The Uncomplicated Sandals Every Chic Person I Know Is Shopping for Summer
These days, controversial trends are a dime a dozen. We see them so often that we don't even blink an eye anymore at items that were once eye-widening (ahem, sheer skirts, capri pants, jorts, to name a few), and the same is true for the latest shoe trend that's emerging: flip-flops. The previously "boring," even downright unstylish sandals, are undergoing a major renaissance this season, and they're poised to become one of the most-worn styles by the summer's end.
((Image credit: @monikh ))
Make no mistake, though. These are far from the rubber thong sandals you might be thinking of. Instead, the current fashionable pairs feature luxe materials like leather, suede, satin, and velvet and come in sleek, logo-less silhouettes. They also largely feature more substantial shapes so they're not as flimsy as those rubber pairs you wore to the beach as a kid. The style set is also wearing them in inventive new ways, styling them alongside chic outfits where flip-flops would normally seem out of place, like with A-line dresses, tailored trousers, and billowy maxi skirts. This kind of styling has the effect of making the humble thongs a cool, of-the-moment pick—it's precisely because they don't quite "work" that they actually do work, if you know what I mean.
((Image credit: @smythsisters ))
The standout pairs defining this new flip-flop wave include The Row's leather-finished City Sandals, Chanel's velvet and shimmery pairs, and Toteme's croc-embossed version. Once boring, now ultra elevated, simple thong sandals unquestionably are having a moment, and we've sourced the best buys on the market. Just ahead, peruse all the elevated pairs on offer and get inspiration for how to style them.
See the Flip Flops That Fashion People Are Loving Right Now:
1. The Row City
((Image credit: The Row))
Style Notes: You may know The Row's platformed Ginza sandals as the reigning It thongs of the past several years, but designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen debuted a new flip-flop silhouette that's even simpler and sleeker. The City sandals, as seen in the S/S 23 collection, feature a thinner but still substantial sole that, as the name suggests, is ideal for city life.
Shop The Row City Sandals:
City Leather Flip Flops
THE ROW City Leather Flip Flops
City Leather Flip Flops
THE ROW City Leather Flip Flops
2. Chanel Thongs
((Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Chanel))
((Image credit: @clairerose))
Style Notes: Even Chanel put its spin on the humble flip-flop this season, which has only further cemented the sandals as high fashion. Unsurprisingly, the two velvet and shimmer iterations have already skyrocketed to the tippy top of insider wish lists.
Shop the Chanel Thongs:
black velvet Chanel thongs
Chanel Velvet Thongs
Chanel, Cotton and Silk Thongs
Chanel Cotton and Silk Thongs
3. Toteme Flip-Flop Flats
((Image credit: @clairerose))
Style Notes: Another standout pair comes with Toteme's glossy croc embossing. The luxe finish does wonders to elevate the sandals here, and it proves that with this style, it's all in the details: a square toe, nutty-brown hue, and croc print all work in tandem to create one of the fanciest flip-flops on the market. They're so elevated you just might find yourself keeping them on for the post-sunset hour.
Shop the Toteme Flip-Flop Flats:
The Flip-Flop Flat Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops
TOTEME The Flip-Flop Flat Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops
Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops
TOTEME Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops
Shop More Elevated Thong Sandals:
Morgan Satin Flip Flops
A.EMERY Morgan Satin Flip Flops
This is the exact pair I'm looking to add to my summer wardrobe. I love how the satin finish makes them feel more special.
Zara, Flat Velvet Sandals
Zara Flat Velvet Sandals
This burgundy shade! The velvet finish! Go off, Zara.
tkees lily glosses flip flop
Tkees Lily Glosses in Licorice
Give all your beach outfits an immediate upgrade with this patent finish.
Leather Straps Sandals
MANGO Leather Straps Sandals
If you've been eyeing The Row's City Sandals but want to stay on budget, this £50 Mango pair is a great alt.
Saionara Jelly Rubber Flip Flops
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS Saionara Jelly Rubber Flip Flops
Jelly sandals are quickly rising in the ranks—and Ancient Greek Sandals has made the easiest-to-wear version to date.
The Gabi Thong Slide Sandal in Leather
Madewell The Gabi Thong Slide Sandal in Leather
Don't sleep on Madewell's summer staples. If these flip-flops are any indication, the selection is ridiculously chic.
classic flip flop in black
Tory Burch Classic Flip-Flop
Where are my Tory people at?
Nadeline Logo-Embellished Leather Flip Flops
GUCCI Nadeline Logo-Embellished Leather Flip Flops
Gucci's new mod logo looks so good here.
Renee Leather Flip Flops
AEYDE Renee Leather Flip Flops
I can always trust Aeyde for shoes that are as high-quality as they are wearable.
Havaianas Slim Square
Havaianas Havaianas Slim Square
Even basic rubber flip-flops are getting the fashion treatment. The square-toe shape instantly makes these more forward than the average.
White Dante Thong Sandals
Staud White Dante Thong Sandals
This cream hue feels so fresh.
Asher Sandal
224 ACC Asher Sandal
This hardware is something else.
Kinto Leather Thong Sandals
A. Emery Kinto Leather Thong Sandals
Understated and cool.
Saionara Leather Flip Flops
Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Leather Flip Flops
Love this striking red.
Buckle Leather Flip Flop in Cuoio
PRADA Buckle Leather Flip Flop in Cuoio
Prada has entered the chat.
Beach Flip Flop in Rubber
The Row Beach Flip Flop in Rubber
Love the idea of repeating TyLynn Nguyen's easygoing outfit with these.
Morgan Suede Flip Flops
A.EMERY Morgan Suede Flip Flops
I couldn't resist showing you that these also come in a yummy brown suede.
Tabi Flip-Flops
Maison Margiela Tabi Flip-Flops
Tabi flip-flops exist. That's all.