Believe it or not, summer is pretty much here. We all know that once Memorial Day weekend hits, everyone is straight ~summer state of mind~ from there on out. That being said, it’s time to go treat yo’ self to a nice-ass pedicure because sandals season is here. And, if you haven’t started shopping for your summer sandals yet, don’t worry, I’m here to help. Of course, I’m not here to recommend you just go buy yourself a basic pair of Rainbows and call it a day. No, no, you’re better than that. You’ve got more style, and if you don’t, well then take a cue from the following list! Here are the biggest trends in summer sandals and a few must-have styles for each.
1. Barely There Minimalist Sandals
The minimalist strappy sandal trend is yet another ’90s trend making a come back this season. This style has been big recently among celebs, like the Kardashian and Jenner sisters, so like, what more proof do you need? This style sandal is perfect for pairing with all your sundresses this season because it’s elevated without being over-the-top (contrary to some of the other trends on this list). This style sandal also looks cute worn with denim shorts and a button-down, or ripped jeans and a tee. Basically, it’s a must-have sandal because it’s guaranteed to look good with all of your outfits. Can’t beat that!
Jeffrey Campbell ‘Kaine’ Sandal, $90
Zara Strappy Mid-Heel Leather Sandals, $79.90
Urban Outfitters ‘Ana’ Strappy Heeled Sandal, $74
Topshop HIPPIE Flat Sandals, $40
2. Sporty Sandals
Sporty sandals are v trendy this season, something that I’m sure a lot of you will disagree with me over in the comments section. Look, I don’t decide the trends, I just report on them, so take it easy on me. But anyways, these once deemed “nerdy” style sandals are all the rage right now, with all the designer brands showing them on their runways. It’s a hard style to pull off, but if you’re up for the challenge, I’d go for it because these sandals look comfy af.
Zara Flat Padded Athletic Sandal, $69.90
Zara Multicolored Sporty Low Heeled Sandal, $59.90
3. Animal Print Sandals
If you haven’t already seen leopard and snake print EVERYWHERE this season, well then, you’re blind. It’s everywhere from clothes to accessories to, of course, sandals. It actually makes for a chic and wearable print for sandals because it can be styled as a neutral. They add a stylish and unexpected element to your outfit, without clashing or taking away from it. They’re an easy print to mix and match into this season’s wardrobe, making them an overall essential sandal to have in your arsenal.
Topshop HOP Neon Flat Sandals, $40
Zara Mid-Height Heeled Elastic Strap Sandals, $49.90
Coconuts by Matisse Leopard Pebble Sandal, $35
Chinese Laundry Montezuma Snake Sandal, $69.99
4. Neon Sandals
Again, if you don’t already know that neon is a HUGE trend right now, I’m judging you. (Okay, not really because like, my ability to inform you of trends is the only reason I have a job, so thank you.) Neon is big for spring, and will continue to be big for summer as well. And tbh, this is a trend I’m here for. I mean, what looks better with your bronzed summer tan than a bright neon? Nothing. This trend was made for summer, and especially summer sandals, and I’m here for it.
ASOS DESIGN ‘Fleeky’ Mule Sliders, $32
ASOS DESIGN Heckle Toe Loop Barely There Block Heeled Sandals, $48
Zara Tube Strap Low Heeled Sandals, $29.90
5. Woven/Raffia Sandals
This is a sandal trend that is pretty much a given every summer. This style sandal just makes you want to take an Insta-worthy tropical vacation…or more realistically, at least hit up a rooftop happy hour on a summer Friday. They have a boho natural vibe, but are elevated enough to also dress up your outfits. This style usually comes in natural colors, so they’ll match everything in your closet. Which, is a great quality when you’re packing for your summer vaca since you and I both know that suitcase is easily already over 50 pounds.
UO ‘Rosalie’ Raffia Platform Sandal, $49
Jeffrey Campbell ‘Dane’ Sandal, $75
Zara Woven Platform Wedges, $69.90
Seychelles ‘Everlasting’ Slide, $69
So there you have it, five types of summer sandals and four options for each! Now, you have NO excuse to be wearing Rainbows this season or, dare I say, your Old Navy flip-flops. I don’t care how cheap they are, you’re a grown-ass woman and shouldn’t be buying her summer shoes from a store that advertises via commercials with adults jumping around and singing. Understood?
Images: @jonathanborba / Unsplash; Revolve (4); Zara (6); Urban Outfitters (3); Free People; ASOS (3); South Moon Under (2); Topshop (2)
For the past year or so, I’ve been pretty excited about the fact that fashion trends have been getting increasingly comfortable. We all just pretty much wear leggings and sneakers everywhere, which I’m sure would bring tears of joy to the eyes of all the historical betches who fought so we could wear pants instead of like, corsets or whatever. (I’m here to write about current fashion trends, so if you want a history lesson, you’re gonna have to hit up Google. Sorry.) Because we’re all lazy as shit and would rather lay in a cocoon of blankets three inches from a MacBook Pro screen while we re-watch Gossip Girl for the eighth time than go outside, fashion designers realized they should probably make some stuff that we’re actually going to buy. I mean, I’m assuming that’s the reasoning behind this summer’s chunky low heel trend. My second best guess is that the Bumble bros are tired of having to lie about their height in their bios and are on some secret mission to lower the average heel height, but I seriously doubt that anyone who is seriously invested in a dating app is making significant moves in the fashion industry.
Anyway, here are a few pairs of shoes with low chunky heels that you should prob buy if you’re looking to avoid clunking around in dated six inch stilettos all summer. Please note that this is not a green light to wear fucking kitten heels. Nobody, with the exception of middle school guidance counselors, has any business creepily hovering half an inch above the ground. The following pairs of shoes have low enough heels that you can walk into your roommate’s room to ask if she likes your outfit without twisting an ankle, but as a rule of thumb, they should still be tall enough so you have to run to your Uber that’s been waiting for 10 minutes with some difficulty.
1. Nilia by Aldo
Aldo describes these as having a “hammered, metallic heel,” so they’re basically perfect for when you’re hammered at brunch and nobody else is. With a hammered heel, you’ll never feel alone. (Kind of.)
2. VANILLA Suede Ank Tie Sandals by Topshop
These sandals have a pin stud detail on the ankle ties, which gives them a badass vibe without being too much. They’re pretty much perfect for the betch whose closet consists of a nice mix of basic, feminine styles and band tees from musicians she’s unfamiliar.
3. Decker Lace Up Sandal by B.P. at Nordstrom
If you follow even just one college betch on Instagram, you’ve probably already seen about nine million variations of this shoe in graduation pics alone. Don’t let that steer you away, though. It just means they’re great footwear for being drunk in semiformal situations.
4. Rachel Lucite Heel by Urban Outfitters
Red is definitely having a moment right now, and I genuinely believe it’s because there are so many great red emojis to use as captions on your outfit Instas. These heels are cool because they definitely have like, elements of what comes to mind when you picture a stripper shoe, but they’re only three inches tall and have some ruffle details that make them appropriate for your daily life.
5. Irenee by Steve Madden
If you’re only going to buy one pair of heels this summer (moment of silence for how unrealistic that scenario is), it should be these. The classic ankle strap heel has been a staple in every betch’s closet for a few seasons now, and this pair is updated with a chunky two inch heel for summer 2017.
6. Clearer Clear Strappy Heels by Steve Madden
These heels are actually four inches tall, which I guess isn’t really considered a “low heel,” but I’m probably not the first person who’s ever told you a white lie when referencing the length of something in inches. These will probably make your feet sweat and fog up the straps but if Kim Kardashian can strut around Calabasas in a more expensive version of these, you can wear them to the club for one night.
7. Christy City Sandal by Rebecca Minkoff
These shoes are kind of a cross between the ankle strap and wraparound designs that most of the popular heels have this summer. They’re called the Christy City Sandal, which probably sounds like something that should be semi-comfortable. If you’ve ever had to walk more than two blocks in New York City during the summer you know that there really is no such thing as a comfortable shoe, so you should probably just accept the fact that you’re going to have blisters no matter what you wear.
