Now your flip flops are making you look old! Stylist claims flimsy footwear will make summer outfits look dated and says you should opt for on-trend chunky sandals instead

London-based stylist Abbey Booth says it's time to ditch the poolside footwearREAD MORE:  As we enter the summer party season, seven ways to avoid the nightmare of wearing what she's wearing

Once a summer staple, your trusty flip-flops have no place in a 2024 summer wardrobe says fashion stylist Abbey Booth - and wearing them will only 'date your overall look'.

Instead, opt for chunky sandals to elevate summer dresses, skirts and shorts. And if you really want to lean into the Gen Z-approved trends, pair them with some pulled-up socks.

Abbey Booth, founder of personal styling service Stories With Clothes, has deemed the era of the flip flop over, with more practical and substantial summer footwear the more fashion-forward choice.

'Flip flops are the epitome of beach holiday and poolside practicality, but let's face it - they're not easy to walk in,' Booth told us.

She continued: 'Flip flops don't add anything to summer outfits and are easy to date your overall look - especially if they are a very basic version.'

Goldie Hawn is an advocate for the simple flip flop, pictured wearing the style with casual leggings in LA back in 2016

Jennifer Aniston always looks chic and this outfit worn during a stroll in New York back in 2016, but could a chunky sandal update her look?

Katie Holmes opts for barely-there nude flip flops with a denim dress while out and about in New York City in 2013

Style Queen Sienna Miller was spotted wearing flip flops in New York City in 2021, but has since moved towards chunkier styles

As Booth points out, Chanel did introduce a very simple black version in black velvet as a chic take on the classic summer footwear style - but with a £790 price tag, it's not an item many of us will be adding to our shopping lists.

Booth says that as well as looking old-fashioned, flip-flops are also very impractical. 'I always think it's hard to walk properly in flip-flops to avoid them literally flipping off!' she continued.

'Chunky sandals have ruled the roost for the last few years and for good reason - they are practical, comfortable and can give a contemporary feel to a simple summer dress or outfit.

'There are so many great options around for any budget too with flattering styles, colours and fits to suit so many people. Chunky sandals are the new flip-flops in my opinion.'

It looks like the popularity of the practical sandal is here to stay, with the Lyst Report deeming the Birkenstock Arizona the world's 'hottest sandal for women' last year.

Of course, this lean towards more substantial sandals is nothing new, with the launch of Chanel's cult 'dad sandal' design skyrocketing their popularity back in 2018.

The classic chunky sandal style is simple straps with big buckles, but we've seen designers put their own spin on the trend throughout past seasons, like Prada's padded panels or bold metallic logos at Tory Birch.

And there are some big trends for summer 2024 with an emphasis on retro and feminine styles, Booth tells us.

While socks and sandals were once deemed a fashion faux pas, young and fashionable A-listers like Gigi Hadid have championed the trend

This 2021 picture of Katie Holmes shows the actor ditching flip flops in favour of chunky sandals for a chic summer look with neutral separates

Style Queen Sienna Miller wore platform sandals for New York fashion week in 2021, showing how the right footwear can transform a look

'We have seen lots of feminine styles for summer 2024 with bows and florals aplenty, as well as more elaborate ankle straps and retro Mary-Jane styles.

'Red shoes and sandals were also very prevalent on the runways.'

Abbey Booth, founder of Stories With Clothes, has deemed the era of the flip flop over

If you're brave enough, you could even try some socks under your sandals in the style of Gigi Hadid's laid-back attire - a look that comes approved by Booth.

Once considered a fashion faux pas, the socks and sandals combo is now very on-trend.

'Sandals and platforms were matched with chunky socks on the Summer 2024 runways and we've seen this look filter to celebrities too,' Booth explained.

Everyone from Hailey Bieber to Katie Holmes has been spotted rocking the soaks and sandals look - just make sure they're pulled-up ankle socks and never trainer socks, one of the fashion styles Gen Z say makes you look 'official old'.

Last year saw fashion icons like Bella Hadid, Yara Shahidi and Isan Elba taking the look further by wearing long sporty gym socks with glamorous stilettos - but we'll admit this look is a little harder to try at home.

But if you're a die-hard flip flop fan that can't bear to part with the style, there is one exception when it comes to staying on trend - the undoubtedly chic heeled flip flop.

Ahead-of-the-times Kendal Jenner wore some on-trend heels in a flip flop-inspired style for the US Open in 2022

Simone Ashley opts for a summery tan colour and platform base the complements her yellow-toned look perfectly

Katie Holmes wears a vintage-inspired Mary-Jane style for a walk in New York City

Seen on everyone from Sienna Miller to Kendall Jenner and a street-style favourite, this spin on the 'dated' flip flop is a big trend this summer.

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As well as chunky sandals, Booth says chunky heels and platforms are also big news for summer occasions.

'These more practical alternatives to heels add interest to a summer outfit while giving you height,' she continued.

But don't be afraid to opt for fancy flats at a wedding or event instead, with brands crafting styles appropriate for dressier occasions,' Booth explains.

'Since lockdown, so many of my clients have been embracing more comfortable styles that fit with a wellness-focused lifestyle - and the fashion houses are reflecting this back at us.

'This summer's trends have leaned more towards practical styles with lots of low flats and feminine shapes and styles that make them suitable for more formal settings.'

Abbey is an award-winning stylist and body-shape expert who has carved a niche helping women express their individuality through their style and clothes with a community of over 10K on Instagram and hundreds of happy clients who benefit from her fashion expertise.