Nothing Says "Luxury" Like Designer Sandals—8 Styles That Defy the Trends
We take sandals very seriously at Who What Wear. Considering they'll be one of the major purchases you'll make in the warmer months, we know we need to get it just right. Over the past year, we've documented the new designer brands that people have loved and the big fashion houses that continue to create stylish sandals. If I'm honest, there are so many genuinely cool and chic sandals around right now that it's very hard to choose between them.
Do you want a pair of sliders with a bold logo? Or maybe you're more of a minimalism lover who only wants simple straps and a basic colour. There are, of course, the cult labels that have built up quite a following (The Row, we're looking at you) as well as the brands that everyone seems to love, such as Hermès So where do you go from here when there's so much choice? Well, to help I've done the hard bit for you and scrolled through endless pages of designer sandals online, from Net-A-Porter to Harvey Nichols and Harrods, and collated a list below of the best (and most importantly, the chicest) designer sandals that you'll love this season, but will also be excited to wear every summer going forward. After all, they need to be a truly worthwhile investment. Keep scrolling to find your perfect pair.
SHOP THE BEST DESIGNER SANDALS MONEY CAN BUY:
1. BLACK DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: I don't like to make generalisations but I think we can all agree that black sandals are pretty well a non-negotiable for summer. So, what's it going to be? The Row's Fisherman sandals continue to reign in terms of popularity, or will you explore an elevated pair from Bottega—see what takes your fancy below.
Shop Black Sandals:
2. TAN DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: Where there are black sandals, tan can never be too far behind. I always pack both when I go holiday and am surprised at just how much I end up reaching for the lighter colour way. Tan sandals look great worn with breezy linens in paler palettes where black might come off a touch harsh.
Shop Tan Sandals:
3. MINIMAL DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: Perhaps one of the biggest trends I've seen on Instagram this season is the rise of minimalist, ultra-fine sandals. Choose from neutral flats or styles in brighter hues and with taller heel heights.
Shop Minimal Sandals:
Let your outfit do the talking with this minimal pair.
4. LOGO DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: Logos don't have to be scary. Take, Saint Laurent's understated t-bar sandals slides. Fun and not too full-on either. Gucci and Chloé each have their own versions that are just as stylish.
Shop Logo Sandals:
These will make any outfit look more expensive.
Gold embellishments always look so sleek.
5. CHUNKY DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: Is there anyone who doesn't love a chunky sandal? Whether they're the double-strap Prada pair or Chloé's new Rebecca flats that come in an array of colours, nothing balances out your pretty dresses better.
Shop Chunky Sandals:
6. HEELED DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: I don't want to sound dramatic, but I'm not sure I could get through summer without a little heel. From wedding-guest outfits to dressing up jeans and a tank top, this is where you can add a bit of height into your sandal collection. This season, my money's going on Khaite's new Jones sandals, which would make even Carrie Bradshaw's heart race.
Shop Heeled Sandals:
7. THONG DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: As we talked about at the start of this story, The Row's Ginza thong flats have dominated for the past few summers and this year looks set to be no different. Because of this, many other designers are showcasing the silhouette this season, too, with the most notable entries coming from Loewe, Gucci and St. Agni.
Shop Thong Sandals:
Two-tone sandals are effortlessly chic.
8. SLIDER DESIGNER SANDALS
Style Notes: If casual ease is what you're looking for from a designer sandal investment, look no further than a pair of sliders. From Prada's satin flats to Bottega Veneta's iconic woven leather, there are so many iconic—not to mention instantly recognisable—options on the market right now.
Shop Slider Sandals:
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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