As summer rolls around, finding suitable footwear can be tricky. Flip flops aren't really acceptable unless you're on a far-flung beach, and trainers or plimsolls have (sweat) problems of their own. Thankfully, at the SS16 shows last September and October, the catwalks were filled with flats, as many of our favourite designers showcased slippers, loafers, sandals and slides rather than the sky-high stilettos we're used to. Rejoice at the return of shoes that are both comfy and cool!
We saw backless loafers at Gucci and Victoria Beckham, slip-ons adorned with pom poms, ribbons and beading at Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada, and lace slippers at Balenciaga. There were also flatform sandals at Chanel, Chloé and Kenzo. Ergo: flats can be formal and sophisticated too. We've rounded up some of the most effortlessly elegant pairs available from luxury to highstreet. Throw your vertiginous heels to the back of your wardrobe and slip into these happy flats this summer...
We're all about backless slippers and loafers whether they're Robert Clergerie, Gucci (more on those later) or Topshop. They can smarten up a pair of jeans and a shirt and look just as great with a summer dress or tailoring. These buttery, soft slippers from Jil Sander will instantly transform minimalist workwear.
Jil Sander velvet slippers, £305, available at Matches Fashion
If stripy espadrilles don't cut the mustard, this leopard print pair from Prism are the perfect addition to your weekend wardrobe or holiday ensemble.
We're not normally keen on gladiator sandals or any shoes that involve complicated ankle straps but these sunny Topshop shoes are an easy way to reinvigorate your winter wardrobe.
Show off your polished pedicure in these plum peep-toe espadrilles from H&M. For under twenty quid, go on and treat yourself to a few colours.
Look down at the feet of any fashion editor or big-time blogger and most likely, they'll be wearing Gucci. This season the Princetown slipper is reintroduced in a new floral print with the iconic gold-tone horsebit.
If you're into a grungy yet feminine aesthetic, these Saint Laurent Resort 2016 floral-print espadrilles have your name all over them. Made from black leather, they feature a braided flatform midsole and work perfectly worn with a biker jacket and slip dress.
Saint Laurent floral-print lace-up leather flatform espadrilles, £189, available at Matches Fashion
This navy suede pair of Aquazzura espadrilles has a vibrant Aztec-embroidery detail, signature lace-up straps, and playful pompom-trimmed ties. Throw these on with denim, be it dungarees or cropped boyfriend jeans for instant played-down chic.
Aquazzura Belgravia embroidered suede espadrilles, £335, available at Matches Fashion
These black canvas Soludos slip ons are a summer wardrobe saviour, whether you're at home or on holiday.
Soludos Espadrilles with Pineapple Embroidery, £60, available at Browns Fashion
If you're not one for wearing colour in your clothing, add a rainbow pop with these Chloé sandals from the SS16 collection. Wear with a white silk dress to channel the full Chloé look.
Chloé leather espadrille sandals, £237, available at Matches Fashion
Sophia Webster has long been one of our favourite footwear designers for her super fun take on shoes. Her classic Lilico style gets an update for high summer 2016 and we can't wait to slip into this electric liberty blue pair.
Inspired by the Surrealist artist Salvador Dali, the Low Dali Valenciana is a mix of traditional cotton canvas with vibrant velvet ribbons. Available in natural with fuchsia pink or optic white with cobalt blue these Penelope Chilvers would look perfect with a print dress or midi skirt and tee.
For SS16, winners of this year's CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Design, Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel have expanded their highly coveted handbag collection to include shoes and boy are they good. These flat mules are made from the finest quality Italian suede and can be seen on the most stylish stars of social media.
By now you may have realised that espadrilles are a big deal this summer. We've fallen for this floral denim pair from Stella McCartney that are as comfortable as they are cute.
Stella McCartney Rocio flower-embroidered denim espadrilles, £169, available at Matches Fashion
Sorry not sorry but we had to include another pair from Gucci. For the more flamboyant dressers among us, these backless loafers will enliven even the dullest outfit.
When you need the added height but don't want to commit to proper heels, these Zara clogs are the shoes for you this summer. Versatile and comfortable, they can be dressed up or down taking you seamlessly from the office out after dark.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
11 Designers On How Instagram's Changed The World Of Lingerie
It's A Bra! It's A Top! It's Your New Summer Essential
If Your Dress-Fatigue Is Real, It's The Summer To Give Jumpsuits A Try