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One of the best parts about living in New York City? There’s no shortage of eye-catching fashion to see, especially on the street. As a longtime fashion and beauty writer, I’ve seen the uptown “rich mom” set stepping out in a wide range of casual and formal warm-weather shoes this summer.
Each of these shoes can be easily worn from day to night, depending on your calendar. Best of all, they all bring that breezy, effortless summertime flair to any outfit, from casual T-shirts and shorts to matching linen sets, flowing sundresses, and lightweight summer denim. Thin-strapped thong sandals are ideal for daytime wear; Mary-Jane flats are perfect for wearing from day to night; crisp white sneakers in a low-top silhouette are the most casual; sandals topped with double-buckled straps are the most secure open-toed style to slip on for outdoor events or weekend socializing.
Over the last few weeks, it’s clear there are four key styles they’re wearing with every outfit, and you can easily shop all of them right now. From colors to finishes and everything in between, there’s a “rich mom” summer shoe (or two or three!) to fit every taste. Plus, with pairs starting as low as $10, there’s also a style to fit any budget. Happy shopping!
Effortless Summer Shoes Rich NYC Moms Are Wearing Right Now
Mary Jane-Strapped Flats
1. Our Pick: These classic Mary Jane flats are clean and chic, able to elevate summer outfits from flowing midi dresses to casual denim. With stretchy elastic upper straps and non-slip outsoles, the versatile pair also has a snug, secure fit, allowing them to be easily worn from day to night.
2. Trendy Texture: Just ask stars like Selena Gomez: Woven ballet flats are a top summer trend. The texture instantly elevates pairs like these square-toed flats, providing ventilation against interior heat and sweat, plus smooth, flexible soles that you can easily move in.
3. Office-Friendly: While all Mary Jane flats are easy to wear on and off-duty, this pair by Franco Sarto features high vamps that allow for fuller foot coverage—and are perfect for wearing to work. Each of the shoe’s wearable colorways is also marked down right now, making them a budget-friendly addition to your summer wardrobe
4. Double-Strapped: What’s better than one Mary Jane strap? Two, as seen in these soft knit flats. The pair’s smooth uppers and flexible soles move with your feet, while its two upper straps are both fashion-forward and doubly secure.
5. Chic and Simple: This thin-strapped flat style is smooth, versatile, and classic. The Cole Haan pair is also on sale for $30 off from their original price right now — score!
6. Pretty Perforations: The geometric designs on these smooth suede flats will bring any outfit a stylish dash of texture. Their soft material also stays ventilated and light in the summer months, too.
7. Glam Stones: Gleaming stones trim the straps of these comfortable Mary Janes. The bohemian sparkle brings a hint of glamour to the ventilated Kenneth Cole pair, which is perfect for elevated daytime outfits or wearing to special occasions like date nights, weddings and more.
Elevated Thong Sandals
8. Secure Steps: With a $14 price tag, these budget-friendly sandals are a total steal. The round-toed style includes adjustable upper straps for a secure fit, while contoured footbeds and padded toe posts ensure comfort with every step.
9. Wrapped Up: Smooth, faux suede uppers make this pair of summer-ready sandals fit for the beach, park or any leisurely outing. Wraparound ankle straps also create a flattering, cutout bohemian look while remaining secure and easy to wear.
10. High Gloss: This set of jelly thong sandals brings a mature take to the whimsical Y2K shoe style. While its glossy straps are playfully nostalgic, minimalist colorways and PU-filled footbeds allow you to comfortably wear the pair all day long.
11. Cool Studs: The flat-studded trim on these lightweight leather sandals will bring any look a cool edge. Plus, their four versatile hues will complement any aesthetic and skin tone.
12. Effortless Style: This simple, barely-there sandal is a style everyone in Manhattan is wearing right now. Thin straps and smooth leather soles make them easy to slip on and off, while a wide variety of neutral shades creates a subtle, leg-lengthening effect.
13. Subtle Glamour: Thong sandals with T-shaped straps, like this suede style, are a trendy take on the lightweight shoe. Gleaming tonal crystals on each toe bring this pair a hint of effortless glamour that sparkles with each step.
14. Soft and Smooth: These smooth, elevated Ugg sandals are ideal for daytime wear. Adjustable suede straps and thong posts create a secure fit, with cushioned padding and EVA sugarcane soles providing comfort from the city to the beach and everywhere in between.
Low-Top White Sneakers
15. Height Boost: With its platform soles, this minimalist sneaker gives you an extra 1.25 inches of height. Plus, its EVA foam footbeds provide comfortable arch support that you’ll feel all day.
16. Low Profile: White lace-up sneakers like this Gola style were made for summer dressing. This pair’s smooth canvas uppers are lightweight and airy, while matching rubber soles and capped toes bring the sporty pair a subtly preppy touch.
17. Fresh And Clean: This round-toed sneaker’s soft and ventilated knit uppers are perfect for hot summer days. Contoured footbeds with soft cushioning will keep you balanced while supporting your arches, as well.
18. Plush Padding: Stitched quilting brings a burst of added details to these sporty sneakers by Steve Madden. Subtle stripes and gum rubber soles bring the pair a hint of tennis-inspired style, while their textile uppers and padded back counters are ideal for long-term wear.
19. Nautical Touch: The woven laces on these sharp Sperry sneakers bring the clean shoe style a burst of nautical flair. You’ll love their hidden 1.5-inch platforms with memory foam insoles for a secret height boost that’s comfortable and easy to wear.
20. Metallic Trim: This pair of crisp white sneakers is accented by metallic counters and front tabs, bringing them a hint of added flair. In addition to its clean silhouette, the summer-ready style also includes removable insoles for a customizable fit.
Double-Buckled Sandals
21. Glossy Jellies: These soft and durable sandals are a fashionably modern take on jelly sandals. The translucent pair’s glistening textures and tonal colors create an adorable outfit base, while its rubber materials are waterproof — perfect for going from the city to the pool, beach and more.
22. Soft Fit: This pair of cushioned sandals includes a low wedge-shaped base for added height — no stilettos required. Contoured insoles with interior padding bring even more comfort to the double-buckled style, which is perfect for daytime picnics or barbecues.
23. Cool-Girl Hardware: The Western-inspired buckles on these contoured sandals are ruggedly cool, just like the go-to belts worn by it-girls around the city. Their suede footbeds are easy to slip on from day to night, while patterns including cow spots and woven leopard-print raffia will bring a burst of nature-inspired style to any wardrobe.
24. Waterproof Style: Sizzling summer weather is no match for these colorful, lightweight sandals. The double-buckled style’s foam base is cushioned and flexible, with molded footbeds and textured soles providing practical arch support. This Totes style is also waterproof, making it easy to clean and ideal for wearing on rainy days.
25. Boho Beads: This pair of wide-strapped sandals is embellished with neutral and multicolored beads for a burst of free-spirited style. The boho-glam pair also includes a molded footbed for a secure, comfortable fit, complete with a stylish height boost from woven platform soles.
26. Shine Bright: Summer’s the perfect time to break out a pair of metallic sandals. This adjustable style’s champagne hue can be dressed up or down, while its padded platform soles create a comfy height boost.
