Under $100: Sexy Summer Shoes

Upon our very first encounter with the image of model-of-the-moment Hanne Gaby Odiele and her equally fashionable friend Kasia Strauss at a Calvin Klein event, we were gobsmacked by the sexy starkness of their monochrome outfits. Cool, crisp, and with an undeniably alluring edge, these ensembles became an instant point of inspiration for our own summer wardrobes. And although the ladies' peerless sartorial perfection had us clamoring for more, we were particularly taken with the chic shoes used to punctuate these awesome looks. (After all, our appetite for footwear can never be quelled, plus, 'tis the season for sexy shoes!) So in honor of our affection for Odiele and Strauss' smartly chosen selections, today we offer you a handful of spectacular sandals that honor their enticing style.



Although fetish footwear has been on our radar for some time, we're pleased by its transition into warm-weather wear, as it's the perfect counterpoint to summery ensembles. For example, we adore the way Odiele turned up the heat on a tougher, punk-influenced outfit when she paired a white Alexander Wang Matte Crepe Jersey Dress ($645) with a black pair of the designer's Carrington Woven Zip-Up Boots ($595). The head-to-toe shredded detailing is suggestive without being smutty, especially when worn over a black slip. Strauss, on the other hand, used these hot summer heels to add edge to her romantic sheer blouse and cropped pants combo. Her Cesare Paciotti for Ohne Titel Sandals ($658) add a provocative element to the otherwise demure outfit, comprised of Ohne Titel's Sheer Layered Blouse ($1079) and Contour Pieced Crop Pants ($859).

Fortunately for those of us who don't have the same sort of haute-fashion access (or bank accounts) as our model-muses, you can get the same high-voltage look without a high price. After much sourcing, we found six stellar sandal options—all for under $100—that just about everyone can afford. The price is so nice that you can spend some leftover money on the second most important part of this trend: your pedicure, of course!

1. Jeffrey Campbell Fishtail Braid Sandal ($90)
Taking inspiration from the same savage spirit as Alexander Wang's Spring 2009 design ethos, this sandal echoes the defiant sexiness of Odiele's dress. The white cage design is inherently sultry, while the fishtail-braid details conjure up images of boho summer hair. We recommend wearing this slight wedge with a harem pant for a effortlessly casual, completely glamorous look.

2. Dollhouse Black Suzanna Gladiator Sandal ($47)
The gladiator sandal gets a sexy update when its strappy design is pared down to show off more of your fabulous foot. The glossy, croc-like trim spices up the shoe and gives your everyday summer wear a hint of exoticism and a lovely bit of luxe. Plus, at this price, you won't feel guilty about dumping this summer fling come fall.

3. Charlotte Russe Patent Cuffed Sandals ($25)
These hot heels are a classic pick for a sultry summer night out, but still pique interest with their elastic cuff—a nod to our most recent Under $100, sporty-style. Pair them with an LWD (little white dress!) à la Odiele, for a high-impact, contrasting look.

4. Park Lane White Woven Strap Sandal ($62)
Seemingly demure, this Park Lane pick packs a precocious punch. The thick white woven leather straps pop against a lightly tanned foot, and the black bottom makes for a brazen contrast. They aren't overtly sexy, but these shoes are candidly coy; the double buckle has a childish flair for those in search of a Lolita-like look. We'd pair them with a thigh-skimming skirt for an innocent summer ensemble that's anything but naive.

5. Aldo Tumlin Bootie ($100)
The bootie has become a wardrobe staple, now it's turning up the heat for summer with an alluring peep-toe. Wear this Givenchy-inspired lace-up with a short, full skirt—perhaps even a pleated version!—to turn a daytime ensemble into a tantalizing look. As an added bonus, the wedge heel will lengthen the line of your leg so you can feel as long-limbed as our featured model pals!

6. Michael Antonio Belen Gladiator Heels ($50)
Totally channeling Strauss' Ohne Titel pair, this sandal is white-hot—while being much more wallet-friendly. Summer in the city has never seen a sultrier sandal; we are captivated by its basket weave and undeniably attracted to its ankle strap. Chemistry? Yeah, chemistry.—Liza Kaplan