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How to Wear Sandals
Written by KATERYNA LAKOMOVA
As summer heats up, it's time to bring out our sandals outfit, show off those pedicures, and embrace easy, breezy styles. Warmer weather calls for effortless outfit choices, leaving more time for fun in the sun. We want to slip on our favorite sandals, throw on a few accessories, and be out the door without overcomplicating things, right?
This article covers different types of women's sandals, explores the possibility of wearing sandals year-round, and offers tips on how to wear sandals in the office. Plus, stay tuned for some trendy sandal outfit ideas to suit various styles.
Types of Women's Sandals
Flat Sandals
Flat sandals are ideal for achieving a casual look. Opt for a neutral color like black or tan for a natural feel. Alternatively, metallics are a good choice for adding some flair and drawing attention to your outfit, while embellished flat sandals are perfect for making a bold style statement.
Wedge Sandals
Wedges are a great option for adding extra height to your outfit without wearing uncomfortable high heels. They also give your look a cool retro vibe. Plus, wedge-heeled sandals are surprisingly comfy because they provide extra support for your arches, which makes them a great choice if you're not too keen on wearing regular heels.
Mules
If you're looking for convenience, mules are the way to go. Just slip them on and off without dealing with any laces or buckles. They're perfect for the beach or just hanging out by the pool. Sliders, a popular type of mule sandal, come in various cool designs and decorations, so you have plenty of options to choose from while still enjoying comfort and ease.
Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are the ultimate summer footwear, aren’t they? Few sandals evoke the feelings of sun, sea, and sand like a pair of women's flip-flops. Similar to mules, they are effortless to slip on, but with the added bonus of a toe post, making them perfect for leisurely days by the pool.
Platform Sandals
Platform sandals are shoes with thick soles, usually 1 to 4 inches (3 to 10 cm), designed for maximum comfort. Due to their versatility, they are a valuable addition to any summer shoe collection and appropriate for any occasion. Nowadays, many women prefer platform shoes because they provide extra height, are more comfortable than traditional high heels, and draw attention.
Slingback Sandals
These sandals have a strap that wraps around the back of the heel, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. They can come with an open or closed front, giving them an elegant and stylish look suitable for any occasion. Slingbacks are available in both flat and heeled styles.
Fisherman Sandals
The classic fisherman sandal can be easily identified by its distinctive features, including the iconic T-bar and a caged design created by intertwined leather straps. These sandals typically have a chunky sole and a simple buckle closure at the ankle. Modern versions come in both closed-toe and open-toe styles, with various types of fastenings available.
Rope Sandals
Espadrilles are traditional shoes with rope soles and a sandal-like design featuring woven straps or a canvas upper. Originally worn by Spanish and French peasants, they became a fashion trend after being showcased in several American films. Espadrilles are the perfect choice for a relaxed summer, ideal for leisurely walks around town.
Heeled sandals
As the name suggests, heeled sandals differ from regular flat sandals by offering a range of heel heights, spanning from kitten to stiletto. They are available in diverse styles, including platforms, slingbacks, strappy designs, ankle straps, and wedges. Owing to their versatility, heeled sandals can be paired with both casual and formal ensembles.
Thong Sandals
Thong sandals, which are essentially flip-flops, consist of a flat sole with a plastic toe thong. They are typically made of rubber, making them easy to fold and convenient to pack in your beach bag. More expensive flip-flops may be made of leather or have a wooden sole. While basic styles usually feature simple plastic straps, they can also come with sophisticated woven leather straps and be adorned with gems to add some glamour.
Can You Wear Sandals All Year Round
When you think of sandals, summer likely comes to mind. However, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. Even as we approach the autumn months, there will still be many days when you'll find yourself opting for your favorite pair of sandals, and that's perfectly fine! Sandals can serve as the perfect go-to footwear at any time of the year. Spring, autumn, and even winter in equatorial climates can bring some unexpectedly nice and dry days, offering you the ideal opportunity to extend the use of your summer footwear collection.
How to Wear Sandals in the Office
A wide range of women's footwear is suitable for work, including different types of sandals like closed-toe, slide-ins, toe-adorned, and mule sandals. However, it's best to steer clear of flip-flops for the office. Sandals are great, especially in the summer, as they let your feet breathe outdoors, but finding the right way to style women's sandals for work can be challenging. Here are a few tips for putting together your sandals outfit:
- Make sure your feet are sandal-ready. Treat yourself to a quick pedicure before donning sandals for work.
- Pair strappy sandals with a wide-leg pantsuit to stay cool in the summer.
- Opt for pastel-colored closed-toe sandals for a classy and chic look at work.
- Combine your white business t-shirts and wide-leg pants with strapped or closed-toe sandals for a stylish and smart appearance.
How to Style Sandals: 7 Outfit Ideas
Let's explore how to mix and match different types of sandals with a variety of summer clothing to create both casual and business outfits.
With Denim Shorts
Pairing fisherman sandals with denim shorts creates a casual, everyday look perfect for summer. You can mix this versatile combo with any tee or tank top and add a lightweight jacket or unlined blazer if needed. Regarding accessories, choose a tote for extra space or a crossbody bag for more mobility. In this example, we've paired Hereu’s Fisherman sandals Pesca with the Relaxed-fit shorts Ayla.
With Midi Skirt
Midi skirts are incredibly versatile and suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Therefore, we suggest having the right pair of sandals to complement your midi skirt. For instance, we've selected the Fine-knit midi skirt Ronja by Lisa Yang and paired it with the Woven slingback sandals Barana. These sandals feature a lovely woven texture and a sleek, professional appearance. If you need sandals for the work environment, these would be an excellent choice.
With Midi Dress
Another excellent option for work or casual meetings is a midi dress paired with closed-toe sandals. Erika Cavallini’s Sleeveless belted midi dress is a perfect choice with its shirt-like design, neutral sand color, and appropriate length. Complete the look with slingback sandals for a subtle and elegant touch.
With Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is typically seen as a stylish choice for special occasions, but we assure you that it can easily be dressed down for casual and relaxed settings. If you can wear your maxi dress to a beach party, you can definitely pair it with sandals. The Linen twist dress by House of Dagmar is so versatile that it can be styled in various ways depending on the occasion and your preference. Add heels for an elegant nighttime look, or opt for the cozy and relaxed Padded fisherman sandals Cabersa for a casual ensemble.
With Jeans
Summer essential: rock a stylish and comfortable look by pairing jeans with sandals for casual outings. Embrace the current trend with Agolde's Low-rise baggy jeans Fusion, as baggy jeans are all the rage. Complete the ensemble with the Cabersa Padded fisherman sandals. Their neutral brown color and soft leather make them an ideal match for a laid-back vibe.
With Wide-Leg Trousers
Wide-leg trousers are essential to every stylish woman's summer work wardrobe. Choose neutral colors and lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, or fine knits. We recommend House of Dagmar's Linen wide suit trousers, tailored in structured linen, which effortlessly combine sophistication with a polished look. To create a professional yet stylish sandal ensemble, pair your wide-leg pants with the Woven slingback sandals Barana.
With A-Line Skirt
Finally, the A-lined silk skirt from House of Dagmar goes perfectly with Hereu’s slingbacks. This versatile outfit can be adapted to various settings with different styling. Pair it with a tee for a trendy look while shopping with a friend, or add a polished blouse to make it suitable for business meetings and formal events. You can also elevate this ensemble with layering. Choose an oversized blazer for a formal look or a denim jacket or knit cardigan for a more relaxed vibe.