chunky butter-yellow heel from Lemaire works with a statement skirt and layered sweaters for editorial impact. A dainty barely-there sandal from Madewell becomes invisible against skin yet reads polished with a simple white tee and cobalt cardigan. Lizard-effect heeled sandals from Emme Parsons pair beautifully with a crisp white poplin dress and a pop-of-color utility jacket for occasions that sit between casual and formal. Even the nostalgic knotted sandal from Jude—channeling '90s minimalism—proves that heeled sandals work across aesthetic lanes. There's also the resort moment (vibrant yellow with nautical prints), the Parisian daytime look (neutral The Row heel with a flannel shirt and satin midi), and the elevated evening option (burgundy wedge with a structured maxi).
What makes this particular trend sustainable isn't the novelty—it's the practicality. Heeled sandals solve a real problem: how to dress up without sacrificing breathability or mobility. They work in cities, at dinner, during warm-weather travel, and for the kind of refined-casual dressing that actually requires thought. The brands leading the way—Khaite, The Row, Jil Sander, Toteme—aren't trend-chasers; they're architects of wardrobe fundamentals.
A heeled sandal isn't a statement piece pretending to be practical. It's a practical piece that happens to elevate everything around it.
Read the original at Vogue.
