Warm weather means sandal season is officially here.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday pair or something a little more fashion-forward, some styles are taking off this summer while others aren’t worth the closet space.
Business Insider asked stylists and designers to share the sandal trends they’re getting on board with this season — and which ones they’re ready to ditch.
Here’s what they had to say.
Suede is having a moment.
Suede detailing is everywhere right now, according to Molly West Coe, a New York-based fashion stylist and founder of StyledBuy and StyledGuy.
The suede trend started with fall and winter pieces but has carried into summer footwear as well. Whether on flip-flops or strappy sandals, this material can add a more refined touch to casual outfits.
Minimal thong wedges are sliding into summer.
According to Laura Unruh, designer and founder of luxury footwear brand LOU.EARL, thong wedges are gaining traction again.
She credits the trend’s resurgence to renewed interest in Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s signature minimalist style. The late icon (and her fashions) were recently featured in the popular FX miniseries “Love Story.”
Featuring a simple thong upper and a wedge sole, these sandals often come in neutral colors and clean silhouettes that reflect Kennedy’s understated aesthetic.
Unruh said the versatile style pairs particularly well with simple looks — think: vintage denim, white T-shirts, and monochromatic outfits.
Huarache-style woven-leather sandals are a solid pick.
Patrick Kenger, the lead personal stylist and founder of styling and image consulting company Pivot, said huarache-style shoes are among the biggest men’s sandal trends he’s seeing this season.
Huarache sandals have been around for centuries, with their origins commonly traced to indigenous communities of Mexico. These shoes typically feature an intricately woven leather top and either an open or closed toe.
Woven-leather sandals can be an easy choice for summer because they’re durable and breathable. They can also help “dress up ” a look, Kenger added.
Hardware accents are making their way onto sandals.
According to Letam “Ley” Duson, founder of Ley All Day Personal Styling, metallic accents are a growing trend in the sandal space.
Instead of plain thong sandals, the stylist said she’s seeing styles adorned with gold-tone details, rings, bands, and other decorative hardware that add visual interest to an outfit.
“I would think of it as like jewelry for your feet,” Duson told BI.
On the other hand, chunkier gladiators are being replaced by barely-there sandals.
Several of the stylists BI spoke with agreed that chunky gladiator sandals are being replaced by sleeker, less bulky designs.
Unruh said the sandals — especially when they go high up a leg — can feel overly complicated and difficult to style compared to more modern options.
If you want a similar look that’s more updated, Coe said, try a pair of barely-there sandals with thin straps.
“The look is kind of as naked as the foot can be,” she told BI. “It’s a very clean look. It’s a very minimalist look.”
Traditional rubber flip-flops are falling out of favor.
Kenger told BI that rubber sandals and basic thong-style flip-flops aren’t as popular as they once were.
He said that cross-strap sandals are becoming a popular alternative to these, especially among men. These styles feature wider straps across the foot and offer an updated take on warm-weather footwear.
Muted colors are being swapped for brighter shades.
Duson said neutral-toned sandals are taking a back seat to brighter, bolder colors this season.
From neon orange and hot pink to bright blue, these vibrant shades can bring a more playful touch to summer outfits.
“If you’re doing a monochrome look and you don’t want to do too much with the clothes, then the pop of color for the feet is a good option,” Duson told BI.
Espadrille sandals can feel a bit dated.
Known for their chunky raffia-wrapped soles, espadrille sandals have been a summer staple for a long time. However, according to Duson, some of these styles are starting to feel dated.
Instead, the stylist recommends trying leather wedges or platform sandals this summer. These styles can give off a more modern, streamlined look while still providing height and versatility.
She added that platform sandals pair well with so many styles, from maxi dresses to wide-leg jeans and a simple top.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post 4 sandal trends that are in this summer and 4 that are out, according to stylists and designers appeared first on Business Insider.
