Sorry, Flip-Flops—Chic Women in Paris and London Are Trading You In for This Elevated Alternative
The better thong sandals.
I know it's still winter outside, but in order to get through these very cold (and very snowy) months, I need to look ahead to sunnier climates—and the trends set to join them. One such trend resides in the footwear category and is quickly becoming the shoe to watch for spring 2026, a season that will *fingers crossed* be here before we know it. For years, we've leaned on basic flip-flops when it comes to warm-weather sandals, wearing them with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, and rewriting their controversial reputation in the process through strategic styling. Now, they're getting yet another upgrade, but this time, there will be no rubber or plastic involved.
I'm calling them stretch thong sandals, or thong sandals with an extra-long, well, thong. For some time now, brands like The Row, Proenza Schouler, and Bottega Veneta have been experimenting with this sleeker, more elongated silhouette, and for 2026, other high-end shoe designers like Christen, Jude, and Alexandre Birman are joining the party. Made of sleek leather or supple suede—or, in the case of Alaïa, soft velvet—the stretch thong sandals you're about to scroll through only share one quality with flip-flops: the thong part. Everything else about them is far more luxurious, which is probably why so many It girls are already buying and wearing them, even despite the cold temps sweeping the globe.
Ahead, you'll find plenty of styling tips and inspirational outfits pertaining to stretch thong sandals, courtesy of only the best dressers, from L.A.'s Elsa Hosk and Pia Mance to London's Marilyn Nwakulor-Kazemaks. They've also been spotted in Copenhagen and Paris, among other particularly stylish cities. Score your pair below.
Styling Ideas
Get the look: White T-shirt + A-line skirt + Stretch thong sandals
Get the look: White tank top + Tailored trousers + Stretch thong sandals
Get the look: Leather cape coat + Black flare pants + Stretch thong sandals
Get the look: Ivory suit + Sweater + Stretch thong sandals
Get the look: White sundress + Stretch thong sandals
Get the look: White button-down shirt + Silk pants + Bandana + Stretch thong sandals
Shop Stretch Thong Sandals
These are guaranteed to sell out by March 1.
I know which pair I'm ordering—that is, one of many.
These just arrived at Zara, and they're already selling out. If you want a pair, I suggest you make haste.
Fashion people are obsessed with Jude right now, and these wedges should be all the context you need to understand why.
Sale alert!
Christen is another fan-favorite brand right now. The designer, Nina Christen, is behind some of fashion's most prominent shoe designs, having worked with Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Celine, and The Row. In addition to running her own brand, launched in 2024, she's also the design director for shoes at Dior.
I own these in the Dark Barolo color, and honestly, they're perfect. I bought them in Rome last summer and wore them practically every day on my trip.
I might actually wear flat shoes if it means I get to own these.
The perfect pop of color to make your spring wardrobe feel fresh and new.
These are so sexy on.
The brown suede is extremely luxe.
If you can handle the high pitch, these are a must-buy pair.
Saint Laurent's leopard-print option is a great choice for flat-shoe lovers who still want a fun, bold look.
This color will look so good with black jeans.
Sleek and easy.
There's something so chic about a delicate, barely there sandal.
Do it—you know you want to.
If you can't let go of flip-flops, get this elevated pair. It's even on sale!
The chunkier heel on this A.Emery pair will make them extra easy to walk in.
Simply lovely.
A great vacation pair.
The perfect statement sandal for 2026.
Just add jeans and a T-shirt.
The brand behind your favorite sleek flip-flops also has plenty to offer in the realm of this elevated alt.
The lace-up detail is so playful and fun for summer.
You can't go wrong with these.
