Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a great one for sandals — and not just because the styles are genuinely exciting, but because there are real options for real life. Whether you're packing for a beach trip, heading into the office on a hot day, or just running errands without wanting your feet to suffer, the right pair of sandals changes everything. Here's how to wear them well.
Start With the Right Fit (Your Feet Will Thank You)
Before we talk outfits, let's talk fit — because a sandal that doesn't fit right won't get worn, no matter how good it looks. For strappy styles, your foot should sit fully on the footbed with no overhang at the heel or toes. A little wiggle room is fine; your foot spilling over the edge is not. If you're between sizes, size up for slide sandals and size down for anything with an ankle strap that needs to hold you in place.
At Prologue, our sandals run true to size across most styles, but our block-heel and platform options tend to feel roomier through the toe box — great news if you've got wider feet. We always recommend wearing them around the house for an hour before committing to a full day out.
The Colors Worth Building Around This Summer
Cognac is having a major moment, and it earns it — that warm brown tone works with white linen, olive green, rust, and even soft denim in a way that feels genuinely put-together without trying too hard. Our cognac strappy sandals look especially good with a flowy midi dress or wide-leg trousers.
Taupe and beige are your go-to neutrals if you want something that disappears into an outfit and just makes your legs look longer. They pair well with everything from ivory sundresses to light-wash jeans. Black sandals, on the other hand, are the ones you reach for when you want the shoe to be the statement — a sleek black flat sandal with a simple white dress hits differently than any other combination in summer.
Ivory is worth mentioning separately because it's softer than white and picks up warmth from skin tone beautifully. Our ivory platform sandals have become one of our most-reached-for styles for summer events, from outdoor dinners to weekend farmers markets.
Matching Sandals to the Occasion
Casual days call for a flat sandal or a low-footbed slide — easy to slip on, comfortable for hours of walking, and relaxed enough to wear with shorts, a linen set, or even a casual jumpsuit. Look for styles with cushioned footbeds if you're going to be on your feet all day. A little arch support goes a long way in the heat when your feet tend to swell.
For something more dressed up — a rooftop dinner, a wedding, a garden party — a block-heel sandal gives you height without the wobble. Block heels distribute your weight more evenly, so you can actually stand and walk comfortably. Pair them with a slip dress, a tailored wide-leg pant, or even a sharp blazer and shorts combo if you want to lean into summer styling with a little attitude.
Wedge sandals sit right in the middle — they're more polished than flats but more forgiving than a thin heel on uneven ground. Great for outdoor events or any occasion where you'll be walking on grass or cobblestones.
A Few Styling Details Worth Knowing
Ankle-strap sandals visually shorten the leg slightly, so if that matters to you, pair them with a shorter hemline to balance things out. T-strap styles are flattering on narrow feet and give a nice vintage feel to summer dresses. And if you're wearing slides with trousers, let the hem graze the top of the foot — that little bit of length makes the whole outfit look more intentional.
The sandals women reach for most in summer are the ones that genuinely work — for the day they're planned for and the one that shows up unexpectedly. Browse the Prologue summer sandal collection to find your fit, your color, and your new most-worn pair of the season.
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