Shoes That Go With Everything for Spring and Summer

See which styles should earn a place in your closet

Lois Joy Johnson,

AARP

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Published May 07, 2026

a collage with models wearing different styles of spring and summer shoes

(From left) When traveling, pack versatile, comfortable shoes that you can wear multiple ways, like the Everlane The Day Glove Leather in Tan; Rothy’s The Weekend Sandal in Black; and Sorel Kinetic Impact Wedge Sandals in Beige.

AARP (Getty Images, Everlane, Rothy’s, Loft)

Key takeaways

Many women buy shoes they love but don’t wear because they don’t work with most outfits.
Choosing one shoe color and varying styles helps you pack lighter and dress smarter.
Updated flats, sandals and sneakers can refresh classic, casual and comfort-first wardrobes.

“I always pack too many shoes when I travel.”

“Which shoes look good with pants, dresses and skirts?”

“Should I just stick with goes-with-anything black?”

“Which shoes give classic clothes an update?”

Shoes are an emotional purchase.

Women say, “I love these! I’m getting them!” They never say, “I don’t need more ballet flats” or “Are gold shoes a good idea for daytime?” Yet many of the shoes that jam their closet floors and shoe racks don’t really work with most of their clothes. Some keep “skirt” and “pant” shoes separate, or draw a line between day and night shoes, casual and dressy, and “save” pairs for the right outfit. And forget packing for a trip! Women always regret adding too many shoes. How do I know? I’m a fashion editor and personal shopper for women over 50 who helps clients avoid buying shoes that don’t make sense for their wardrobes. Here are the 7 most common problems — and the 2026 spring/summer solutions.

four different styles of womens warm weather shoes in a collage

(From left) Vionic Women’s Caroll Ballet Flat in Black Leather; Quince Women Italian Leather & Suede Low Profile Sneaker in Black; Crocs Women’s Miami Toe Loop Sandal in Light Brown, J.Crew Women’s Double-Strap Kitten Heels in Italian Leather in Black.

AARP (DSW, 2; Quince; J. Crew)

1. “I want to pack do-more-with-less shoes.”

Trips and vacations are a shoe-lover’s nightmare. The dilemma: How to cram more pairs than you’ll ever need into a carry-on … and still have room for clothes? Sounds crazy? Not if you like to be prepared for a last-minute change of plans, or an outfit switcheroo.

My rule: Stick to one color for shoes, limit the packing to three (a total of four), and vary the styles. One example of this minimalist formula is to pack an enclosed flat — a loafer or a ballet style, like the Vionic Women’s Caroll Ballet Flat in Black Leather ($135, dsw.com); a low wedge or kitten heel like J.Crew Women’s Double-Strap Kitten Heels in Italian Leather in Black ($168, jcrew.com) for a leggy lift day or night; and a flat sandal, like Crocs Women’s Miami Toe Loop Sandal in Black ($40, dsw.com) — this one’s waterproof so it doubles as a pool shoe — plus sneakers like the Quince Women Italian Leather & Suede Low Profile Sneaker in Black ($94, quince.com) to wear en route for travel and workouts. Sneakers tend to be the heaviest, so avoid packing them, and skip substantial wedges — the 2-inch cork kind — for trips.

The black-shoe scenario might be great with a packed wardrobe of cool-toned black, white and red. Are you more of a brown/tan shoes fan? Just edit the clothes to white or beige/tan and add a warm pop of color like vibrant coral or olive green. Having shoes in the same color with different styles makes quick changes easy — and often a shoe swap is all you need to go from casual to dressy.

three different types of espadrille style shoes in a collage

(From left) Trotters Paisley Espadrille Flat in Black; Naturalizer Women’s Jolie Slingback Espadrille Flat in Gold Metallic Multi; Universal Thread Women’s Joa Shoes in Tan.

AARP (DSW, Nordstrom, Target)

2. “I’m in my only-comfy-flats era.”

Some women over 50 have let go of heels for good. Even mini block heels, kitten heels and low wedges don’t put a gleam in their eye. Perhaps it is the ability to walk fast on gravel, grass or pavement; drive for hours without arch pain; and spend hours standing on their tootsies at work, running errands or spending a day of sightseeing without complaint that is enough incentive.

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While some shoe sites list a separate category called “comfort shoes,” many regular flats now tick all the right boxes, including a cushioned insole, roomy toe box and adjustable straps if the shoe includes one at the heel or instep. Look for the above “ingredients” in espadrille flats — an update of the perennial jute-soled canvas style — that’s having a major fashion moment and pairs with everything from kick flare jeans to a floaty boho dress.

Skip the ankle-wrapped or ankle-tied wedge styles (your soles, toes and ankles will thank you) and head for slingback flats like Naturalizer Women’s Jolie Slingback Espadrille Flat in Black, Walnut Wake or Gold Metallic Multi ($125, nordstrom.com); Trotters Paisley Espadrille Flat in Black or Black/Beige ($115, dsw.com) if the print if you wear a lots of solid black or beige is a find. If you want an enclosed style, try the Michael Michael Kors Women’s Kenzie Logo Slip-On Espadrille Flats in Black or Beige ($120, macys.com) or the Universal Thread Women’s Joa Shoes in Tan ($40, target.com), a Mary Jane espadrille.

Remember: Thanks to the fabric uppers, espadrilles are breathable and the rounded reinforced toe adds wiggle room even on the steamiest days. All the espadrilles here are neutral colors, which offer the most mix-and-match versatility with your clothes.

three different styles of womens flat shoes in a collage

(From left) Everlane The Day Glove Leather in Tan; Old Navy Women’s V-Cut Ballet Flats in Chocolate; Rothy’s Women The Penny Loafer in Tux.

AARP (Everlane, Old Navy, Rothy’s)

3. “I’m a classic dresser but need a shoe refresh.”

There’s nothing wrong with a blazer, a shirtdress or straight dark-wash jeans; in fact, updated classics are among the hottest trends around. The key is to keep an eye on the details that give so-called timeless pieces — including your shoes — a fresh, modern look. You probably gravitate towards a reliable rotation of loafers and ballet flats.

My advice? Keep the lineup but update the styles. While there are tons of ballet flat variations around (and you’ll see more in this post) buttery leather and faux leather styles in neutral colors with a higher vamp (area covering toes) like Old Navy Women’s V-Cut Ballet Flats in Chocolate or Navy Blue ($18, oldnavy.gap.com); Banana Republic Factory Women Ballet Flat in Black or Tan ($60, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com); and Everlane The Day Glove Leather in Tan, Black or Cocoa ($148, everlane.com) are the ones you want. All have an elegant, classy silhouette that visually elongates your legs (yes, even in pants) and hugs the feet and toes so you’re not stuck with tacky toe cleavage. All three feature well-cushioned insoles, an update for the Everlane flat if you’re already a fan.

Structured leather loafers are still around but the ones you want now are lightweight knits with a refined toe like Rothy’s Women The Penny Loafer in Tux, Black or Cinnamon Raffia Knit ($189, rothys.com); Skechers Women’s Cleo Driver Power Couples Knit Penny Loafer in Black or Taupe ($60, famousfootwear.com); and Birdies Women’s The Starling Loafer in Black ($210, dsw.com).

a collage with three different styles of womens summer sandals made from natural fibers

(From left) Olivia Open-Weave Bow Flats in Cognac; A New Day Women’s Fay Heels in Natural; Nine West Camella Women’s Casual Slip-On Mules in Light Natural; Easy Spirit Women’s Rosalind eFlex Woven Slip-On Sandals in Coffee.

AARP (J.Jill, Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s)

4. “I want casual but stylish shoes that go day to night.”

The truth is, some women never really get dressed up anymore, except for a big deal party or event. They live in contemporary pull-on pants with wider legs, relaxed tops and elastic waist skirts and dresses with breezy midi and maxi hemlines in mostly neutral colors. Sure, the fabrics may change with the seasons, but the overall vibe is easy-going.

The good news is there’s a whole category of breezy woven shoes — many with a raffia or crochet look — that have the same ease as your clothes but enough polish to go 24/7. They include single-strap, open-toe slides with a low block heel like Easy Spirit Women’s Rosalind eFlex Woven Slip-On Sandals in Coffee or Cream/Gold ($59, macys.com) and A New Day Women’s Fay Heels in Natural ($40, target.com); closed toe mules like Nine West Camella Women’s Casual Slip-On Mules in Black, Light Natural or Brown ($80, kohls.com) and Franco Sarto Women’s Toba Mules in Black Fabric or Dark Brown Fabric ($73, macys.com); and ballet flats like the Olivia Open-Weave Bow Flats in Soft Gold Metallic, Cognac and Dark Chocolate ($129, jjill.com). All work like A/C for your feet and provide perfect alternatives to strappy sandals.

a collage with three different styles of womens summer shoes with flashy colors and details

(From left) Nine West Women’s Gennie Slip-On Block Heel Sandals in Gold Metallic; A New Day Women’s Yuri Jelly Flats in Brown; Sperry Women’s Slimboat Boat Shoes in Gold.

AARP (DSW, Target, Bloomingdale’s)

5. “I want shoes that make a fashion statement.”

Plenty of women opt for an understated wardrobe and let accessories steal the spotlight. It’s one of the best-kept secrets of those who buy low-cost clothes in neutral colors that only look “luxe.”

Two of the newest shoe trends are ridiculously practical and will elevate all last year’s clothes. First up are “jellies,” a primarily beach-and-pool-shoe category that began a few years ago and has returned for everyday wear. Though some are truly waterproof or water-resistant (ideal on rainy days), most are dupes of regular shoe/sandal styles. Try open-weave ballet flats like A New Day Women’s Yuri Jelly Flats in Brown ($30, target.com), a tortoiseshell look that freshens black and any other neutral you wear; Dolce Vita Jam Jelly Flats in Black or Mocha ($65, anthropologie.com); and Michael Michael Kors Pixie Jelly Ballet in Silver, Black or Clear ($70, zappos.com). And yes, they go day to night, with everything and anything from cropped pants to an A-line tiered midi.

Metallic shoes are another fashion-worthy stand-out. Choose gold (the star of the minute) in your favorite style from block heel slides like Nine West Women’s Gennie Slip-On Block Heel Sandals in Gold Metallic ($70, dsw.com); to ballet flats like Franco Sarto Amalia Slip-On in Metallic Gold ($70, dsw.com); and sporty boat shoes like Sperry Women’s Slimboat Boat Shoes in Gold ($100, bloomingdales.com). You’ll glow with compliments.

a collage with three different styles of comfort forward womens shoes for summer

(From left) Keds Women Revival Sneaker in Snow White; Clark’s Cloudsteppers Arla Stroll Women’s Sandals in Beige Combi; Sorel Kinetic Impact Wedge Sandals in Beige.

AARP (Nordstrom, Kohl’s, Loft)

6. “My new super-casual lifestyle needs shoes to match.”

Let’s say you basically live in sneakers and a mix of joggers, leggings, tees and hoodies and your idea of “dressed up” for spring/summer is a maxi tee dress, a denim skirt or a sporty chambray shirtdress? No problem. Shifting lifestyle and fashion choices often mean your footwear needs a makeover, too.

Let’s start at the bottom. While comfy sneakers have become a major daily “shoe” for many women, swapping chunky, bulky sports styles for sleeker low-profile ones like Old Navy Women’s Low-Profile Sneakers in Sand ($24, oldnavy.gap.com); Vionic Women’s Cyan Sneaker in Black Canvas or Chateau Grey Canvas ($90, zappos.com); and Keds Women Revival Sneaker in Snow White ($65, nordstrom.com) offers a lot more style. These new kicks have the cool attitude and mix of bounce and support you love.

But don’t stop there. Your preference for casual footwear can get a little more elevated with sporty, cushioned wedge sandals like Skechers Women’s On-The-Go Hands Free Slip-Ins Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandals in Shiny Stretch in Tan or Black/Black ($76, 6pm.com); Sorel Kinetic Impact Wedge Sandals in Beige or Black ($130, loft.com); and Clark’s Cloudsteppers Arla Stroll Women’s Sandals in Beige Combi ($56, kohls.com) all lightweight but supportive and ready for everything in your closet.

a collage with three different styles of womens summer sandals

(From left) Everlane The Day Crossover Sandal in Light Taupe; Bella Vita Mariella Espadrille Wedge Sandal in Black; Rothy’s The Weekend Sandal in Black.

AARP (Everlane, DSW, Rothy’s)

7. “My bunions, hammertoes and achy feet want chic shoes.”

Do your feet inhibit your shoe selection? Some women say, “Yes!” and yearn for the shoes that could reboot, so to speak, their wardrobes for the new season. However, even the most appealing shoes can be tough to wear for those with foot issues. Straps that are too narrow, hard, abrasive or just land in the wrong place can wreck what would have been a real fashion boost.

The best shoes — whether you plan on living in tiered sundresses or linen pants till September — are sandals and wedges with ultra soft, wide straps. New options include new-again open toe wedges like Bzees Women’s Breezy Wedge Sandal in Black Faux Raffia or Black Raffia Fabric ($60, famousfootwear.com); Beartraps Women’s Flossey Slide Wedge Sandals in Black Textile or Champagne ($75, macys.com); and Bella Vita Mariella Espadrille Wedge Sandal in Black ($85, dsw.com) with wide soft stretchy bands and the ahhh detail of padded insoles (they’re all also a walkable 2 inches).

For flats, opt for styles with wide soft straps that cross the foot in a gentle but secure hug like Croft & Barrow Krissen Criss-Cross Strap Women’s Comfort Sandals in Black or Cognac ($40, kohls.com); Rothy’s The Weekend Sandal in Black or Cinnamon ($149, rothys.com); Everlane The Day Crossover Sandal in Light Taupe, Sienna Brown or Black ($98, everlane.com) and Gentle Souls Women’s Lainey Sandal in Black Knit, Natural Elastic or Sierra Multi Knit ($169, nordstrom.com).

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The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.