I’m a summer girl through and through, and nothing gets me more excited for the warm months than finally doing The Great Shoe Swap. It’s time for my close-toed pumps and boots to be packed away in order to open up some space for sandals. They are the beating heart of my summer wardrobe, and I never, ever overlook the consideration that goes into making this season’s shoe choices because the fact is they aren’t the finishing flourish; they’re the ultimate outfit maker or breaker. As a footwear fanatic, I have spent many years (decades!) honing a successful, wearable and enjoyable lineup of summer shoes. I’ve made mistakes and learnt a few solid lessons along the way.
Firstly, you should never scrimp on quality. Because your summer shoes can rightfully take a battering, you might be inclined to opt for something cheap to see you through. But I guarantee that a well-made pair of leather sandals will last far longer, age better and feel way more comfortable. Secondly, you do need a mix of staples with the occasional introduction of something more trend-led—not all basics work in every instance (a wedding or party, for example). The same goes for colours. It’s very wise to have a selection of tan, black, cream and white in your repertoire, but don’t ignore a brighter shades here and there as they can lift an entire outfit into view. One brand that ticks all the boxes of my strict criteria is Dune London. Every single season, the British accessories brand knocks it out of the park with impeccably manufactured styles that run the gamut from casual to fancy.
By now, it’s likely that you’re aware of the label’s famous Loupe Sandals, an influencer- and editor-adored slide that could rival any designer version. They come in multiple colourways and are about to be introduced with an ankle strap for those of us who like a little extra security. The elegant Loupes are comfortable, timeless and suit everyone. Trust me—I’ve seen enough stylish people wearing them to attest to this.
However, there is much more to Dune’s summer 2023 offering that helps fill those gaps I mentioned before. There are sumptuous chunky sandals that are perfect for sightseeing or navigating that stroll to a long, long brunch. Then there are the heels for formal moments, and boy, are they showstopping! Keep scrolling to see more.