Try as I might (and trust me—I have tried), those lovely, comfy Teva sandals with their adjustable Velcro-strapped hug and cloud-like, bouncy sole just won't look good with everything I own. I really want to wear them 24/7, and I'm giving it a damn good go when it comes to my workwear and off-duty looks, but I have to face the facts: They aren't going to cut it for a wedding. (Unless the wedding is on a mountainside and the theme is hiking.)
There are definitely a few choice classic sandal styles that really can go with everything you already own. I've deduced the below list by thinking hard about the exact pairs I come back to time and again—not just for fancy occasions or for trips abroad, but the ones I pull out on different days, without fail, no matter what the heck I'm wearing.
All of the chosen ones are relatively timeless and will look chic probably until the end of time, or until they totally wear out (whatever comes first). However, you may find that during certain seasons, you'll want to seek out a fresher version featuring the small tweaks in terms of silhouette, detailing, and heel height that allow a staple shoe style to feel upgraded and new.
Keep scrolling for the safest three pairs of sandals you'll ever buy, and the latest shopping picks to fill any gaps in your wardrobe.
GOLD SANDALS
French girls taught us this one. A pair of fancy gold sandals will, quite unexpectedly, go with any outfit—from super-casual ensembles (a jeans-and-tee formula) to slightly dressed-up combinations (like a slip skirt and cute top) to wedding guest outfits and party dresses. Gold won't clash with anything, even other metallic shades. Trust me.
A subtle pair of one-strap slides will always serve you well, even when they're totally flat. They're innocuous and quiet enough to be used for formal events in the right setting (like a wedding abroad, for example) but just as handy when it comes to loafing around on the weekend, traveling, going to work and everything in between. The color you choose should really be based upon what goes with the majority of your wardrobe, but I'd say black, beige, and tan are all really safe choices. If you want to go that extra 2019 step, look out for a toe-ring style.
If you opt for a midi- or low-heel height, I guarantee you'll have a pair of sandals you can wear to every possible event. If you go for a high pair, that's your prerogative, but it'll make them harder to look and feel casual or relaxed at work. But a plain, strappy pair of heels (block or stiletto) will go the distance, working with everything from posh pencil skirts to fancy gowns, slouchy pants, and many options in between. I'd say the same works for tan and also white strappy sandals, but the latter are probably more divisive. At the moment, it's very thin straps that are in, but if you find those truly too hard to bear, a thicker strap detailing will can look just as current.
