If someone had told me a few years ago that I would end up wearing sandals for anything more than going to the pool, I would probably have laughed. I always associated them (like most people) with the beach, holidays, and those shoes you wore when comfort was the only thing that mattered. However, trends have transformed them into one of the most coveted footwear of the summer. And, honestly, after seeing how the women who dress best wear them, I can understand why.
Much of this change has to do with the evolution of sandals themselves. Gone are the models made exclusively of rubber. Today we find versions in leather, minimalist designs, discreet platforms, and finishes that work just as well with a linen dress as with tailored trousers. The rise of quiet luxury and Mediterranean aesthetics has encouraged luxury houses and accessible brands to reinterpret them until they are firmly established as a wardrobe staple.
That said, you have to choose them wisely, and the best advice I can give you is to opt for clean lines, high-quality materials, and neutral colors that solve a large part of your summer wardrobe. Trust me, you’ll wear them all the time: for a coffee run, for an afternoon in the city, or for an informal dinner by the sea.
In My Ranking: Six Thong Sandals
Negras minimalistas de Havaianas, 29,99 euros.
Negras minimalistas de Havaianas, 29,99 euros. They appear summer after summer in every wardrobe, and for good reason. They are simple, discreet, and pair with absolutely everything, from a white dress to linen trousers.
De piel marrón de A.Emery, 170 euros en Mytheresa.
De piel marrón de A.Emery, 170 euros en Mytheresa. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated alternative, brown leather sandals are a safe bet. They have a Mediterranean vibe that reminds us of coastal vacations and I think they’re a smart investment that tends to gain beauty with time thanks to the natural wear of the leather.
De plataforma discreta de Jonak, 94,99 euros.
De plataforma discreta de Jonak, 94,99 euros. They add a few extra centimeters without sacrificing comfort. The key is to choose discreet designs, away from overly sporty versions, like these you’ll find at La Redoute.
De tiras finas de Navega Barefoot, 90 euros.
De tiras finas de Navega Barefoot, 90 euros. The women who dress best tend to agree that the simpler a sandal is, the more expensive it looks. And that is exactly what happens with these sandals. Their minimalist design makes them much more versatile, and the best part is that you can wear them to a dinner, to the office, or to the beach.
De color mantequilla de Jacquemus, 490 euros.
De color mantequilla de Jacquemus, 490 euros. They are an investment. This shade, in small doses, provides luminosity and makes even the most basic outfit have a special touch. It’s ideal to mix with summery tones, whether you opt for neutrals or citrus hues.
De inspiración noventera de Alohas, 160 euros.
De inspiración noventera de Alohas, 160 euros. Fashion continues to look back at the nineties, and sandals are no exception. That said, my advice is to opt for simple models, slightly square, with a carefree vibe that seems lifted from a Carolyn Bessette photograph walking through New York.
