For as long as the current weather continues (it’s a blissful 21 degrees in London as I type) there’s really only one footwear option that makes practical sartorial sense. You guessed it: sandals. We've waited long enough to let our toes breathe, thank you very much—it's time to step out in the strappiest sandals we can get our hands (or feet) on.
So, now that the shoes are sorted, you may be wondering what to wear with your chosen sandals. As tempting as it is to dress up in bold prints and bright hues as soon as the sun appears, personally I favour a simpler approach to summer style (especially in the heat). You'll likely find me wearing my slides, mules and espadrilles with a rotation of classic combinations—be it a tank top and jeans, a dress, or a linen co-ord.
From floral midi dresses to lightweight trousers, there are few warm-weather staples that won't work with sandals. But if we were to assemble our favourites into seven streamlined outfits, they might look something like this...
1. Striped Shirt + Midi Skirt + Slides
Style Notes: A relaxed-fit shirt is my most trusted summer layer. Thrown on with a midi skirt and slide-on sandals, the results are effortless but oh-so polished.
Shop the look:
Yellow is the perfect summer shade.
Easy to take from day to night.
The fashion set can't get enough of these luxury sandals.
2. Asymmetric Tee + Jeans + Fisherman Sandals
Style Notes: An easy way to elevate a jeans-and-tee combo? Opt for a T-shirt with an interesting twist, such as an asymmetric neckline or embroidered detailing.
Shop the look:
A fresh take on a wardrobe essential.
True blue denim works hard all year round.
An investment, yes, but you'll love and wear these classic sandals forever.
3. White Blouse + Slip Skirt + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: Slip skirts are forever, but during the summer months they're best paired with a breezy cotton blouse. Complete the look with wrap-around sandals, and you'll be ready to jet off to some far-flung beach resort.
Shop the look:
This breezy top will keep you cool during the heatwave.
I'd also style this with a crop top.
So classic.
4. Midi Dress + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: When you just can't be bothered putting together an outfit (it's a familiar feeling to us all), reach for your nearest midi dress. According to fashion people, Birkenstocks are the best match for a pretty floral frock.
Shop the look:
This best-selling Doen dress comes in so many colours and prints, it's impossible to pick a favourite.
Understated gold jewellery will go with all your summer outfits.
Everyone should have a pair of these comfy slides in their collection.
5. Linen Co-Ord + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: There are so many dreamy linen co-ords out there right now that the choice is overwhelming. But something like this green skirt set ticks so many trend boxes.
Shop the look:
This set is divine.
Love, love, love!
A sleek addition to any minimalist wardrobe.
6. Tank Top + White Trousers + Minimal Sandals
Style Notes: This might be the easiest look on the list to recreate. All you need is a plain tank top, white trousers of some kind and your most minimal sandals. Simple.
Shop the look:
Arket's basics are unmatched.
I have my eye on this entire outfit.
Who said you can't find designer-looking shoes on the high street?
7. Shirt + Tailored Shorts + Toe-Loop Sandals
Style Notes: This shirt-and-shorts pairing is the key to looking chic even in the height of a heatwave. Toe-ring sandals are definitely having a moment right now.
Shop the look:
Muted tones like this sage green will lift your neutral pieces.
The length of these shorts is ideal.
Wear these slip-on sandals from beach to bar.
7. Striped Trousers + Tank Top + Flip Flops
Style Notes: It's no secret that the WWW team love a great pair of striped linen trousers in summer, and what better to pair them with than a simple black tank top and flip flops? This is, without a doubt, the perfect look for a hot summer's day in the city or for travelling.
Shop the look:
You can't beat a good quality tank top.
As comfy as wearing PJs, but still super chic and polished.
Yes, these are an investment, but they've well earned their icon status now, making them a solid investment.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
-
10 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Rich This SummerNumber four is already trending right now.
-
35 Incredibly Chic Finds I Immediately Shared With My Fashion-Editor Friends When I Found ThemThey're so good I want them all.
-
If You Hate Flip-Flops, Try the Viral Sandal Trend Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing This SummerYou can trust me.
-
Brand Layering: The Art of Knowing Which Labels to Pair With Each OtherThe ultimate styling hack.
-
The Simple Styling Trick That Turns Pencil Skirts From Corporate to Chic in 5 Seconds or LessIt's completely free and ready to copy.
-
I Just Wore Those Viral Jelly Shoes That Are Selling Out Everywhere for 9 Hours—This Is What Shocked MeHere's my firsthand review.
-
Not to Be Dramatic, But These Are the Only 35 Summer Sandals That MatterTo me, at least.
