I Thought White Sandals Looked Cheap Until These 7 Outfits Proved Me Wrong

As someone who lives in sandals from early summer through to mid-autumn (if the unpredictable UK weather allows me!), I have to confess that until very recently, I always found white sandals rather cheap-looking. To me, they just felt very stark and out of place against the rest of my outfit. For this reason, I always opted for black and brown hues to complement my summer looks. However, there are just some outfits that call for a white sandal, so for summer 2025, I made it my goal to find outfits that make them look expensive-looking as opposed to tacky. Luckily for me, after browsing through my favourite fashion influencers on Instagram, I found a number of different outfit formulas that make white sandals look grown-up and polished.

The trick to making them look expensive? It all lies in the balance. Instead of pairing white sandals with bold prints and patterns, I noticed that they work best with elevated silhouettes in more pared-back, minimal hues. Think tailored linen trousers paired with a smart button-down shirt, or a crochet top and Bermuda shorts. But whatever your style preference is, be assured that there are a myriad of ways to make white sandals look chic.

If, like me, you had also ruled out white sandals in the past, or are simply looking for some fresh styling inspiration, I've rounded up seven outfits that prove white sandals can look just as sleek as black for summer.

7 Chic and Elegant White Sandals Outfits for Summer 2025:

1. Linen Shirt + Linen Trousers

Style Notes: Is there anything more classic than a linen shirt and trousers in summer? Pair this breezy combo with minimal white flip-flops for a seamless look that you can wear both to the office and on a day in town.

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2. Midi Dress + Basket Bag

Style Notes: When in doubt, throw on an easy midi dress with a timeless basket bag and slip-on sandals. To keep things interesting, opt for a slightly elevated dress silhouette such as an asymmetric neckline or side slit.

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3. Blouse + Broderie Trousers

Style Notes: I've been living in white blouses this summer, but Chloe's sage green gingham style is calling to me. Pair it with a pair of pretty broderie trousers to add to the 'cottagecore' vibe, and then contrast this with a pair of chunky flip-flops to add some edge.

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4. Button-Up Top.+ Maxi Skirt

Style Notes: A white cotton skirt is a summer wardrobe staple, pairing well with everything from ballet pumps to minimal trainers. For those more formal occasions, opt for heeled sandals for some height as well as to keep the hemline off the floor.

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5. Crochet Jumper + Bermuda Shorts

Style Notes: There's just something so elegant about a longer short style. Counter this more structured shape with a bohemian-inspired crochet top and low-heeled sandals for a more relaxed take on the Bermuda shorts trend.

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6. Mini Dress + Boho Belt

Style Notes: Boho style is all the rage this season, and you can easily incorporate the aesthetic by pairing a simple white mini dress with accessories like a chunky coin belt and simple, pared-back sandals.

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7. Oxford Shirt + White Jeans

Style Notes: I couldn't conclude this round-up without including a jeans outfit. Choosing jeans in a white or ecru hue is the easiest way to ensure that your white sandals don't look out of place or stark against the rest of your outfit. Add a striped shirt for some contrast, and you're all set.

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