There was a point in time where I used to thoroughly consider buying a £25 pair of Havaianas, so tell me why I'm actually contemplating spending almost 26 times that on another pair of flip flops? Have I lost the plot? But, if there's one label that could push me towards financial ruin (with quite literally nothing but a rubber flip flop to show for it), it's The Row. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's brand has a cult-like following and is exceptionally good at making even the most basic pieces - say, a glorified flip flop - feel like a smart investment. And, the 'It' girls are on board with the simplicity of said shoe - in Copenhagen, they've long been making a case for the elevated flip flop, pairing it with anything from linen suiting to floral summer dresses.
Net-A-Porter www.harveynichols.com
The Row's Dune flip flops are the latest of its pieces to go viral, and feature a classic rubber sole, perfect for strolls on the beach or while lounging around the pool. The thick cotton-blend grosgrain straps are also surprisingly comfortable for wearing everyday, too.
Unlike The Row's Ginza sandal - which leans into a chunkier and more fashion-forward style - the Dune flip flops are simple in comparison, made out of textured rubber, with a rich tomato red sole and contrasting black toe post straps. Unfussy but inherently chic, if you're wondering how truly versatile the flip flops are, Dakota Johnson was seen in May wearing her own pair of Dunes in a pap walk we've become incredibly familiar with. She styled the flip flops with a grey Lululemon gym set and oversized sunglasses - proving what we also suspected - the Dune sandals aren't just for walking on the beach, spritz of your choice in hand. Instead, it's your everyday shoe, polished enough for a dinner date, casual enough for a coffee run and, somehow, still chic even when paired with workout gear.
Maeve Reilly, the brains behind some of Hailey Bieber's most iconic streetstyle looks, is another celebrity that's co-signed off The Row's flip flops, styling the shoes with white parachute trousers, a black baby tee and Juju Vera's Petra Shell Pendant. You too can think of the Dune flip flops as your minimalist anchor - throw it on with a boxy T-shirt and a wide-leg trousers, or wear with an oversized blazer and Bermuda shorts.
If that wasn't convincing enough, earlier this month Jonathan Bailey sent a shiver down the spine of fashion journalists nationwide by going open-toed in a pair of Dune flip flops to a photocall for Jurassic World: Rebirth. In 25-degree heat nonetheless, Bailey stood next to his cast mates wearing The Row flip flops with a knitted jumper and jeans. Suddenly, the Dunes are less minimalist fashion-girl staple, and more red-carpet-approved.
Of course, like most things The Row touches, its Dune flip flops are difficult to find in stock. If you're waiting for the original to be available in more sizes, you can always shop from the high street, as brands like Reformation, Ancient Greek Sandals and Mango have a selection of available (and affordable) alternatives.
Shop: The Row Dune Flip Flops And Alternatives
Harrods www.harrods.com
If you prefer your flip flops to be on the more, well, subtle side, The Row's Dune flip flops are also available in a versatile black. Style with anything from wide-leg jeans to satin midi skirts.
Ancient Greek www.ancient-greek-sandals.com
Ancient Greek's Sandals footwear is all handmade in Greece, and the brand describes its Saionara Jelly flip flop as a shoe that bridges the gap between a beach flip flop and city sandal. With a similar design to the contrasting colours of The Row's Dune sandal, the Saionara Jelly features a black leather sole and red toe post.
Reformation www.thereformation.com
Reformation also has a letterbox red flip flop with black contrasting details. Made from calf leather, the Jessie sandals are smooth and comfortable, and can easily add a pop of colour to any monochrome outfit.
Mango shop.mango.com
Mango's Suede Strap Sandals are made from goat leather and feature a classic flip flop toe post, as well as a buckled ankle strap. We've seen suede everything this year, from suede bags, to suede skirts and even trousers, so it seems natural that it's even in our sandals this summer.
River Island www.riverisland.com
For a really affordable take on the red flip flop trend, River Island has you covered. Its style features a chic square toe, as well as contrast stitching and flat soles.
Main image credit: Instagram/@nlmarilyn, @_adrikim
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.