Where Stylists Shop: The Hottest Casual Heels of the Summer

The age of the dad shoe and chunky sneaker is long behind us. Make way for the casual heel, 2026’s biggest shoe trend. Heels are no longer reserved for special outings and cocktail dress codes – they’re being taken out more regularly, from beach-to-bar afternoons to pub nights.

We’re all for the embrace of the heel. Instead of seven-inch ankle-breakers, we’re seeing wedges and kitten heels serve as more comfortable alternatives. Plus, heeled thongs aren’t going anywhere. Here are the different heels these Australian stylists are adding to cart this summer.

Rochelle Renwick, Perth stylist and creative director

“Thong heels and mules aren’t going anywhere. A little embellishment or an architectural heel is all it takes to make them feel revived, and The Attico and Magda Butrym do this so well. Magda Butrym 45 crochet thong sandal is the perfect summer heel; it’s a great height for both day and night, and the crochet adds summer freshness. I’ve always been a shoe girl, and a statement pair is the cherry on top of the outfit. When I don’t want to overthink it (or overspend), I reach for Alias Mae. The styles feel current, they’re super comfortable, and they let you play with trends without the luxury price tag. The Bianka heel in plum and Abeline heel in scarlet tick both boxes for statement and versatility.”

Jade Leung, Melbourne stylist

“I’ll be looking for a classic kitten heel silhouette with some sort of fun detail, like a sculpted heel or interesting fabrication. In particular, I’m obsessing over the textures and a bit of fuzz in these Camilla and Marc heels. My pick of the already very popular heeled thong trend is the Alias Mae Arli heel. And for a classic slingback with beautiful texture, my go-to is Nelson Made’s Cali heel in bordeaux.” 

Juvelle Behrendorff, Melbourne personal stylist

“Wedges are back. If you’re a millennial, like me, who lived through the ultra-chunky wedges of the early 2000s, you might be a little sceptical about revisiting the trend. But this time around, wedges are more streamlined in shape, making them a lot more elegant and wearable. Opt for a slim style like the Vaila from Billini or the Martine wedge from Lana Wilkinson.”  

Sally MacKinnon, Melbourne personal stylist

“My favourite summer heel is what I call the barely there sandal. When designed with comfort in mind, this strappy style is the perfect summer heel to wear with everything in your wardrobe, from denim to Bermuda shorts and maxi dresses. I especially love the aptly named Strappy Sandal by Essen and, in particular, the fiery red colour that will add a summer pop. Another favourite heel style that is having a moment is the Ida Mini by Nelson Made. Whatever name you give it (flip-flop, thong, jandal), it’s a familiar style to many but has a little more sass with a small kitten heel.”

Ilkin Kurt, Sydney fashion consultant and stylist

“Martiniano’s Party heel has been the most popular so far, and comes in great colour options. Aeyde’s Helia heel is another favourite that has been sold out on many platforms. It also comes in great shades of brown and black. They both have a Nonna vibe that makes them really chic. On the pricey side, The Row’s Liisa heel is very comfortable and comes in a fun colour: red.

Jenna Flood, Melbourne slow fashion stylist

“I would personally opt for a pair of sturdy, low heels like these from Post Sole Studio. I am drawn to their versatility and their subtle minimal ’90s vibe. I can see a return to practicality when it comes to footwear in the future.”

Jana Bartolo, Sydney stylist

“The latest Paris Fashion Week has reinforced this trend, with designers showing heels that balance sculptural shapes and luxury textures, often paired with sleek tailoring or floaty dresses, proving that casual doesn’t mean boring. It’s all about that elevated, playful detail. The shapes we’re seeing everywhere are square, ballerina-style toes, or angular, squat silhouettes that nod to a Vivienne Westwood vibe, with occasional references to Christian Louboutin. Fashion is embracing rich textures like satin, suede and faux exotic prints while fun embellishments – floral and ribbon appliqués, oversized pearls, and metallic ‘heel jewellery’ on straps and heels – add a playful, statement-making touch. Brands doing this particularly well include Jimmy Choo for polished, elegant styles.”

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide personal stylist

“It’s the summer of the casual heel – effortless but still polished. Think low, sculptural heels and simple strappy sandals that you can actually walk in and wear from day to night. St Agni does this beautifully with clean lines and minimal detailing. Alias Mae is another favourite, offering on-trend styles that still feel practical and easy to wear, especially for events and holidays. For something a little more fashion-forward, Christopher Esber’s footwear adds a modern edge with sculptural shapes that elevate even the simplest outfit. They’re the kind of heels you’ll keep reaching for all summer.”

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.

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