Wedge sandals have become a major trend for summer 2026. Princess Diana, then Lady Diana Spencer, wore wedge espadrilles back in 1981. That’s why this summer footwear trend has not only a fashionable but also a historical context.
Lady Diana Spencer at a polo match at Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex, July 12, 1981
Advertisement.
Wedge summer footwear is back in vogue for 2026
When asked what footwear will be dominant in the summer of 2026, the answer emerged a few weeks ago: wedge sandals. This is not surprising. Such shoes fit well with the popular retro aesthetic and at the same time remain comfortable thanks to the stable wedge. This is especially important in the summer, as the warm season often calls for a lot of walking, traveling, strolling, and spending time outdoors.
Princess Diana wore the most fashionable footwear of summer 2026 back in the 1980s
Princess Diana, then Lady Diana Spencer, understood this advantage well back in the 1980s. In July 1981, she appeared at a polo match in Windsor Great Park in a relaxed summer outfit. She chose a jumpsuit in a soft yellow shade. Recently, this color – known as buttery yellow – has also become very popular again. Diana paired the jumpsuit with a romantic short-sleeved blouse featuring a lace collar and a fruit print.
For the event, Diana chose a yellow jumpsuit, a floral print blouse, and pink wedge sandals
The blouse’s print consisted of apples and pears in green, yellow, and red hues. It complemented not only the color of the jumpsuit but also the shade of the footwear. The future Princess of Wales, whose wedding took place just a few weeks after the polo match, opted for pink wedge espadrilles with a braided sole. This type of footwear was comfortable for walking on grass and provided sufficient stability. Such a combination remains relevant today. Wedge summer shoes are still favored by members of royal families. For instance, Queen Letizia of Spain has been seen multiple times in various styles of such sandals.
In 1981, Princess Diana accessorized her jumpsuit ensemble with oversized sunglasses and a patterned shoulder bag. More than 40 years later, wedge summer footwear has regained its popularity. This year, wedge sandals have returned as one of the most prominent summer trends. Now, these styles are crafted not only from the traditional woven materials but also from leather, wood, or plastic.
