The accessory update: Summer sandals
Vacations might be on hiatus for the time being but, with summer on the horizon, now is the time to take stock of your warm-weather wardrobe and make sure it’s up to scratch – starting with sandals. As the simplest way to put a new-season spin on any outfit, finding the right pair is paramount to perfecting your look. Here are the five styles that dominated the SS20 runways – and promise to provide the perfect finishing touch to any summer ensemble
THE GLADIATOR
Enjoying a renaissance of epic proportions, this season, gladiator sandals were championed by fashion heavyweights including Valentino and Gabriela Hearst. Synonymous with Kate Moss and Sienna Miller’s early-noughties style, this cult classic is back and feels utterly fresh after a lengthy absence from the runway. More pared-back than its predecessor, SS20’s gladiator sandals are cast in classic colors and designed to be tied around the ankle as opposed to laced right up the entire calf. Styling yours with cotton dresses, linen separates and colorful jewelry will indulge your wanderlust – sartorially speaking at least.
THE LUXE FLIP-FLOP
A far cry from your standard rubber flip-flops, this season’s leather styles work just as well with wide-leg pants and tailored shorts as they do with denim cut-offs. Over the past few years, the ’90s has been an endless source of inspiration for designers, and SS20 was no exception. High-heeled flip flops by Gianvito Rossi and ATP Atelier’s minimal flats both nod to the decade while also striking the perfect balance between smart and casual – making elevated flip-flops an effortless addition to your working-from-home uniform.
THE SPORTY SANDAL
The ideal choice for anyone who has been ramping up their step count in recent months, this season’s sporty sandals combine comfort and practicality with cutting-edge design. From Arizona Love’s cult Trekky sandals to Proenza Schouler’s covetable collaboration with Birkenstock, these styles might be understated, but they’re guaranteed to turn heads. Put a tomboy twist on pretty summer dresses and add personality to simple jeans and a tee.
THE POOL SLIDES
Consider this season’s pool slides the summer equivalent of the cult sneaker. Equal parts cool, casual and covetable, you can pair them with any outfit to give it instant edge. From logo styles by powerhouses including Balenciaga, Givenchy and Moncler to Valentino’s signature Rockstud style, these slides tap into the sports aesthetic that has reshaped fashion in recent years. However, the best bit is that these water-resistant flats are actually fit for purpose. So, whether a trip to the beach is on the cards or you’re limited to a back-yard paddling pool, resilient slides will see you all the way through to next summer and beyond.
THE BARELY-THERE
In a matter of seasons, the barely-there sandal has gone from statement piece to bona-fide closet staple. Invest in the right pair of sandals now and, thanks to their endless versatility, you’ll be wearing them for years to come. Selecting the right style is a matter of occasion. If you’re looking for a pair of fail-safe sandals you can wear every day, Emme Parsons’ and LOQ’s minimalist designs are no-brainers. Elsewhere, Isabel Marant’s embellished sandals make for the perfect date-night shoe – when nights out are back on the agenda, of course.