As soon as the clouds part, you can bet your cotton socks that people - up and down this green and pleasant land - won't be wasting any time. They're casting off the dregs of winter by wearing short-sleeved shirts, shorts and, heck, even sandals. But if you're looking for an upgrade on your trusty Birkenstock Arizonas, there's a new style in the town that has already got the tastemaker's seal of approval. We give you, the fisherman's sandal, which, by the way, can absolutely be paired with cotton socks until warmer temperatures make an appearance on your weather app.
These highly practical sandals are made from caged leather (that usually encloses the toes, protecting them from, presumably, fish hooks back in the day) and sometimes feature either a slingback or buckles. The first high-fashion iteration was by The Row, but the style has since trickled down to the high street, where you can now find all manner of caged sandals that fill the fisherman's bill.
Me+Em's have already emerged as a strong contender for best fisherman's sandal for summer 2024. Almost entirely sold out in tan suede, but thankfully still fully stocked in chocolate leather and white leather, they've got the cage design, as well as the cushioned leather sole, you're looking for. Lindsey Holland has been wearing her suede pair on a trip to New York, styling them with the pleasingly simple combination of a strappy top, straight-leg jeans and bare shoulders. At £295, they're not the most affordable option - although they will last this summer and the next (and the next). Zara, however, has a criss cross-style sandal in a pleasingly rich cream for £49.99.
Alexa Chung also proved that you can wear your fisherman's sandals with suiting. A few years ago at Wimbledon; she paired her sandals - Hereu's Pesca - with a sequinned tee and beige slacks. (Exchange the tee for a button-down shirt, or even a waistcoat closer to the equinox, and you could wear that exact outfit to work.)
I also think they would look dreamy with a longline crochet skirt, nipped-waist linen dresses, wide-leg jeans or cream dungarees. But hurry, like your fishmonger's catch of the day, these sandals won't stay put for long.
www.meandem.com
As seen on Lindsey Holland, albeit in brown suede instead of white, Me+Em's fisherman's sandals are selling like hot cakes this summer thanks to their tightly woven straps that cover the top of the foot.
www.hush-uk.com
Made from soft leather - and with a closed-toe silhouette that's helpful if you haven't got round to booking a pedicure - Hush's fisherman's sandals are the only shoes you need this summer.
www.russellandbromley.co.uk
Crafted from strips of brown leather that looks like it will age beautifully, Russell & Bromley's fisherman's sandals can be paired with a red sock until the temperatures mellow.
www.toa.st
With the chunky sole you're looking for in a fisherman's sandal, as well as an olive leather that will look brilliant with summery colours, Toast's Ola sandals are a great investment ahead of the warmer months.
Available in black, 'rum' and 'canvas', Everlane's fisherman's sandals are slightly less chunky than other styles - perfect if you want something to pair with your trouser suits in summer à la Alexa Chung.
www.studionicholson.com
Studio Nicholson is something of a one-stop-shop for a minimal capsule wardrobe - and a pair of fisherman's sandals could easily round out the footwear section of yours in summer. The brand's Cassius, made of supple leather and available in either black or 'parchment', is a design classic.
www.massimodutti.com
As long as you liberally douse them with suede spray before stepping out of the house, Massimo Dutti's fisherman's sandals will definitely go the distance - this summer and next.
www.zara.com
With a criss-cross pattern instead of a grid, Zara's fisherman's sandals will stand out from the crowd (and they're significantly more affordable than most other options at £49.99).
www.net-a-porter.com
Kapow! For a sandal that instantly says 'summer', JW Anderson's tangerine fisherman's sandals fit the bill.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).