As a fashion person living in NYC, my daily walks are filled with outfit inspiration and fun new trends to try. Since it’s summer, NYC is coming alive with light, layered outfits with lots of skin bare, including feet. Every block I turn in my Brooklyn neighborhood to my commutes 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 meticulously detailed sandals are moving toward the mainstream. They were an “if you know, you know” type of situation, but I’m not one to gatekeep stylish trends, especially comfortable shoe trends for the mobile It girls.
From simple trends like jelly wedge sandals to sleep slingback high-heel thongs, these trends will definitely be in the limelight this season. It’s always refreshing when a shoe trend can be as versatile and elevated as these ones. If you’re curious to try a new sandal trend for summer, keep scrolling to learn more about these micro-trend sandals.
Slingback High-Heel Thongs
I didn’t think high-heel thongs could get any chicer, then slingback high-heel thongs came into the scene. Fashion people have been spotted in this trend recently, and I can’t get enough of it. Slingback high-heel thongs 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 simple 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’re not someone who wears lots of color and you 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. The brand had already made flip-flops a comeback within the quiet luxury aesthetic. Still, fashion people are now enjoying a pop of red in colorful and not-so-colorful outfits. Either way, red flip-flops are here to stay this summer, with It girls 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 with this micro-trend. They look chic with maximalist outfits like the one below with lots of colors and textures, but can still be polished with a plain outfit consisting of a plain 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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Stappy 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 returning. They zhuzh an outfit perfectly no matter how basic. I especially like them styled with longer skirts and knee-length skirts like the look below, but I’ve also seen them styled 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 below.
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Jelly Wegdes
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 shoe is back, and it’s chicer than ever. Brands from Zara to 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 like the look below. Jelly shoes are meant for no-fuss outfits. 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 usually easily influenced to buy into a new trend, but never say never. Courtney Grow recently had a collaboration with Reformation featuring gorgeous beaded flip-flops. I have to confess, as an NYC resident, flip-flops are not always my go-to shoe for long walks with friends, but beaded flip-flops might change that. I plan on wearing them on the beach with my one-piece swimsuits and to dinners with simple mini dresses.
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