I Want to Look Expensive This Summer—This Is the Elegant Sandal for the Job

Where glossy, pointed-toe heels often feel too formal for everyday wear and ballet flats can veer towards too casual, I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe that’s polished enough for smarter engagements, yet relaxed enough to suit summer’s laid-back energy. In suede heeled sandals, I’ve found just that.

With their soft texture, flattering heel height and open-toe design, suede heeled sandals bring a quiet elegance to an outfit. The supple finish offers a more refined, elevated look than matte or glossy leather, while still feeling easy and wearable.

This season, the suede revival has been paving the way for this shoe trend to take off. From buttery-soft jackets to slouchy suede bags, designers and high-street brands are falling for the tactile appeal of this rich material. And with this resurgence, suede heeled sandals have found their place amongst the season’s most important buys.

What makes them so appealing is their impressive versatility. While black leather heels can sometimes feel too stark and ballet flats a little slouchy, suede heeled sandals fill the gap that my wardrobe has been missing. Pairing beautifully with the dresses and skirts you might usually reserve for formal footwear, this shoe trend looks equally polished styled with relaxed tailoring, linen trousers, as well as jeans.