Finding the right summer sandal can be something of a fine art. Arguably the hardest working shoe in your wardrobe, it needs to transition seamlessly from a fun-slash-flirty summer dress or laid-back denim cut-offs to an LBD on demand.

The season’s runways featured a salver of options when it comes to this key summer footwear. John Galliano made a play for the little girl in all of us with his oh-so-pretty strappy sandals, while Missoni’s colourful block heels have us rethinking stilettos (and welcoming heels into our everyday summer shoe buffet).

Dolce and Gabbana’s embellished offerings have transformed the humble slide for summer, Carven has taken the mule from mum to must-have, and Erdem is making a case for a ‘70s throwback with its silk floral flat-forms.

We’ve rounded up 20 of the best on offer this summer. Now all that’s left to do is take your pick.

The Pretty boho Sandal

Every summer collection needs a pair of girly shoes to make your feet feel pretty. Feminine and petite, these sandals are a wardrobe staple. Whether you’re wanting a ‘barely there’ look or something with a bit of flair, these are your ticket.

Wear with: summer dress on the weekend. For night, team with distressed denim, a black lace cami, and pop of lipstick.

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Ancient Greek, embellished leather sandals, $263. SHOP NOW

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Dolce and Gabbana, jewelled toe post sandal, $1,295. SHOP NOW

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Chloe, Liz tassel-embellished suede sandals, $1250. SHOP NOW
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Spurr, Tasi Sandals, $40. SHOP NOW

The Block Heel

These sandals hit the sweet spot – a functional and fashionable fix for just about every occasion. The stacked heel does a good job of elongating legs while remaining sweetly comfortable, which means these gems will walk you anywhere, day or night.

Wear with: a shift dress for a hit of ‘60s glam.

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Prada, fringed studded heels, $1,670. SHOP NOW

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Innika Choo, Vichy Tomato block sandal, $120. SHOP NOW

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Aquazzura, Spin Me Around leather-trimmed twill sandal, $580. SHOP NOW

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Dolce and Gabbana, Majolica print sandal, $2200. SHOP NOW
  

The Chic Slide

Summer’s saving grace. Simple and easy to wear, the slide is your go-to summer sandal this year. Don’t be scared off by the ‘shower shoe’ connotations. What once was a sleazy, plastic fashion abomination has been turned into a summer must-have.

Wear with: almost everything. Jeans, dresses, shorts – you name it. If you opt for an embellished pair, try wearing them instead of heels.

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Senso, Harry slide, $249. SHOP NOW

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Rochas, embroidered velvet slide, $833. SHOP NOW

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Gianvito Rossi, satin crisscross slide, $914. SHOP NOW

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Alexander Wang, Amelia sandal, $795. SHOP NOW

The new Mule

Move over mum, the mule just got a revamp. No longer for the over ‘60s, the mule is back with a youthful makeover. Whether you choose to wear yours embellished, classically simple, flat or heeled, this slip-on is one to covet for your summer collection.

Wear with: a wide-legged pant or summer shift.

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Atmos and Here, Daria suede mule, $129.95.SHOP NOW

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Ash, Adel embroidered cross-cross slide, $276. SHOP NOW

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Dolce and Gabbana, crystal embellished metallic mules, $1450. SHOP NOW

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Marco De Vincenzo, ruffled block heel mules, $685. SHOP NOW

 

The Flatform

Okay, so the flatform (flat platform) may universally divide those who sit firmly in the camp that believe they should stay put with ABBA and never see the light of day again, and those that see them for their true beauty – comfortable, height-giving, leg-elongating and, if chosen correctly, cool factor.

Wear with: your boyfriend jeans by day, or as an anchor for your favourite floral dress. By night, it adds a little edgy panache to a slip dress.

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Miu Miu, glitter leather platform sandals, $520. SHOP NOW

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Sol Sana, Marla wedges, $210. SHOP NOW

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Stella McCartney, tan raffia wedges, $760. SHOP NOW

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Delpozo, patent leather bow embellished flatforms, $985. SHOP NOW

Main image credit: Getty Images