Yet another item to file in the “joys of summer” column: the opportunity to dress up our feet. The socks fly off and on come the snazzy sandals, pretty polishes and maybe even a dainty anklet or (why not?) a throwback toe ring. The fun only lasts for a few short months, so best make sure to enjoy every second. (Consider this your sign to snap up some sandals and a cute new toe colour—you deserve it.)

This one’s for the gal with a knack for spotting the latest, greatest anything. She never looks like she’s trying too hard, yet never fails to show up in the coolest, most drool-worthy outfits. We have a feeling she’d go for these rippled mules (how good is that kiwi colour?). And because she’s not one to shy away from statements, she’d reach for this ocean blue lacquer to take them to the next level.

Mood: You’re going out dancing. Remember dancing? You’re feeling yourself, so you decide to slip on a pair of metallic strappy sandals. “But why stop there?” you think to yourself, and proceed to paint on two coats of molten silver polish. The dance floor’s not ready for you.

Calling all the summer people. The ones who’d never dare complain about a heatwave because it sure beats a polar vortex. They live the season to the fullest with patio drink dates, after-dinner ice cream and a delightfully riotous approach to dressing—right down to their feet. A sizzling palette of pink and orange (cool tones need not apply) only seems fitting. 

Lean into the nostalgia craze with a Friends-themed polish (this lavender is the exact shade of Monica’s apartment door—pretty cool, right?). Add a pair of stretchy, chunky flatforms and (Chandler voice) could you be more ’90s? 

Picture these clacking against the cobblestone in some swanky seaside town (Capri? St-Tropez?). With their minimalist designs and ultra-thin straps, Canadian brand Tkees elevates slides to elegant new heights. Might we suggest a classic Chanel red to complete the picture?

It’s giving pool party, no? The sun’s shining, the beat thumping. You’ve got a nice cold cocktail in your hand and darling strappy sandals on your feet. The pièce de résistance? Toes as turquoise as the deep end.

You’re all for comfort and practicality but that doesn’t mean you don’t like to have fun, too. Enter this Rainbow Brite take on the classic Teva sandal. (We dare you not to smile every time you glance past your ankles.) Let the playful straps be the star of the show by balancing them with a white polish. 

Indulge your inner hippie with the earthy combination of an olive green polish and platforms seemingly plucked right out of Almost Famous (the suede straps, the braided-raffia soles—Penny Lane would approve!). The second best thing to strolling Haight-Ashbury barefoot.

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I just bought sandals, my first purchase after a four-month shopping fast. They’re caned mules the colour of hazelnut gelato with a block heel that’s that perfect in-between height: a little lift without the crampy arches. They’d look right at home on the cobblestone streets of some tiny Tuscan town, preferably paired with a tomato-red polish.

I was about to premiere them on a recent balmy day—but then…

The results were delightfully fizzy

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