Preparing your closet for warm weather often begins well before summer starts. However, many ladies wait until mid-July before they realize that they’re missing several warm weather essentials. For those who haven’t yet picked out their summer footwear, consider the shoe styles below to discover cute women’s summer sandals.

The Wedge

Wedges are incredibly popular among people who feel uncomfortable with a regular pump. They provide the height, leg extension, and grace of a heel with grounded foundation and fashion flexibility.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a shoe made with canvas or cotton fabric and a flexible sole made of jute rope. The jute rope sole—a defining characteristic of an espadrille—is a coarse vegetable fiber primarily used to make sacks and rugs. Espadrilles come in a variety of styles that can be embellished with straps, buckles, and bows.

They make great wedges, as the jute rope adds even more stability to the shoe. They’re also versatile enough to wear with shorts, capris, dresses, and any other summer outfit you can imagine.

Sandals

Sandal wedges are particularly trendy at the moment, as they can be created with a variety of materials in many different styles and colors. This summer, choose shoes made of canvas or denim with cork and plastic platforms—they’re perfect for any occasion, from the beach to the market.

Sandal wedges offer great breathability and airflow, preventing your feet from overheating and swelling.

Open Toe

Open toe wedges offer a demure, elegant version of a platform shoe. Often espadrilles or sandals are too casual for a formal event, so when you need something that you can wear to a wedding, a bridal shower, or an anniversary dinner, the peep toe wedge is a classic option.

The Flat

A flat shoe allows you to roam the streets and explore your city in comfort and style. Whether you choose ballet flats, gladiator sandals, or slip-ons, find a feminine, slim-fitting shoe with versatility that will take you from the office to the party.

Gladiator

Gladiator sandals are fun and flirty statement shoes that slim and elongate your legs. Combining the height of a boot with the freedom of a sandal, gladiators are wearable with shorts and skirts.

Ballet Flat

Ballet flats are truly the chameleon of the fashion world. In bold colors, exciting prints, versatile textures, and sleek designs, these understated shoes can complete any office ensemble or comfortable formal outfit.

Slip On

Slip ons are a compromise between sneakers and sandals—a protective shoe without constricting laces or thick soles. Since slip ons come in a variety of delicate colors and textures, there is every reason to find a pair you love. Nude lace is an especially popular style, as it keeps your feet cool, matches with formal and casual outfits, and has a comfortable fit.

The Pump

Heels are essential during a season when weddings and garden parties are around every corner. When you’re constantly being invited to summer bachelorette parties and wedding celebrations, a reliable heel is a closet essential.

Kitten Heel

A kitten heel gives you a break from sky high stilettos and other formal pumps. It still has the same elegance and classic look, although with a diminished height. You can elongate your leg and make the heel seem higher with pointed tips.

Ankle Strap

Ankle straps give any shoe a touch of delicate sophistication. Whether you’ve chosen an open toe shoe or a rounded tip, ankle straps elevate your outfit. Choosing a two-tone style adds an extra dash of charm and versatility.

Classic Evening Heels

Since this style is essential for more than just the summer, it’s a good idea to find a pair that can withstand different seasons. The perfect black pump is like a little black dress—every girl needs it in her closet.

Summer Toes

If you’re having trouble deciding on shoes for your summer adventures, consider the clothes you wear most often and the activities you have planned. If you’re spending your days at the park, the beach, and the pool, a pair of slip ons may be the most appropriate; but if you’ll be spending your days running from one garden party to the next, plan on spending some time in peep toe wedges and ankle strap pumps. However you spend your summer, enjoy comfort, style, and elegance with the best summer shoes.