Three classic sandals that will feel especially fresh this Spring
With a focus on barefoot and minimal shoe options
Part of my “survive winter” strategy is to begin thinking about the clothes and shoes I want to wear when the weather warms up. I like that this also helps me plan responsibly so I don’t make any impulse purchases when the time comes. We travel a lot during the summers because my husband is on the academic calendar, so naturally I’m taking our trips into consideration when I think of what items I need.
I’ve recently become re-interested in barefoot shoes, and conveniently enough, barely-there shoes are really strong in the zeitgeist. Stylist Becky Malinsky recently confirmed this when she shared a minimalist sandal from Xero. I think this is a natural outcome of the proportion shifts we’ve seen in outfits in recent years. For example, as our tastes in denim have shifted progressively more towards sturdy, looser fits, we are creating balance by slimming down our other pieces. And it’s not just our jeans, but the reign of The Trouser, the midi skirt, and more sculptural styles like the barrel leg pant that are making us visually crave simpler shoes.
Amy Smilovich of Tibi has a lot of resources on style and talks about this in her principle of Big-Slim-Skin. Essentially, she says that when constructing a look, you want to balance different “sizes” of clothing. This could be a slim shirt with big trousers and skin-bareing shoes like a nude strappy sandal. You could also go slim-big-big, or skin-big-slim. The pattern doesn’t exactly matter, but you want to mix a little. Big-Big-Big just feels…. big instead of chic or dynamic or full of movement. And so the natural choice for shoes when thinking about big pants is to go slim or skin. Taking proportion into account is one of the big reasons the shift from skinny pants has been so difficult for so many. Fortunately, a slim pant is a great stand in if you love the skinny pant proportion play.
So which sandals are enjoying their season in the spotlight?
Fisherman sandals are continuing to charge our imaginations. We first started seeing these again a couple of years ago, but they still feel fresh. They have a bit of visual heft, and more foot coverage, which makes them a great seasonally transitional shoe. They can also help us with our proportions when wearing a slim pant. But even with the visual weight of a fisherman sandal, a slim soled style looks really feminine. For this reason I think they’re often best styled casually with sculptural, tailored pieces. or you can lean into the dress shoe feeling they can evoke by pairing them with skirts and dresses. I love to watch how Leandra styles them. What about a fisherman with a lug sole or platform base? It could be just the “big” you need to pair with your slim pants. Coming at the issue from another angle, this is where understanding your body type can be a huge asset to your style decisions. If you have a softer shape full of curves (note I am talking about shapes, not weight), a chunky shoe style might feel off. If you are angular or tall, the weight of a chunkier style might be just what feels perfect. Have no fear, there are always ways to wear the thing you love and make it feel right when you play with the styles and proportions of your whole outfit. I like these for that good a balance between delicate and chunky. I like this pair also. I haven’t found a good barefoot option for fisherman sandals, but this sandal huarache comes close to the same look.
The strappy sandal is just the palette cleanser I need after a long time in stiff, bulky sandals. These paired with wide or jogger pant styles, summer dresses, and even sporty shorts are going to feel fresh in a way this style hasn’t felt for a while. Remember, we’re talking about classic styles here, so if you’ve been wearing this shoe, it does not mean you have been doing something wrong. Classic styles are always present, and yet sometimes because of shifts in design or culture, those classic shapes feel suddenly new and modern again. This is the time to dust them off if you already have a pair you’ve let languish. If you need more foot space, or are simply trying to strengthen your feet, this is a great style to find in a zero drop, open design. I like the Nomade, Breeze, and Carmel. GrecianSandals on Etsy has some nice options as well. In a more traditional flat style, I am loving the sandals Reformation has this season. The Lake style is my favorite. This leg wrap option from a new-to-me brand is stunning. For something in-between as far as the boldness of the straps, I am loving this Anto Flat in Indigo. Honestly, there are just so many good strappy styles out there, so have a look around.
Y’all, I love a slide sandal. Last summer I wore this simple leather slide with nearly everything. I love Adelisa & Co. (this style is also great), but they do stretch out and I find the strap fit to be a bit unpredictable. You cannot beat the price, however, so if you have a tight budget, they are worth a try. When I look towards this summer, and take into account all the walking I’ll enjoy, I need a shoe that will be more walkable. How can I get the look of a slide with the functionality and comfort of a sandal that easily stays on my foot? Years ago Avarcas were a big deal. I never did get a pair, but I’m considering them as an option for this summer. They are not zero drop, but come close, and I appreciate that they don’t have an ankle strap. This would also be a great style to purcahse in a statement color. If you are unsure of what you like, I recommend pistachio, violet, or royal blue for this moment. If you don’t mind an ankle strap, these are a true barefoot option that still gives a bit of that slide look. For a traditional slide with a bit of heft, these are so fresh. This style is more minimal, and the moss color will be so incredibly wearable, just trust me.
In general, if you’re looking for a barefoot sandal, I recommend perusing Anya’s Reviews shop. The common complaint against a barefoot shoe is how natural it often looks and how bulky the styles can be. Some love this vibe, but others prefer a shoe that looks more crisp and polished. The good news is that there are always tweaks you can make to your style if you feel that the shoes you need to wear are not your preferred style. Do you have a style of shoe you just can’t figure out how to wear? Or perhaps you’re having a hard time on something as seemingly simple as deciding what color shoes to buy. We cover details like this in my styling program so you can finally cut the decision fatigue and have a wardrobe that feels like you. Email me at billowstyling@gmail.com if you want to know more about how I can help you with your style needs.
We enjoyed the most glorious winter reprieve on Tuesday with 68 degree weather! Are you making summer plans yet? Tell me in the comments or over email. I always enjoy hearing from you! Many, many thanks for being here. Y’all are the best.
Until soon,
MDS
P.S. As a little bonus, I can’t leave you without mentioning this excellent flat alternative to an espadrille.