We are still in the last throes of summer, and we all know how hot September can get, so like it or not, we are still in sandal season, even as I long for the boots and loafers of autumn. By this time of the year, your flip-flops and strappy sandals have probably seen better days. If your shoe wardrobe needs a refresh, here are a few styles and trends to consider to see you through the last days of summer.
First up, flip-flops. They are ubiquitous during summer and can take a beating. In my 20s, I’d buy a couple of pairs, like Old Navy’s Square Toe Flip-Flop Sandals, and just wear them until they fell apart. Now my middle-aged feet (and lower back) need more support, so I’m looking to Archies’ Arch Support Flip Flops in a bright hue like coral or royal blue and wear them more intentionally. There’s always been debate about when and where it is appropriate to trot around in flip-flops, and I’d offer almost anywhere if you have a quality pair and style them with intention.
Next up: the athletic sandal. I prefer this type of strappy sandal versus a heeled version, as they can be just as stylish, but way more durable and comfortable in the summer. Right now, many of these sandals are on sale as we come to the end of the season, so grab a pair (or two) to wear now and then bust them out again next year. I’m eyeing Teva’s Women’s Hydratrek Water Sandal in Tigerlily. I can easily visualize wearing them with cutoffs and a tank for a creek day, as well as Bermuda shorts and a sleeveless blouse for First Fridays-type events. For a more minimalist take, there’s Skechers’ Go Walk Glide-Step Sandal in black and white or taupe. This “hands-free” shoe makes it easy to slip on and go and pairs with a linen dress for an evening out, or drawstring pants and a tunic for church or errands.
If you’re looking to elevate your summer sandal game, then consider espadrille-inspired wedges. Lands End’s Women’s Espadrille Wedge Sandals in cognac, in particular, will add low-key polish to a last-days-of-summer dress or a linen matching set. Meanwhile, Eileen Fisher’s Willow Tumbled Leather Wedge Espadrille in black will add a bit of edge to a pair of boho pull-on pants and a cropped boxy tee-shirt. Either way, a wedge will literally lift up any look.
Another option to add some height to your look, but on a subtle scale, is kitten heel sandals. Loft’s Versa Asymmetrical Leather Kitten Heels in white will add the perfect punch to an all-black look for the office or balance out a brightly floral frock for an evening out. If you’re looking to add more color to your summer style, then check out Aerosoles Comfortable Women’s Heeled Sandal in either magenta or kiwi. To ease your footwear into autumn while maintaining warm-weather awareness, perhaps a closed-toe option like Quince’s Italian Leather Slingback Flat with a square toe for a “mullet” type show. Aka business in the front, party in the back to give your heel some air while your well-worn pedicure is seeking shelter. For any kitten heel option, I’d definitely recommend a slingback sandal, as the thong version or, Lord forbid, mules, will have your toes clinging for dear life with you clackety-clacking down any flight of stairs.
Lastly, an oldie but a resurgent goody: jelly sandals. Although “jellies” may have peaked in the 80s, they’ve been making a continuous strong comeback for the last couple of years. Every time I’m out and about with my mother, whenever she sees them out in the wild, like Gap Factory’s Jelly Ballet Flat that we encountered during a recent back-to-school shopping trip, she reminds me of the summer of 1989. I apparently wore the same pair of jellies every day and, while experiencing a growth spurt that summer, I cut some of the straps to accommodate my growing feet so I could continue to wear them. Well, I’m done growing, so I can go for a new pair from the Gap in tomato sauce red or bubble gum pink or invest in something a bit more sophisticated like Steve Madden’s Grove Tortoise Jelly in more of a loafer silhouette as opposed to a flat or strappy sandal. Either way, the pressure is on to update your late summer pedicure with jellies. There’s nowhere for your foot to hide.
As I mentioned, a lot of these shoe styles are on sale at the end of summer. And while you may think jellies are trendy, in fact, as their staying power proves, they are part of the classic shoe styles like wedges and flip-flops, so you are safe to buy now and wear next summer and still be stylish.
