Tan France told InStyle the three footwear spring and summer footwear trends he loves, including classic sneakers, streamlined loafers, and slingback kitten heels. Shop shoes inspired by the trends starting at $50.

Including the sneakers and dressy styles he’s loving.

I’ve thought about footwear more in the past year than I ever have before, and it has a lot to do with the fact that it seems like a new style is trending weekly. At the same time that we re-embraced classically chic ballet flats, “ugly” shoes became a thing while sultry, office-inspired heels have been competing with low-key Sambas for the title of 2024’s ‘It’ shoe. It’s a lot to take in, let alone figure out what’s actually worth buying—I’ve been burned by micro-trends one too many times—which is why when InStyle got to ask Queer Eye’s Tan France about spring and summer fashion thanks to his partnership with Citi Shop, my mind immediately went to footwear. Fortunately, he had some answers.

Shop the three shoe styles France thinks every wardrobe needs, below. 

Sophisticated Sneakers

Buy on Nordstrom $145 Buy on Zappos $145

• Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker, $54–$110 (Originally $150); amazon.com 
• Puma Palermo Sneaker, $90; urbanoutfitters.com
• Nike Cortez 23 Premium Sneaker, $110; nordstrom.com and nike.com 
• Veja Volley Sneaker, $145; nordstrom.com and zappos.com
• Vince Oasis Sneaker, $250; nordstrom.com and saksfifthavenue.com 

Oversized dad sneakers might be getting all the attention, but France shared that he’s into something a little bit more classic. “As opposed to going for the ugly sneaker trend, [try] something a little more sophisticated and…streamlined,” he said. Sleek, easy-to-dress-up sneakers are a wardrobe hero, afterall. 

To shop the trend for less, consider grabbing these all-white sneakers from Cole Haan while they’re on sale at Amazon, starting at just $54; they feature a low profile, simple silhouette, and buttery exterior. Nike’s Cortez sneakers happen to be my personal favorite because of the soft edges and vintage look, but you also can’t go wrong with celebrity-loved Vejas or these leather sneakers from Vince that Gisele Bündchen recently proved look incredibly chic with wardrobe basics.

Streamlined Loafers

Buy on Madewell.com $158 $135

• LifeStride Madison Loafer, $50; amazon.com 
• J.Crew Winona Penny Loafer, $100 (Originally $198); jcrew.com 
• G.H. Bass Whitney Leather Loafer, $175; nordstrom.com 
• Madewell the Bennie Loafer, $135 (Originally $158); madewell.com 
• Tory Burch Jessa Backless Loafer, $298; toryburch.com 

France took that same stance when it came to loafers, telling me that while “really chunky” silhouettes might have been very in for the past few years, he’s leaning towards something “more subdued” and “streamlined” for spring and summer. It’s a look we’ve seen more stars—including Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, and Ariana Grande—turn to, and one I’ve personally added to my wardrobe because of its wearability, offering comfort and versatility that platform loafers just can’t.

My go-to pair is the classic Whitney loafer from G.H. Bass, which I’ve comfortably walked more than 10,000 steps in, but for something just as loved and a bit more affordable grab LifeStride’s $50 loafers. These have more than 1,300 fans at Amazon who call the style expensive looking and “comfortable right out of the box.” However, if you’re down to splurge, I can’t stop thinking about these backless Tory Burch loafers. The creamy white leather is perfect for summer while the chunky metal detail further elevates the already-chic style, with one person writing that they “are instant dress-up shoes.”

Slingback Kitten Heels

Buy on Amazon $125 $63

• Franco Sarto Khloe Pointed-Toe Kitten Heel Pumps, $63–$88 (Originally $125); amazon.com 
• Sam Edelman Bianca Slingback Heel Pumps, $140; zappos.com 
• Vagabond Jonna Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals, $140; zappos.com 
• Banana Republic Terzo Kitten Heel Sandals, $200; bananarepublic.gap.com 
• AllSaints Selina Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps, $349; nordstrom.com 

Slingback kitten heels—which have quickly become one of this year’s hottest footwear styles —got France’s stamp of approval, who described the trending shoe as “lovely” and “beautiful.” And while he told me he’s “obsessed” with a pair from Prada, there are plenty of more affordable options.

Franco Sarto’s Khloe pumps are on sale at Amazon starting at just $63. These are available in six colors, including neutrals and eye-catching shades like cherry red and silver, and feature padded insoles for improved comfort. AllSaints’ pointed-toe pumps are more of splurge, but they include a luxe-looking buckle detail that sets them apart from similar styles—plus, that orange shade is a must for summer. And while closed-toed styles have been the most popular way to wear the trend, we are quickly approaching warmer months, so don’t overlook a pair of strappy kitten heel sandals, like this leather pair from Vagabond.

Shop the styles inspired by his favorite spring and summer footwear trends, below.

Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker

Buy on Amazon $150 $54

J.Crew Winona Penny Loafer

Buy on Jcrew.com $198 $100

Vagabond Jonna Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals

Buy on Zappos $140

Puma Palermo Sneaker

Buy on Urban Outfitters $90

LifeStride Madison Loafer

Buy on Amazon $50

Sam Edelman Bianca Slingback Heel Pumps

Buy on Zappos $140

Vince Oasis Sneaker

Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue $250

Tory Burch Jessa Backless Loafer

Buy Now $298

AllSaints Selina Pointed Toe Slingback Pumps

Buy on Nordstrom $349