I'm Obsessed With Sandals—These 25 Pairs Are the Best I've Seen This Year
Summer is coming. Believe it or not, those sunny days and balmy nights are on their way. We’ve had a little taste of it this spring—an appetiser if you will—to get us excited about what’s to come. And if you’re anything like me, at that initial whiff of warm weather, the first thing you did was reach for your sandals.
You could call it an obsession that I have with this summer shoe style, but I like to call it an appreciation. After all, simple sandals can do great things in any wardrobe. When it’s sunny but still a little chilly in spring, you can add them to any and all of your jeans and bring them instantly into the new season. Pair them with your relaxed tailoring on office days, or style a heeled pair with a pretty wedding guest outfit. And then, come summer days, throw them on with dresses for an effortless combination that works every time.
If you ask me, versatility is the key to the perfect sandals, along with great quality. Then, you can wear your chosen pair again and again with everything you already own in your wardrobe. And since you’ll be spending so much time together, your next investment isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. An easily worn-away sole or uncomfortably stiff shape will render your sandals unwearable from the start, and we certainly don’t want that.
That’s why I thought I’d put my infatuation to good use and create an expert edit for you, including only the sandals that, out of the hundreds of pairs I’ve already scrolled through this year for research, have seriously impressed me. Scroll down, and you’ll find the 25 pairs I would recommend, from classic leather slides to this season’s most-wanted fisherman sandals. There are some premium styles from the high street that I’ve tried and tested and some more luxe styles from brands that put quality and craftsmanship first. All of them, though, are under £250, which is still an investment but one that you should easily reap the rewards of thanks to how timeless these styles are.
1. Fisherman
I've tried this myself, and they look great with jeans.
A truly timeless pair of sandals that make me think of a chic French woman's wardrobe.
2. Leather Slide
3. Flatform
I personally think this chunky flip-flop style is so flattering.
4. Simple and Strappy
5. Double-Strap
I've just added these to my sandal wish list since they look so good with tailored trousers.
Up Next: I'm a Fashion Editor—Here Are 6 Jeans-and-Sandals Looks That Are Inspiring Me
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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