The Shoe Trends Set To Define Party Season & Summer 2026
Your summer shoe forecast
Summer’s longest social stretch has officially arrived, and it’s the perfect cue to refresh the shoe rotation. If there’s one person we’re turning to for a steer, it’s Founder and Designer Lana Wilkinson, who recently announced she’s stepping back from her fifteen-year styling career to focus on her namesake footwear label and podcast The Archive with Rozalia Russian. We caught up her for a rundown on styles defining party season – and the footwear trends set to dominate the summer ahead.
Sculpture over structure
According to Wilkinson, this season’s footwear is all about sculptural shapes, soft fluidity and elevated casualty. Speaking to the inspiration behind her new Summer ’26 Collection, the celebrity stylist-turned-designer describes it as “sculpture rather than structure.” Think curves that contour through fluid, feminine lines; shapes that move with you; “leather ropes snaking like tree trunks, soft lines wrapping the foot.”
Chic enough for an evening out, but not too over the top for daytime events, it’s an aesthetic we’re seeing more of that balances ease with refinement. “It’s all about ease that still looks considered,” as she puts it. It echoes the organic forms seen bohemian wedges on recent Chloé runways and Simone Rocha’s pearl-draped ballerina platforms.
A case for mid height heels
Don’t sleep on mid-height heels – they’re the MVP of longevity, and a blessing when December becomes one long RSVP. Sure, there’s a time and a place for a sky high heel, but when you can achieve the same effect with a pair that doesn’t leave you barefoot before 10pm? Why wouldn’t you.
Big, architectural heels are still on the scene, this time with more balance: statement-making comfort. “We’ve focused on crafting a variety of mid-height styles this season that transition easily,” Wilkinson notes. Expect chunky soles, woven details and playful peep toes – perfect for party season and a sensible-shoed summer to follow.
Slip ons take the lead
Much like the resurgence of jelly shoes, fisherman styles and easy slides, “for casual styles, thongs remain a major trend this Summer,” Wilkinson notes. The hero in her summer collection, reimagined with modern shapes, sculpted upper forms, tinted rubber and leather in sunset hues. Perfect for days that stretch from the beach to long lunches (and whatever comes after). “They’re a classic Australian summer shoe, just refined and more considered.”
Colours with dimension
While classic neutrals aren’t going anywhere, summer 2026 colours are coming in hot – favouring dimension over minimalism. Expect tones that catch the light during golden hour and bright accents that inject warmth: bronze, sand, sienna, soft peach, warm metallics and bold, punchy brights.
Wilkinson’s inspiration pulls from Brasilia’s vivid palette and James Turrelll’s light shifting art installations. “It’s about energy without being overwhelming,” she Wilkinson says. “Colours can elevate an outfit but still need to feel wearable.”
Mixed metallic hues
And for festive events? Metal sheens. “The blend of Gold, Silver and Rose Gold makes it easy to pair and elevate any outfit,” Wilkinson says. Fun for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the festive stretch in-between, these hues are made for more than one wear – designed to complement what’s already in your wardrobe, not complete with it. “Our pieces designed to be re-worn, restyled, and lived in,” she adds.
Consider this your cheat sheet to what’s hot, and if you like what you see, you can shop these styles in-person at LANA WILKINSON’s Summer Pop-Up at Chadstone until Boxing Day.
