Trust Me—These 3 Pairs of Sandals Go With Everything

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.

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(Image credit: @jeannedamas)

Shop gold sandals:

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(Image credit: @deborarosa)

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

ONE-STRAP MULES

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.

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

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(Image credit: @martacygan)

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

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(Image credit: @sherika_kp)

Shop single-strap mules:

BLACK STRAPPY SANDALS

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.

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(Image credit: @lollilewis)

Shop black strappy sandals:

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(Image credit: @zinafashionvibe)

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(Image credit: @eniswardrobe)

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(Image credit: @calliethorpe)

This story was originally published on Who What Wear UK and has since been updated.

Up next, the most popular dresses of the summer.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.