The biggest statement sandal trends for the last weeks of summer 2026 are wraparound ankle ties, espadrille wedges, kitten heels, and a genuine jelly sandal comeback. Standouts include the Margaux Palermo Wrap Sandal ($395, available in wide width), the Tory Burch Eleanor Wedge Espadrille ($275), and the Open Edit Solis Jelly Slide ($59.95) — trend-forward without tipping into costume territory.
What You’ll Find In This Post:
The Sandal Trends To Try Before Summer’s Over
There are only a few weeks of true sandal weather left, which makes now exactly the right time to try a trend instead of reaching for the same neutral pair you’ve worn since June. This year’s standout sandal trends are more wearable than they sound on paper — wraparound ankle ties, espadrille wedges, kitten heels, and yes, jelly sandals are genuinely back, in sophisticated finishes rather than the neon versions you might remember.
I picked six sandals that each represent a different trend, at price points ranging from $59.95 to $395, so there’s an entry point here whether you want to dip a toe in or commit fully.
6 Statement Sandals Worth Shopping
Each of these covers a different trend I’ve noticed, so you can pick the one that actually fits your comfort level and your closet.
1. The Palermo Wrap Sandal — Margaux
$395.00 · Espresso Nappa
Why it works: This is the sandal I’m actually wearing in the photos above — soft leather ankle ties on a minimalist thong strap, in a rich espresso brown that works with nearly everything left in a late-summer closet. It’s also genuinely available in narrow, medium, and wide widths, which is rare at this level of quality.
How I would style it: I wore this with embroidered linen shorts and a silk tank for an easy weekend look, but it dresses up just as well with a slip dress for dinner.
2. Eleanor Wedge Espadrille — Tory Burch
$275.00 · Light Cream Gold
Why it works: A jute wedge with the brand’s signature gold hardware at the toe strap — this is the statement pick of the edit, dressed up enough for a resort dinner but still built on a genuinely comfortable espadrille wedge base.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with white linen trousers or a breezy dress, letting the gold hardware be the one piece of jewelry the outfit needs.
3. Carolyn Kitten Heel Sandal — Schutz
$138.00 · Platina
Why it works: A metallic gold thong sandal on a low, walkable kitten heel — this is the pick that brings a bit of shine to the edit without going full rhinestone. The kitten heel height keeps it genuinely easy to wear for hours, not just for photos.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a simple white dress for an evening out, letting the metallic finish do all the talking.
4. The d’Orsay Ankle Tie Espadrille Flat — Rothy’s
$99.99–$150.00 (up to 33% off, New Markdown) · Seashell
Why it works: A flat, wrap-around espadrille in Rothy’s signature machine-washable knit — this is the more accessible answer to the Margaux above, with the same lace-up look at a fraction of the price and zero heel at all for anyone who wants the trend without any lift.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with rolled denim and a button-down for a genuinely all-day, walk-everywhere outfit.
5. Solis Jelly Slide Sandal — Open Edit
$59.95 · Brown Chocolate
Why it works: Jelly sandals are genuinely back, and this cage-woven version in a rich chocolate brown reads as sophisticated rather than novelty — nothing like the neon jellies you might remember from decades ago. It’s the lowest price point in the whole edit, which makes it an easy way to try the trend.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a simple white dress for a pop of texture, or with denim shorts for an easy errand-day look.
6. Rosario Slide Sandal — Easy Spirit
$95.00 · Light Natural
Why it works: A woven raffia slide with a floral motif worked right into the strap — this is the statement pick that reads as texture and pattern rather than sparkle, and it’s available in wide width, which is rare for a shoe with this much personality. The block heel keeps it stable for actual walking.
How I would style it: I’d wear this with a linen dress or wide-leg trousers, letting the woven texture and floral detail be the one statement in an otherwise simple outfit.
How to Wear a Statement Sandal After 50
- Let the sandal be the one loud thing: pair any of these with a simple outfit — a plain dress or shorts and a tank — so the shoe reads as intentional rather than competing with the rest of the look.
- Ease into a new trend at a lower price point first: the Rothy’s flat or the Open Edit jelly are both under $100, which makes them a low-risk way to test a silhouette before investing in a splurge pair.
- If you want more arch support or stability than a flat sandal offers, the Vionic Darla Espadrille Platform Slide Sandal is a comfortable wedge alternative with the same espadrille look, built with proper footbed support.
- Check width availability before you fall in love with a style: the Margaux Palermo, the Rothy’s flat, and the Easy Spirit Rosario slide all offer wide sizing, which isn’t a given at this price point or above.
FAQs
Yes — but the current version looks nothing like the neon jellies from decades past. This year’s iterations come in sophisticated, tortoiseshell-adjacent finishes like the Brown Chocolate colorway featured here, which reads as a genuine leather alternative rather than a beach novelty.
The Rothy’s d’Orsay flat, since it has zero heel height and is fully machine washable — genuinely built for all-day wear and easy care.
The Margaux Palermo Wrap Sandal offers narrow, medium, and wide sizing — genuinely uncommon at that quality level. The Rosario slide sandal also offers width options.
Closing Thoughts
A statement sandal is one of the lowest-risk ways to try a trend — you’re not committing to a whole new silhouette, just a single accessory that can make an outfit you already own feel new again. Whatever catches your eye here, I hope it gets you through these last few weeks of sandal weather in style.
Tell me in the comments which trend you’re most tempted by — I have a feeling the jelly sandal comeback might be a bit divisive!
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