STYLE

Socks and shoes just don’t cut it when the temps rise, but there are as many kinds of sandals as there are smoothie flavors (aka: a lot), and it can be tricky to know which summer shoe is the *perf* one for you. To make your summer a little easier, we’ve created a helpful guide to every kind of sandal, plus matching outfit inspo for each one. All you have to worry about is choosing your fave.

Flip-Flops

Flip-flops, besides having the most fun name of any sandal, are a summer style staple. Plain colors will go with any short + shirt combo, but don’t feel limited—flip-flops with funky patterns and details like beads will help you make a statement.

Espadrilles

A thicker-strapped shoe like this version of the espadrille, a sandal with a flexible rope-based sole, gives your toes more protection from the elements, while a neutral color like brown or black allows your outfit to take center stage. As the adorbs examples above show, lace detailing on a top or fringe on shorts can elevate a basic look into something special.

Thin-Strapped

On the opposite end of the sandal spectrum, we have these spaghetti-strapped numbers that could fit in as cooly on the red carpet as they could at a BBQ. Choose a classy black like the super-cute pair above, or pick a cooler color to match the waves. The subtle straps will especially complement jeans or a long skirt.

Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals have long been a fave at fashion week and award shows—and bringing high-fashion to the beach is a no-brainer. The moody floral dress above is the inspo we didn’t know we needed. Just make sure you apply your sunscreen, or you’ll end up with a stripey sunburn.

Slides

In case, like me, you don’t want to fumble with your shoes for ten minutes when you’re ready to hit the surf, slides are the simple sandals you need. There’s no irritating strap between the toes, and you can find a sparkly pair like this one, fab with distressed jeans.

Bow Toes

Because bows are a girl’s best friend. Knotted fabric bows make for a comfy-cute sandal you won’t want to take off. You can go bold with colorful pants, or keep things soft and feminine with a flowy skirt.

Woven Sandal

The final summer shoe we’re highlighting is the woven sandal. It looks and feels handcrafted, has an eye-catching texture and pattern, and goes with a basically endless array of outfits—like the funky pants in the pic above.

Now you’re ready to put your best (and most fabulous) foot forward!

Which of these styles do you want to rock this summer? Drop a line in the comments below!

by By Bailey Bujnosek | 5/18/2020