The 2000s T-Bar Sandal Is Back – And Poppy Delevingne Just Wore The Chicest Pair

You may want to raid your mum’s wardrobe again. The early 2000s T-bar sandal is back, and if you ever had a love-hate relationship with the style (you’re not alone), this might just be the season it wins you over. The flashbacks tolow-slung jeans and chunky hardware might be imminent, but so is the pull of nostalgia. And when done right, the Y2K sandal can be a surprising style hit.

Designers like Tom Ford, Versaceand Valentino embraced the strappy silhouette, often pairing it with animal prints, polka dots and the era’s signature slinky dresses. With its practical buckle and delicate ankle strap, the style offered a more polished alternative to flip-flops or chunky wedges. Now, two decades later, it’s back albeit with sleeker finishes and richer leathers.

At Wimbledon this weekend, Poppy Delevingne gave the divisive shoe her stamp of approval, wearing a sleek tan pair from Russell & Bromley. Paired with a striped co-ord and suede oversized bag the look struck the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. The kind of outfit that spells out British summer with a capital B, it’s also a case study in how to make the T-bar feel current.

Of course, Poppy is no stranger to setting trends. She’s long been a style muse in her own right from wearing the Alexander McQueen skull scarf before it became a cultural moment, to her recent Nobody’s Child collaboration that blends '70s-retro with everyday wearability. Her take on the T-bar is another reminder that, in the right hands (and feet), even the most polarising trends can feel timeless.

If you’re unsure how to style them, think clean lines and simple silhouettes. A crisp shirt dress, a slouchy two piece, or even tailored shorts will let the sandals do the talking. Avoid anything too fussy and let the minimalist design shine. The moral of the story? Dust off those Y2K sandals or buy a fresh pair and give them the comeback they deserve. We’ve included a few of our favourites below (heeled and flat), which are available to buy now.

Shop: T-Bar Heeled Sandals

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..