Select the right sandals so your mind, body and soles don’t suffer
By Amanda Lacey
IF WE LEARNED anything from Carrie Bradshaw (of the famed “Sex and the City” quartet), it’s a woman’s right to shoes. You heard it: a woman’s right to shoes, especially a pair of Manolo Blahnik strappy sandals, should be your thing.
But let’s face it, Manolo’s are not for the faint-hearted and not all of us obtain the skill needed to strut around the city as effortlessly as the fashion icon does.
Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or not, the reality is that stylish summer sandals are a make-or-break moment. The right pair of shoes can make your outfit; the wrong pair can break your spirit and ruin the day ahead. The key to finding the perfect pair? Consider the occasion, what you’ll wear them with, and decide on your non-negotiables like comfort versus fashion.
Depending on the occasion (think garden party), you may opt for a wedge option over a kitten heel to avoid sinking in the grass. And should you find your day filled with activities, nobody wants to be caught gallivanting with a broken ankle strap, so for a shopping day, gravitate towards a quick and easy slip-on. One thing’s for sure, once you’ve found the perfect style, you’ll be reaching for it again and again. Here are some noteworthy options for a variety of activities.
BLOCK-HEELED SANDALS
No matter the occasion, block-heeled sandals instantly elevate an outfit. The added bonus? Perfect heel height that gives just the right amount of lift without compromising comfort. This sandal effortlessly pair well with everything from linen shorts to jeans or dresses.
SLIDES
A day at the lake? Trip to the botanical gardens? A slide-on option will be your go-to without second-guessing it. Lightweight, easy sandals are the stepping stone to a carefree season.
THE BARELY THERE
Who doesn’t love a dainty, barely-there sandal? Pair a cage silhouette or floral-accented option with a sheath dress for a summer evening on the town.
THE STRAPPY SANDAL
Wedding on the calendar? The strappy sandal is sure to complement your ensemble. Go for a crisscross knotted vamp to ensure stability that will allow you to dance the night away.
WEDGES
Garden party on the horizon requires you to add this silhouette to your summer rotation. Not to mention this casual-chic style can easily take you straight from the office to happy hour.
Check out these perfect sandal silhouettes for your summer wardrobe.
Franco Sarto leather sandal with cork-wrapped platform wedge heel, $130, Nordstrom at Park Meadows, nordstrom.com
Kendall Louise block heel patent leather slide, $255, Garbarini, garbarinishop.com
Valentino Garavani strappy satin evening sandals with crisscross knotted vamp, $920, Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com
Cult Gaia goat leather sandals with calla lily flowers and slingback strap, $498, Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com
Anine Bing lambskin leather flat sandals with puffy cross-over straps and a padded sole, $450, A Line Boutique, aline-online.com
