Hello style peeps! It’s officially June, and so Cindy and I thought this would be a good month to touch on sandals, what is in and what new styles you might want to add to your summer closet.
Each year I get a little more picky about the sandals I buy. I want them to be comfortable and be good quality. I try and add a few new pairs to my collection every year. I find the better ones last for many years and are all I want to wear. I’d rather have fewer options of nicer choices. My grandmother always said, buy better shoes and bags and everything else will look upgraded.
Trends
Do we care about trends? Well I think a current shoe is the quickest way to update all your summer clothes. So you should try and add at least one comfortable and stylish shoe to your summer capsule if you can afford to.
This year slides remain very popular and coming in fast is the delicate strappy sandal- in both flat and heel versions. Block heels with a minimalist 90’s look are also everywhere and I personally love them for practicality and comfort. I prefer a block heel or a wedge sandal (also having a resurgence) when I want something with height. Another 90’s favorite, the kitten heel is also having a moment.. and the ever classic espadrille is showing up in pretty options.
Maybe it’s easier if we see what is available? Let’s talk about what’s out there shall we? On a recent mall venture, I meandered into the shoe sections to see what was new and happening.
There are so choices, but today I am focusing on my favorites- slides, strappy sandals, espadrilles, the flip-flop, and metallics.
Slides
As a Californian, slides are my go-to as they feel good, are quick to get on, and give everything an easy vibe! I love them with denim to dresses.
The Birkenstock has gone fashion with chic options for the Birk look with some polish…I love these Gizeh Sandals in the khaki and white cloth with a linen feel and faux tortoise look buckles.
They also comes in The Madrid which I tried in the Khaki.. I thought it was comfy and I took my usual Birkenstock size which is a 38 -and I am a true 8 in shoes.
I also like the shiny tomato red options in the Madrid slide and …Gizeh flip flop….a nice pop of color with your summer neutrals!
This oldrose color is a standout too…
I like this copper version as well. More the pretty options in Birkenstocks here, and here.
Madewell makes these awesome and well made Charley Slides I bought last summer. They come in a rose and a black -cute with everything and are good for an entire day of walking the city!
They also have a strappy version of this shoe now too…
I also like these I found at The Rack. They are affordable, stylish, vegan and actually comfy. Not for all day on the feet like those above, but for a few hours they are good. I bought black, but the tan and Hermes orange are also cool….
The Strappy Black Sandal
One of the looks I find so elegant is the black strappy sandal. I love the minimalist vibe and who doesn’t look chic with a pretty strappy sandal with a white jean or a simple black sundress?
Everyone needs at least one pair… These look especially modern with a neutral toe polish.
A few good ones below. Click on the photo for links..
The espadrille!
No other clothing item says French holiday like the espadrille and never seems to go out of style. They can be so lovely paired with a feminine pieces… and also jeans and a Breton striped t-shirt. I have two pairs from Tory Burch many years old that I still adore..One is an ankle wrap and the other a slide.
Since neither is available anymore, these two below are similar…The Castañer Espadrilles are always consistently rated well for comfort and this wedge is a height that is manageable. I also love the slide versions like these Tory Burch, similar to the Tory ones I own.
J. Crew also has some cute choices here in a flat with ankle wrap, and cute slides in gold and white.
Flip Flops
You need a good pair for summer with support and these by Olukai that I shared on my Tahoe edit, are my faves that I bought in Hawaii. They have cushion and arch support, can get wet, go all day for walks and still look cute. They have a sporty feel.. For a dressier flip-flop, I love the Tory Burch classic which is great to take on a vacation. I feel like this is a dressy enough to wear to dinner at a resort too..
Metallics
Mettalics are having a resurgence this year and I love them! A bronze sandal or really any metal, can work with so many colors and styles.. The basic Bernardo sandal that originated in Europe still looks so good and would be great in the black too… These multi color pretties caught my eye..
The gold straps by Me + Em are so good I had to include them, though more of an investment, with this height they would work with so much and be a great one to throw in the travel case too…
Are you ready to think about your summer footwear now? Let’s hope the weather improves here in California…As I was writing this we were having terrible winds and rain in our forecast.. Hopefully you have a warm vacation on the horizon!
On May’s Signature Style, Cindy and I shared our Summer Wish Lists and you can read that post here.
If you like this post you can save it on Pinterest..
Now stop by Cindy’s blog to see what she is sharing. She always has the coolest finds..
Thanks for being here!
Kim
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Love the look of the black strappy sandal with white pants. You have so many good choices here!
I love that look too. Thanks Mary Ann!
You are READY!
We just need heat and THAT SUN!
This weather is making me looney!
Xo
Agree… I’ve bought summer things and darn it I want to wear them! xx
Hi Kim
I love a black strappy sandal and I have a couple of your picks on my wish list. I wonder if the Madewell option is comfy? Birkenstocks sure are enjoying a moment aren’t they? I haven’t made the plunge, but I know my daughter adores them! I can’t wear heels, although if I had to I might try a block heel for a more formal event. I tend to wear maxis and then you can’t tell I am wearing flats!! You always are so on point with the latest trends and fashions!
Cindy, I have had the best luck with Madewell shoes. I own three pairs and they are beautifully made and comfy. I love the block heel! I am popping over to see all your picks. I can see you in one of these fun Birkenstocks. They have a cute style. xo
Love this post since in Arizona we wear sandals most of the year!
I love slides of all kinds the most. I have Birks too but even
though they are back in popularity they are still “ugly”.😂 Have
you ever tried the brand J/Slides? Comfortable and cute. They
have a Birk-like shoe, more streamlined, a platform sole and
many types of leather, metallics, etc. Very cute and a bit edgy.
I can only do flip flops for the pool since they have no support
and they kill my back. Those scrappy one are darling, will check
them out!
oops meant strappy darn autocorrect😜
LOL! I knew what you meant. xx
Hi Char! I have some J slides too. I also love their wedge sneakers! I will try and include some. Thanks for reminding me about them. how nice you can live in sandals all the time. I love having my feet free. xo
Love all your choices, Kim. And also look forward to your research so I can get straight to the good stuff. I do love a strappy sandal with a block or low heel. I still need a good pair to take to Italy, so thanks for the great options. I’m also a late-to-the party appreciates of Berks … and I’m tempted by the Gizeh. I’m also a big fan of the espadrille and I love these tie up the ankle versions. They remind me of a pair I had in high school that I wish I’d kept. I’m so ready for summer and we had a brief glimpse. But what is going on … we have cute sandals to wear!!! xo
Juliet, I guess that is part of the job.. We are hopefully sifting out the billions of choices and finding a few good options! Sometimes it can be a lot though right? I often get in the weeds and have to dig myself out! LOL.
I was also a late Birkenstock convert. I have two pairs, not the Gizeh, but when I see people with it, they look very casual chic. The new choices are so pretty. I also had a great pair of espadrilles.. I love how people look with the ankle wrap. I often am too lazy to bother and don’t wear mine! They always look stylish.
You’re always so thorough in your post. Something for everyone. I appreciate your hard work and sourcing. Great job Kim.
Hi Kathy! Thank you for that! I do try and find a range of looks.. You are sweet. x
I have the same wrap ankle strap espadrilles .. they are fun- but I can’t wear them all day! I’m going to check out the Madewell Sandle. They are super cute and I love a cute, comfy shoe! Where was the last straps Sandle from at the end of the post- the one with the heel? I’m looking for a comfortable fancy shoe for Kendall’s wedding!! I haven’t gotten into Birkenstock Sandles—they just don’t look good on my foot!
Martha, do you have the Castañer or the Tory wedges? i am wondering how about the Castañer. I would opt for the low heel for myself like I shared here, but there are two more higher options! The last pair is from one of may favorite new brands Me + Em in the UK. The link is above the gold sandal..That would be lovely for a wedding and not too high. You could also wear it so much – casually as they show here and also with other dresses. I like gold for it’s versatility and ability to go with so much! xo
I love this roundup, Kim! So many cute options. I live in my Birkenstock Gizehs all summer. Usually black patent. I so wish they’d bring back the navy patent.
Julie I think I am going to get a pair.. Now just which material? Black patent is cute too. Navy in patent is a good idea.
xx
I know people might think they are too casual, but I really don’t think you can go wrong with a Gizeh- I think they’re chic & I have worn them for years! I have had strappy black sandals in and out of my cart for awhile now. Still debating… 🤔, but I do love the idea of them! A friend recently passed on a top from the brand Allison New York. When I put it on I lov d it, but also immediately thought of some aspects of your style. Upon visiting the retail website I realized it might be a bit too froufrou for you, but still… there’s something about some of their stuff that I can’t stop thinking about esp. for summer! Just mentioning it for fun!
Hi Nicole, I know and I love the Gizeh! They have a very cool look. The straps black sandal is a closet staple you’ll probably use a lot ver the years.. I will check out Allison NY! Thanks for passing it along. I am always interested in new brands! Thank you! xo
Sandals, espadrilles, wedges and flip flops are my favorite. I have so many pairs of sandals and warm weather shoes I am not sure that I need another pair but I see a few here that I might have to get! Thank you for all of the beautiful picks Kim! Off to check out Cindy.
Thanks Elizabeth! xo
Hi Kim, wow, I love those red Birkies! But I really cannot wear a thong-style sandal. May I say too that I especially love the outfit you are wearing with the espadrilles, the crinkle-pleated skirt and the loose top – it looks so chic.
I am taking two pairs of sneakers (for walking) and a pair of metallic Josef Seibel sandals for our holiday in Germany- but I’m open to finding a new pair of Birkies while we’re there!