These styles make fab summer looks a shoe

I’ve decided that this is the summer of the iconic shoe. Inspiration came early this season, when the great and oh-so visionary Dame Helen Mirren showed up at the Cannes Film Festival donning the Cariuma OCA Low Top ($79 on cariuma.com) in glorious emerald green, launching oodles of wait lists. The coveted shoe checks all kinds of boxes — it's earth-friendly (made of recycled materials); wallet-friendly (less than $80); and closet-friendly (it comes in colors from tomato red and petal pink to hot fuchsia). I love them, can't wait to wear my own pair, and am spreading that same level of love and energy to the rest of my summer shoe wardrobe.

Let's dive into the espadrilles. These pretty and preppy classics never get tired, but I’m ready to take them to the next level. The exquisite weaving and gorgeous fabric ribbon on Chloé's Piia Woven Ribbon Wedge Sandals ($725 on saksfifthavenue.com) make these the kind of shoe that makes an entrance..

Then there are the gladiator sandals, a must for any summer filled with maxi dresses and flowing wide-leg pants. My favorite of the moment is the Adison Sandal ($120 on dolcevita.com). Its delicate nude shade goes with absolutely everything, and carries a certain quiet cool that whispers low-key luxury. I love it with a slight tan and brightly colored pedi. Boom.

Ballet flats continue their reign this summer, and you won't find me complaining. I adore how easy they are to throw on with almost everything, yet how effortlessly their rounded toe flatters the foot and can get revved up in big, bold colors and metallics. For example: The Metallic Leather Ballerinas ($99.99 on shop.mango.com) look at once feminine, contemporary, and fancy.

The flip flop may just be the quintessential summer shoe, but is its informality really wearable everywhere? When it's from The Row, yes — definitely. The Ginza Leather Platform Flip Flop ($970 on net-a-porter.com) has leveled up the flip flop game with a made-in-Italy design that includes a black suede platform to provide more structure and a white leather strap that is so sleek, it looks almost aerodynamic.

And then there are the sandals. Can there ever be enough? From strappy low-heeled versions to kitten-heels and medium block heels to slip-ons, they’re all as easy as a day at the beach. One of my favorites this year is the party-ready Jeffrey Campbell Linques Sandals ($130 on anthropologie.com), with their slip-on styling and smooth leather upper, and lustrous metal buckle that makes a big and elegant statement. They come in a slew of colors and patterns, too — one to fit the many moods of the season.

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