These days, controversial trends are a dime a dozen. We see them so often that we don't even blink an eye anymore at items that were once eye-widening (ahem, sheer skirts, capri pants, Bermuda shorts, to name a few), and the same is true for the latest shoe trend that's emerging: flip-flops. The previously "boring," even downright unstylish sandals are undergoing a major renaissance this season, and they're poised to become one of the most-worn trends by the summer's end.
Make no mistake, though. These are far from the rubber thong sandals you might be thinking of. Instead, the current pairs feature luxe materials like leather, suede, satin, and velvet and come in sleek, logo-less silhouettes. They also largely feature more substantial shapes so they're not as flimsy as those rubber pairs you wore to the beach as a kid. The style set is also wearing flip-flops as part of chic outfits where flip-flops would normally seem out of place, like with A-line dresses, tailored trousers, and billowy maxi skirts. This kind of styling has the effect of making the humble thongs a cool, of-the-moment pick—it's precisely because they don't quite "work" that they actually do work, if you know what I mean.
The standout pairs defining this new flip-flop wave include The Row's leather-finished City Sandals, Chanel's velvet and shimmery pairs, and Toteme's croc-embossed version. Once boring, now ultra elevated, simple thong sandals unquestionably are having a moment, and we've sourced the best buys on the market. Just ahead, peruse all the elevated pairs on offer and get inspiration for how to style them.
You may know The Row's platformed Ginza sandals as the reigning It thongs of the past several years, but designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen debuted a new flip-flop silhouette that's even simpler and sleeker. The City sandals, as seen in the S/S 23 collection, feature a thinner but still substantial sole that, as the name suggests, is ideal for city life.
Shop The Row City Sandals
Even Chanel put its spin on the humble flip-flop this season, which has only further cemented the sandals as high fashion. Unsurprisingly, the two velvet and shimmer iterations have already skyrocketed to the tippy top of insider wish lists.
Shop the Chanel Thongs
Another standout pair comes with Toteme's glossy croc embossing. The luxe finish does wonders to elevate the sandals here, and it proves that with this style, it's all in the details: a square toe, nutty-brown hue, and croc print all work in tandem to create one of the fanciest flip-flops on the market. They're so elevated you just might find yourself keeping them on for the post-sunset hour.
Shop the Toteme Flip-Flop Flat
Shop More Elevated Thong Sandals
This is the exact pair I'm looking to add to my summer wardrobe. I love how the satin finish makes them feel more special.
Go off, Madewell.
Give all your beach outfits an immediate upgrade with this patent finish.
These are the moment.
Jelly sandals are quickly rising in the ranks—and Ancient Greek Sandals has made the easiest-to-wear version to date.
Don't sleep on these peachy, neutral flip-flops.
Where are my Tory people at?
Gucci's Marmont logo looks so good here.
I can always trust Aeyde for shoes that are as high-quality as they are wearable.
Even basic rubber flip-flops are getting the fashion treatment. The square-toe shape instantly makes these more forward than the average.
This cream hue feels so fresh.
This hardware is something else.
The woven detail is understated and cool.
Love this striking red.
Prada has entered the chat.
Love the idea of repeating TyLynn Nguyen's easygoing outfit with these.
I couldn't resist showing you that these also come in a yummy brown suede.
Tabi flip-flops exist. That's all.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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