It Can't Just Be Me: Everyone With Good Taste Is Skipping Flats for These Anti-Trend Sandals

All year, flats have been in the lead, beating out even the most enduring slingbacks, pumps, and heeled boots in our closets. The hype certainly isn't slowing down anytime soon, but there's one specific pair of heels that's making even the staunchest flat-shoe loyalists embrace a little bit of height right now. Heeled flip-flops are quickly rising in the ranks as the top sandal trend set to define summer 2025, and the outfits we're seeing chic people wearing it with prove that the trend is as stylish as it is wearable.
Hailey Bieber has worn them with culottes and kick-flare pants, and fashion people are wearing them with jeans, dresses, and lace-trim skirts, and if that fact alone doesn't prove their versatility, I don't know what will. What I do know is that once you see the outfits up ahead, you'll realize the shoes are far less controversial and far more tasteful than you might have realized. Ahead, see all the ways fashion people are styling their heeled flip-flops for summer and shop the best pairs along the way.
Style Notes: Thong sandals with a lace-trim skirt and simple top is the low-key lazy outfit combination that actually looks so luxe.
Style Notes: Another take on this popular outfit combo. Pull it off best by coordinating your sandal color with your skirt.
Style Notes: Flip-flops are the unlikeliest shoes to pair with tailored trousers, but per Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, that's exactly why they work so well.
Style Notes: White flip-flops might be controversial, but they're what all the chicest people are opting for at the moment.
Style Notes: All the most trendsetting fashion people I know are wearing their blue jeans with flip-flops right now, and a pair of heeled sandals makes the combination a touch more elevated.
Style Notes: My favorite way to style the minimalist sandals is to use them as an accent against an all-cream outfit with just the shoes and another black accessory as the contrasts.
Style Notes: Packing them for vacation is a smart move because they work with everything from casual looks to dinner-ready dresses.
Style Notes: Even with a smart pantsuit, they'll bring a trend-forward element that will make all your office outfits immediately feel fresher.
Style Notes: The barely there vibe of the sandals makes them a perfect base to a more eye-catching piece like a printed statement dress.
Style Notes: Jeans feeling stale? A pair of heeled flip-flops will take any jeans-and-a-tee combo from basic to forward, guaranteed.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a numberBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
-
Nothing Humbles Your Closet More Than the Zara New Arrivals Section—25 Pieces to Instantly Elevate Your Fall Outfits
Did I mention they're modeled by Alexa Chung?
-
It's Boho Chic on a Budget—29 Gorgeous Free People Sale Finds I'm Absolutely Loving
Up to 70% off!
-
Editor-Loved Margaux and Alex Mill Just Launched Their First Collab Together—and We Want Everything
Three chic styles to add to your fall wardrobe.
-
Bella Hadid Just Landed in Paris Wearing *the* Shoes to Pair With Fall's #1 Denim Trend
Model-off-duty elegance to the max.
-
Stylish Women All Over Milan Are Suddenly Swapping Out Their Classic Pumps for This "Dated" Shoe Trend
Spotted on Shailene Woodley.
-
Yes, Fashion People Are Still Wearing Leggings, But Only This Specific Style (and Not With Sneakers)
The comfy-chic pairing we spot on every L.A. and New York It girl.
-
Taylor Swift Just Wore the Fall Shoe Trend That's All Over Zara, Steve Madden, and H&M
It looks good with everything.
-
Not Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Amelia Gray Just Wore the Flat-Shoe Trend in Italy That's Everywhere This Fall
Spotted at Milan Fashion Week.