I’m a Shopping Director—10 Shoes Silhouettes I Love RN (and How to Style Them)
Welcome to Retail Therapy—Who What Wear Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler’s digest of everything that matters in shopping. He spends his days uncovering special gems to elevate a wardrobe, and it’s all curated right here for you, dear readers. Think of Bobby as your personal shopper, and this is the exclusive list of items that get a yes from him, period.
Hey, everyone. Let’s chat about one of my favorite topics—shoes. One of your favorite shopping topics too? I had a feeling. So, yes, you’re going to love what’s coming ahead. That perfect footwear silhouette can transform even the simplest look.
Picture a cool vest-and-denim ensemble and how adding a jelly flat takes that outfit to the next level. Divine. Below you’ll find just that: a list of my favorite spring and summer shoe trends and styles, from sneakers to sandals, that will enhance any wardrobe.
Keep scrolling to scope the shoe silhouettes, along with items to consider styling with them.
Ancient Greek Sandals
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Zoi Leather-Trimmed Woven Cord Sandals
Woven cord sandals are having a moment as an alt to standard strappy sandals. This specific style with the contrasting orange and brown straps is eye-catching and will certainly attract compliments whether you style it with a flowy dress or your favorite cutoffs and a tee.
Styling Pieces
Sporty & Rich
Vendome Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt
AGOLDE
Parker Long Clean Denim Shorts
Nordstrom
Cora Oval Buckle Leather Belt
Old Navy
Old Navy
Jelly Lattice Ballet Flats
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. It’s the season of the jelly shoe. I’ve highlighted standout styles in my previous Retail Therapy installments and also continuously highlight my favorites across my stories on Who What Wear. This $20 Old Navy pair hits on the trend without a serious hit to the bank account. The style keeps going in and out of stock, so I’d suggest jumping on these if you’re into them.
Styling Pieces
Open Edit
Linen Blend Vest
ZARA
Mid Waist Baggy Jeans ZW Collection
AIRE
Blazars 143mm Mirrored Shield Sunglasses
Loewe
LOEWE
Petal Anagram Leather Slides
In the designer-shoe realm, the Loewe Anagram slides are front and center. Style setters from NYC to L.A. have these luxury sandals on their wish lists as a subtle yet impactful logo moment. I could so picture them with a shirtdress and a great tote bag for brunch and a day of running around.
Styling Pieces
Nordstrom
Button Front Shirtdress
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Santa Croce Woven Leather Tote Bag
Adidas
It wouldn’t be a Bobby shoe edit without a fresh pair of Adidas SL 72s. These continue to be It sneakers among the fashion crowd. My family members also can’t get enough of them, including my mother, who is currently wearing a yellow pair. This blue hue stood out as a nice option for spring and summer.
Styling Pieces
Open Edit
Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
MANGO
Stripe Cotton Blend Button-Up Shirt
Madewell
The Handwoven Mini Tote
Open Edit
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
I talk about Nordstrom’s in-house label Open Edit a lot at Who What Wear (and have already showcased it above) because the brand offers directional styles at affordable prices. Case in point? These heeled flip-flops that I feature regularly because of their high-end feel and versatility. Team them with a blouse and a slip skirt for a pretty springtime vibe.
Styling Pieces
J.Crew
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Linen
H&M
Linen-Blend Blouse With Eyelet Embroidery
THE ROW
N/S Park Small Textured-Leather Tote
H&M
H&M
Knot-Detail Flip-Flops
Next-level flip-flops on your mind? This H&M silhouette looks expensive thanks to the forward knot detail and snakeskin pattern. Trust me, nobody will believe they’re under $18. While you could certainly wear these flip-flops to the pool or beach, I’m into the idea of styling them with baggy jeans and an easy top for an effortless look.
Styling Pieces
Favorite Daughter
The Masha Super High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Nordstrom
Pima Cotton Slub Crewneck T-Shirt
St. Moran
Curb Chain Necklace
J.Crew
While your classic ballet flats will always work, mesh and see-through styles are the modern choice for the season. This style in white can easily be dressed up with a skirt or down with shorts or jeans. I should note that it comes in a variety of colors, from pink to orange, as well.
Styling Pieces
Rag & Bone
Roslyn Linen Blend Blazer
Open Edit
Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt
Dries Van Noten
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
In addition to the SL 72s above, these Dries Van Noten sneakers (which come in different styles and colors) are another coveted shoe option. The most well-dressed people gravitate toward these retro designs because they’re fresh (despite the throwback nature) and will add a relevant and cool twist to any look.
Styling Pieces
Banana Republic
Lightweight Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater
1822 Denim
Drawstring High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Coach
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag
Sam Edelman
Sam Edelman
Michaela Mary Jane Flat
You didn’t think I’d feature just one pair of jelly flats, did you? This style is playful and adorable as an update to the classic Mary Janes you may wear regularly. Fellow customers are rating these flats highly and noting the comfort and cuteness. Whether you’re into the icy blue color here or one of the other options (from red to clear), these are winners.
Styling Pieces
Madewell
Smocked Boatneck Tank
Lizzie Fortunato
Tile Earrings in Citrine
Vince
Vince
Marin Leather Lace-Up Loafers
I’ve been wearing boat shoes this season when I want to switch it up from my go-to loafers. (PS: I love ruched loafers right now). This silhouette is elevated yet low-key and gives off that no-fuss vibe I feel we’re all trying to emulate.
Styling Pieces
JW Anderson
Oversize Stripe Contrast Trim Long Sleeve Polo
ANINE BING
Jeremy Baseball Cap
KHAITE
Callum Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
