FOOT NOTES Shoes that will make your summer ensembles sing from work to weekend

Special to Stylelist by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

It's summertime and the living is busy! Between work, after-work events, weekend barbecues and the three weddings you're invited to, there's hardly a minute to put up your feet and just be. The secret to staying in step with summer's activities? The right shoes (and a bag you can stuff your flip-flops in).

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It's too hot to commute in 'Working Girl' sneakers.

Run for the train in these flip-flops designers claim trim leg fat. (Not a bad claim to make in shorts and miniskirt season.) Whether they actually tone legs or not, we like the fact that they slightly cup the heels so there's less chance of getting 'dirt foot.' (FitFlops, $45 at blissworld.com)

If $45 flip-flops are too rich for your blood ...

... wear these on your walk to the gym or trip to the beach. (Eddie Bauer Rubber Sandwich Flip-Flops, 9.99 at eddiebauer.com)

When you get to work ...

... slip on a pair of comfy low heels in a neutral color. Patent or suede will add subtle flair to knee-length skirts, pantsuits and wrap dresses. Open toes will let you show some personality with your pedicure. (top to bottom: Anloga shoe $49.99, Torshavn shoe $70, Ashanti shoe $195 all at aldoshoes.com)

If you can get away with it ...

... go for a high heel with a bold print that'll pick up the color in a solid, bright suit or peek out nicely from under trouser-cut jeans. (Niki Robinson Alex Scarf Platform Multi shoe, $295 at tecasan.com)

When the weekend hits ...

... pair your BBQ ensemble of T-shirt and jeans or shorts with elevated slides or espadrilles. These are also comfy choices if you need to cover more ground than the distance between your folding chair and the grill. (top to bottom: Lacoste Aimee shoe, $118.95 at zappos.com, Ugg Australia Mar Espadrilles, $100 at uggaustralia.com.)

If you're heading to an outdoor party...

... flat sandals or dressy thongs will sass up a shorts and fitted tank ensemble or a sundress. (top: Gianluca Soldi Ebony Strap Flat Gold, $255 at tecasan.com, bottom left: Antik Batik Beaded Band Thong, $155 at barneyscoop.com, bottom right: Skipper Thong, $10.99 at Payless.com.)

For weddings and formals ...

... find a pair of strappy sandals with a simple detail like a flower or gem stone to add flair to a long dress or pantsuit. (top to bottom: Tracy Reese Orquidea orchid sandal available at Tracy Reese Flagship Store 212-807-0505; Gianluca Soldi Oyster Quilt Peep Toe Berry, $285 at tecasan.com)

For hot nights at the club ...

... the higher and strappier your shoe, the better. Metallics and patent leather will catch strobe and disco lights too. Pair with skinny jeans and a dark tank or show off Tina Turner legs in a minidress. (top: Chailyn sandal, $29.99 at ninewest.com". Middle row l to r: Python embossed leather sandal, $250 at kennethcole.com, Trenton sandal, $79 at ninewest.com. Bottom row l to r: Highball sandal, $22.99 at payless.com; Jean Michel Cazabat open-toe metallic platform sandal, $180 at barneyscoop.com)

For flat out comfort no matter what the occasion

This season, flats come in styles you can walk a mile in. (top l to r: Sigerson Morrison Patent Cut-Out Skimmer, $345 at barneyscoop.com; Roberto del Carlo Buckle Front Skimmer, $365 at barneyscoop.com. Top middle row l to r: Peu Mesh Mary-jane, $150 at shop.camper.com; L'Autre Chose Sequined Ballet Flats, $130 at barneyscoop.com. Lower middle row l to r: Casi Casi Natural sandal, $135 at shop.camper.com; Gianluca Soldi Pamela Diamonte Ring Ballerina, $295 at tecasan.com. Bottom l to r: American Eagle Candy Peep-Toe Skimmer, $17.99 at Payless.com; Fay Boldock Kaelyn Nefratiti Gold sandal, $225 at tecasan.com.)

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