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
The suede finish brings added interest to these sandals.
Simple sandals you can wear with (literally) everything.
These look just like £500 pairs I've seen.
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.
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Can you believe I found these on the high street?
The perfect summer evening shoe.
Crochet is a big deal this year, and footwear isn't excluded from 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.
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This iconic sandal keeps selling out.
You can also pick these up in black.
I love how chunky these are—the thick platform means your feet won't be at too high an angle.
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.
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The intricate woven detail makes these feel so luxe.
Dear Frances has done it again.
All of this high-street hero's sandals are beautiful, but I'm particularly impressed by this pair.
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.
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You don't have to spend a fortune to obtain a great pair of sandals.
Wow.
These will go with jeans, skirts, dresses and wide-leg trousers.
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
A unique take on the classic slider sandal.
Arket's current selection of sandals is on-point. I'd wear this pair to the beach.
Espadrilles like you've never seen them before.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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