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High-Fashion Thong Sandals Really Do Go With Everything
Sleek, minimalist and steeped in 90’s nostalgia, these timeless sandals will work with your entire wardrobe.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
More often than not, it’s the quietest pieces in a wardrobe that work the hardest – especially when it comes to footwear. Mountainous platforms and barely-there sandals might be having a moment, but once you’ve walked a mile in either, you don’t do it again in a hurry.
So, what’s the solution for a summer of slipping between work, the pub garden and an endless slew of weddings? A flip flop, or thong (as the Americans and Australians call them) sandal, fits the bill, no matter the occasion or outfit. Exemplifying the ‘wrong shoe’ theory, these trending shoes bring a nonchalant feel to a wedding guest look, making even the frilliest floral-print dress feel casual and cool (and allowing you to go the distance on the dance floor).
The same goes for work-week tailoring: watch a simple black sandal tone down the dressiness of an oversized blazer and trousers. If you’re styling with jeans, go low-rise and loose for the chicest result (this is has been my go-to pairing all summer so far) and try a denim maxi skirt too. And of course, if you’re planning on wearing a ballgown any time soon, you can thank Jennifer Lawrence for making a pair of fashion flip flops a completely acceptable way to ground the look.
So, where are the best thong sandals hiding? Of course, minimalist stalwarts Toteme and The Row make some of the most timeless designs – and while they might be an investment, the cost per wear will be saintly. (Trust me: these aren’t going out of style any time soon.)
For something with an architectural edge, St. Agni makes several pairs of heeled thongs that'll work from day to night. And for extra-special occasions, Bottega Veneta’s multi-strap heels – with practical ankle support and rubberised sole – remain a flawless move (the white pair are almost-constantly sold out for obvious reasons).
But the very best pair of ultra-minimal black leather flats can be found at Dear Frances, whose Flis style is all I’ll be packing for a week in Greece, then wearing to the office for as long as this long, hot summer lasts.
The Thong Sandals We're All Wearing This Summer
A new classic, Bottega Veneta's multi-strap heels look good with literally everything, from midi dresses to pale-wash denim.
This is one of those simple yet indispensable shoes that you'll find yourself wearing all summer long: with louche tailoring, wide-leg jeans, and shimmering satin slip dresses alike.
These aren't leather, but they're considerately cut to curve around the arch of the foot, meaning they'll stay on your feet whether you're running for the bus or hitting the dancefloor.
The silhouette of the summer in the shade of the season: St. Agni's wedge heels are even better in rich russet red.
The ultimate classic, Toteme's forever flats will look especially good with a satiny slip dress – a major 90's mood.
The piece that started it all, The Row's Ginza sandal is responsible for reshaping the humble flip flop into a luxury mainstay. Crafted from smooth leather and set on a slight incline, it's the easiest, most elegant way to ground any look.
With supple padded straps and an equally plush upper, Jacquemus' toothache-pink sandals will be more comfortable than most.
Use this chunky flatform pair to give floaty dresses and trousers a tougher grounding.
Ganni's squishy satin sandals are weekend perfection. Wear them with the brand's signature checks and leopard prints.
Ultra-slim straps and optic-white leather make Studio Amelia's kitten-heel sandals a clever leg-lengthening option.
Tell me these won't go with your entire summer wardrobe...
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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