Despite the fact that the forecast is decidedly 'meh', it is actually almost summer. Does this mean we will all feel immediately happier as we contemplate the prospect of longer evenings and cracking out the barbecue? Possibly, although initially, we'll all enjoy the sheer panic of what to actually wear now that warmer weather is surely (surely!) on the horizon.
The time has almost come to park the trainers and slide into something a whole lot more alluring. From the 'ugly' sandals selling faster than anyone can possibly shop to the naked sandals that have come straight from the archives of the '90s, there is undoubtedly a shoe for you.
So, here are the best summer sandals you need to know about before sunny season kicks off. And since it hasn't quite started, there's still time to book a pedicure. Phew.
Flip-Flop Sandals
The flip-flop has grown up and now is either made of sleek leather or comes with the addition of a nano heel. Before you dismiss this trend as a flash-in-the-pan, please note that they are super comfy, look seriously chic and mean that you can easily transition from work to holiday-mode.
Closed-Toe Sandals
Closed-toe sandals, otherwise known as 'caged' or 'fisherman's' sandals, are the perfect option if you haven't yet managed to head to a salon (Alexa Chung's a big fan). Made from woven leather, and usually featuring a slingback strap and a buckle fastening, they look great with ribbed socks while the weather still hasn't made up its mind.
Naked Sandals
The Row is responsible for the comeback of the naked sandal. (The Olsens have an eye for sleeper shoe hits - they also have ultra-luxe iterations of the fisherman sandal and chunky-soled flip-flop.) Aeyde, Mango and Arket, who has a glorious version in grass green leather, all have suitably '90s-looking pairs of the barely-there strappy sandal.
Mule Sandals
Another hero of the '90s, and a personal favourite of Carrie Bradshaw's, is the mule, a high-heeled, thick-strapped leather sandal that looks great with minidresses, straight-leg jeans and, as you can see from this 'gram, shiny leather trousers. & Other Stories' wedge sandal, available in either black and cream, is suitably nostalgic.
Platform Sandals
Chunky platform sandals are not for the faint-hearted, but are guaranteed to make an impact (plus, they hold up better on grass than spindly stilettos - a wedding season win). COS' criss-cross strap version - in shiny patent leather - will go with everything in your wardrobe, from baggy jeans to thigh-high minis.
Walking Sandals
Not a joke: thick soles, velcro and solid ankle straps no longer belong exclusively to the orthopaedic shoe market. Oh no – dad sandals, the kind yours would pack on a walking holiday, are officially in. (Birkenstock's are a perennial favourite among fashion editors, who like to wear them with chunky socks in winter and beaded anklets in summer).
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