Trust Me: These 6 Sandal Styles Will See You Through the Entire Summer
Now that we're being treated to some nice spells of sunny weather, many of us are starting the search for the perfect pair of summer sandals. If you are just starting out on your mission, or have been searching for years but are constantly left disappointed, we're here to cut out hours of trawling the internet to find you the perfect pair.
We've put together the ultimate shortlist of the sandals that will see you through the entire season and many more summers to come. After a debate in the Who What Wear office, our fashion editors decided that there are six styles of sandals that will see you through every warm-weather occasion coming up this year.
First up, we have the flat, slip-on sandals that have been favourites for many seasons, followed by the archival appeal of fisherman sandals, which will work for coastal walks or a day of window shopping. Then, on the other end of the sandal spectrum, we have the ultimate dress-up-dress-down shoes—kitten heels—and heeled platforms, both ideal for any weddings you have coming up this year. Last but not least, we have chunky flip-flops, which perfectly bridge the gap between smart and casual.
Scroll below to shop our edit of the six sandals that will see you through the entire summer.
1. The Strappy Sandal
Style Notes: Strappy sandals have found their way into our wardrobes season after season and its probably due to how versatile they are. Pairing well with formal dresses as well as a casual top and shorts, this classic style is here to stay for yet another year.
Shop the Style
Pair these with a simple jean and button up shirt for a chic look.
This will pair so well with dresses when you don't want to wear heels.
2. The Platform Sandal
Style Notes: When you're not stepping out in easy flats, elevate your look with a pair of platform sandals. Right now, fashion people are particularly fond of styles with cork soles and clog details.
Shop the Style
The stud detailing adds a grungy feel to these platform clogs.
Espadrille heritage brand Castañer has also adopted platforms as its own this season.
3. The Fisherman Sandal
Style Notes: Love it or hate it, the fisherman sandal is here to stay. I'm in the 'love' camp, mostly because they go with literally every outfit I put together.
Shop the Style
Pair with your floatiest floral dresses.
Olive green makes for an interesting but no-less versatile choice.
JW Anderson definitely knows how to make a covetable shoe.
4. The Slide-On
Style Notes: If you're looking for a shoe you can slip on and off with minimal effort (and still look chic), consider slide-on sandals. These are best reserved for days outings involving minimal walking, as they're admittedly not the most supportive style out there.
Shop the Style
These minimalist sandals will go with everything in your summer wardrobe.
5. The Dress-Up-Dress-Down Kitten Heel
Style Notes: Scared of stilettos but seeking a dressy footwear option? Enter the kitten heel. This dainty design is unlikely to make you wobble when you walk, but is just as elegant as a high heel.
Shop the Style
Hands down the sweetest kitten heels out there right now.
6. The Elevated Flip-Flop
Style Notes: Unless you spend zero time on Instagram, you're likely already aware of the 'elevated flip-flop' trend. This casual shoe now comes in leather and suede, featuring details such as buckles and espadrille-style soles. We're here for it.
Shop the Style
Let's all raise a glass to the design that reignited our love of flip-flops.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
-
5 Elegant Sandal Colors You're Going to Want to Own This Summer
No neons here.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23
Your definitive guide.
By Elinor Block
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right Now
Take note.
By Courtney Falsey
-
French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit Formula
Easy as un, deux, trois.
By Drew Elovitz