The must-have summer shoes to pack

The countdown to your holiday has begun. Whether you're heading off on a city break, escaping to the countryside or relaxing by the coast, one question always comes up when it's time to pack: which shoes should you take without overloading your suitcase? The answer lies in building a carefully curated capsule wardrobe with versatile, stylish shoes that can effortlessly take you from day to night.

The right pair of shoes can define an entire outfit, which is why trendy women's summer shoes deserve a place at the top of your packing list. From all-day comfort for sightseeing to lightweight styles that save precious suitcase space, the best summer shoes combine practicality with effortless elegance. Whether you're looking for flat sandals, wedge sandals, summer mules, or ballet flats, discover the essential styles to pack for every holiday occasion. Explore our Spring-Summer 2026 collection and find the perfect pairs to travel light without compromising on style.

Wedge sandals: elevate your summer style with effortless elegance

Season after season, summer wedge sandals continue to reinvent themselves. For Spring-Summer 2026, they embrace more modern silhouettes and confirm their place among the season’s key footwear trends. Their greatest advantage? They add a few extra centimetres of height while offering far more comfort than traditional heels.

Elegant yet easy to wear, wedge sandals pair beautifully with a flowing dress, linen trousers or denim shorts. They help elongate the silhouette while remaining perfectly suited to sunny days and long summer evenings.

Because elegance never takes a holiday, they naturally deserve a place in your selection of women’s holiday shoes. At Vanessa Wu, the AZUR Curled leather sandals in buttery yellow stand out with their crossed straps and rope platform wedge sole. A design that combines a true summer feel, comfort and sophistication. For those looking for extra support, the AZUR High sandals are the perfect alternative. Their adjustable ankle strap provides optimal stability, while the gold version instantly brightens even the simplest outfits, from morning until sunset.

Flat sandals: the essential for sunny days

It’s impossible to imagine a summer suitcase without a pair of flat sandals. Lightweight, easy to style and incredibly comfortable, they are the perfect companions for every holiday moment: seaside walks, exploring a village, browsing a local market or enjoying lunch on a terrace. Their compact design also makes them one of the most practical summer shoes for women to pack in a carry-on bag. Versatile and effortless, they pair beautifully with a flowing maxi dress, denim shorts or relaxed trousers.

At Vanessa Wu, there are plenty of styles to choose from. Embrace the fisherman sandal trend with the VALE sandals, crafted from suede leather. Inspired by classic fisherman sandals and enhanced with delicate gold studs, their modern silhouette adds a fashionable touch while remaining easy to wear every day. Another summer essential: the HAILEY Double sandals with their double straps. Their minimalist design and comfortable fit make them the perfect choice for walking for miles while maintaining a polished look. Two styles designed to create a summer wardrobe that is both practical and effortlessly stylish.

Mules: the perfect companions for every getaway

Slipping into a pair of women’s mules to head to the beach, grab a coffee or enjoy an evening stroll is one of those simple pleasures that defines the holiday season. Easy to put on and effortlessly stylish, they perfectly capture the laid-back spirit of sunny days. This season, women’s summer mules move beyond minimalist designs to become true fashion statements. Textured materials, refined details and contemporary silhouettes make them the perfect choice for every style preference.

For a more sophisticated look, the GAÏA block heel mules are the perfect choice. More comfortable than a slim heel and more elegant than a completely flat sole, the chunky heel provides stability and confidence while naturally elongating the silhouette. They quickly become the ideal pair for a terrace dinner or a summer evening out.

If versatility is your priority, opt for the SHAN Gems flat mules. As comfortable as a pair of slides yet far more refined, they look just as stylish with a lightweight dress as they do with relaxed wide-leg trousers.

Ballet flats: the chic, space-saving essential

A timeless piece in every woman’s wardrobe, ballet flats remain one of the best women’s holiday shoes to pack in your suitcase. Lightweight and flexible, they can easily be stored away, even in a small carry-on bag.

During the day, summer ballet flats bring a naturally elegant touch that instantly elevates a casual outfit. They are the perfect alternative to sandals when planning long cultural visits, a city lunch or simply when temperatures start to cool down slightly.

To add character to a capsule wardrobe often built around neutral tones, the TERRA Gems leopard print ballet flats are the perfect choice. Their soft organza fabric gently follows the shape of the foot, helping to reduce friction in warmer weather while adding a bold fashion statement to any outfit.

As evening approaches, styling preferences naturally shift towards more sophisticated looks. Slingback ballet flats then become the perfect companions. The MARYKATE Braid ballet flats, featuring openwork beige suede leather, stand out with their elasticated back strap, contemporary square toe and refined silhouette. They pair beautifully with both a flowing dress and lightweight tailored trousers, while preserving the comfort needed to fully enjoy long summer evenings.

Conclusion:

Creating the perfect holiday suitcase doesn’t mean packing countless pairs of shoes, but choosing the right ones. A pair of summer flat sandals for everyday wear, summer wedge sandals for more dressed-up occasions, women’s summer mules that are easy to slip on and elegant summer ballet flats allow you to be ready for every situation without overpacking.

By choosing comfortable, versatile and on-trend styles, you can create a summer wardrobe designed to take you from morning to evening. All that’s left is to close your suitcase and fully enjoy your holiday, with trendy women’s summer shoes made to follow your every step.