As a fashion person living in NYC, I discover most of my outfit inspiration and fun trends to try on my daily walks. Since it's nearly summer, NYC is coming alive with light, layered outfits, and lots of bare skin, including feet. On every block I turn in my Brooklyn neighborhood and the ones on my commute to Manhattan, I've noticed an influx of sandal micro-trends that I've mentally filed away. Even my Instagram and TikTok feeds are backing the fact that these previously IYKYK sandals are moving toward the mainstream.
From simple jelly wedge sandals to sleek slingback high-heel thongs, these styles are versatile and elevated. I'm not one to gatekeep stylish trends, especially comfortable ones for the mobile It girls. If you're curious about new sandals to try this summer, keep scrolling to learn more about these sandal micro-trends.
Slingback High-Heel Thong Sandals
I didn't think high-heel thong sandals could get any chicer. Then slingback high-heel thong sandals came onto the scene. Fashion people have been spotted in this trend recently, and I can't get enough of it. Slingback high-heel thong sandals are best to turn to when you're styling a simple outfit built from basics and essentials to elevate it without trying too hard. They make an outfit look intentional and polished with ease. Whether you're wearing a tank top with long shorts or linen pants and a blouse, this micro-trend is the best route to take.
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Red Flip-Flops
If you don't wear a lot of color and want to venture into it, the safest and easiest way to do that is with red flip-flops. We can thank The Row for this particular micro-trend, as the brand is responsible for the flip-flop comeback within the quiet luxury aesthetic. Fashion people are enjoying a pop of red in both colorful and not-so-colorful outfits. Either way, red flip-flops are here to stay this summer, and It girls are sporting the trend IRL and online.
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Embellished Flat Sandals
Plain flat sandals have never been my favorite shoe trend. However, embellished flat sandals have been on my radar for some time. I would wear sandals like this as a kid, and I love that the fashion set is all about returning to whimsy this summer. They look chic with maximalist outfits, like the one below, with lots of colors and textures but can still be polished with a simple outfit consisting of a T-shirt and trousers or denim. Either way, your summer outfits will be much more interesting with a pair of embellished flat sandals.
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Strappy Peep-Toe Sandals
Peep-toe sandals had a reputation for being dated, but had a major moment recently. Now, the trend is evolving further with a chic twist: strappy details. Strappy peep-toe sandals have caught my attention because they remind me of Y2K fashion, and I'm not mad at the nostalgia of it all. They zhuzh up an outfit perfectly no matter how basic. I especially like them styled with knee-length and midi skirts, like the look below, but I've also seen them paired with pants and denim. They look very elegant and sophisticated with an outfit. I had some shoes saved to purchase and thought I'd share the ones I'm into.
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Jelly Wedges
I wore jelly wedges as a kid and loved the height they gave me. I also loved feeling like I was walking on a cloud. Thankfully, the playful and comfortable shoes are back, and they're chicer than ever. Brands like Zara and Reformation have endorsed the trend with new designs, and fashion people have been eating it up. I love styling a pair with a simple slip dress. You can also style them with lace-trim shorts and a T-shirt if you want to look even more casual but still put-together.
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Beaded Flip-Flops
I'm not easily influenced to buy into a new trend, but never say never. As an NYC resident, flip-flops are not my go-to shoes for long walks with friends, but beaded flip-flops might change that. For example, Courtney Grow's recent collaboration with Reformation features gorgeous beaded flip-flops. I plan to wear them on the beach with my one-piece swimsuits and to dinners with simple minidresses.
Shop Beaded Flip-Flops
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