My Friend Asked Me Which Sandals Are In This Summer—I Sent Her These

As silly as it sounds, there's something about sandals that sparks an integral joy in me. Perhaps it's transportive; I can slip on my beloved, five-year-old tan leather sliders, and I immediately feel as if I'm back on my favourite beach, the horizon the only thing requiring my attention. I'm most at peace with myself and my lot in summer, and sandals play an important role in that. 

Taking into account the love letter I've just written, it won't surprise you to learn that earlier this week when my friends wondered what styles to invest in this year, they came to me for the intel. Luckily for them, I've been thinking about sandals for a while now, specifically which feel current for 2023. Unlike other garments and accessories, the sandal trends for 2023 feel pretty timeless. Although there's no getting away from the return of wedges (which I'm very much here for, by the way), the sandals you're about to delve into have the potential to go way beyond 2023; some of them you may already own from previous seasons, such is a testament to their staying power.

Before you book in for that transformative pedi (naturally, I've already had mine), let's peruse the sandals I think will dominate this summer.

1. ULTRA MINIMAL 

Style Notes: Barely-there straps are set to be the biggest sandal trend of the season. The Row's T-bars are already heating up on IG, but there's plenty of others to choose from when they inevitably sell out. 

SHOP THE TREND

2. MODERN MULES

Style Notes: That's right, mules are back, but not as you know them. Instead of the clunky pairs that used to dominate, we're seeing more refined wedges with clean or sculptural silhouettes coming through.

SHOP THE TREND

3. HIGHER GROUND FLATFORMS

Style Notes: Flatform sandals have been big news for the past few seasons and the great news is, if you've already invested in a pair, they remain at the top of the sandal agenda for 2023. Toe-post styles like Lucy's are still my preference, but they also come in slider form this summer, too. 

SHOP THE TREND

4. RICH BROWN TONES

Style Notes: Decadent brown tones were all over the spring/summer 2023 runways, so it's little wonder the hue has been painted across all facets of fashion, from dresses and tailoring to handbags and, now, sandals. Just as versatile as black, though less harsh, you might find dark brown sandals go with even more. 

SHOP THE TREND

5. WRAPAROUND ANKLE TIES

Style Notes: As far as fastenings go, it would seem fashion's favourite way to do up its sandals in 2023 is by way of sexy ankle-ties. Look for pairs that wrap around several times to give a "stacked" appearance. 

SHOP THE TREND

6. STRAW TEXTURES

Style Notes: Basket bags always make a return the moment temperatures begin to rise but now straw textures are taking over the sandal scene, too. 

SHOP THE TREND

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up: 20 Expensive-Looking Summer Shoes You Can Find on the High Street Right Now