There are many ways to tell that it’s officially sandal weather. The jasmine is blooming. The temperature has risen. The days are longer. In my case, the beginning of sandal season is inevitably signalled by the sudden realisation that it’s been a long time between pedicures. A very long time.
This week, we asked stylist Tara Morris to share her favourite sandals for this coming summer. “It’s all about chunky versus elegant,” she says of the current crop of sandals explaining that last year’s pool slides have given way to more elegant styles, while the hiking sandal trend has been more dressy.
Best to modernise a floaty dress: Alias Mae, Paloma sandal, $199
“These have a chunky bottom but overall don’t feel chunky,” says Tara of the sandals from Australian brand Alias Mae, which she likens to Marni’s famous fussbett sandals. “If you were wearing a flowy dress, these would add a bit of masculinity and a bit of fashion.”
Best upgrade to last year’s hiking sandal: Suicoke, $279
Hiking sandals were huge last year, and the trend continues. “They’re a little more chic now though,” says Tara, who adds that cult Japanese brand Suicoke has long offered an elevated take on this style. “It’s the cool girls’ Teva brand.”
Best for dressy occasions: ATP Atelier, $370
Need sandals you can wear to work? Out to dinner? These black leather slides are minimalist but not too plain thanks to the buckle detail. “You could wear this with a t-shirt and jeans or for lunch or dinner.”
Best for minimalists who still love colour: Ancient Greek Sandals, Eleftheria sandals, $240
Some might baulk at the lack of coverage (your foot feels very naked in these) but they look great on, and they’re really versatile and easy, says Tara. “You could wear them with jeans or a dress – or chuck them in your beach bag and wear them to the beach without worrying about them getting squished.”
Best for minimalists who don’t love colour: Maria Farro, Thera slides $165
If you’re a minimalist and you haven’t yet discovered Maria Farro’s chic leather footwear, then let us enlighten you. Designed in Australia but handmade in Greece, Mario Farro sandals are a fashion girl favourite. “This is minimalist but it has a bit of interest to it with the diagonal strap,” says Tara.
Best thong upgrade: Bassike, knotted leather slip on, $520
Yes, they are $520. Yes, they are also thongs. But as you probably know, thongs have undergone a fashion transformation over the past few years (even Celine has created chic leather versions). So, if you can get past the idea of paying more than $20 for a pair of thongs, these ones are worth it says Tara, who owns a pair herself. “They can be dressed up or dressed down. You could wear them with a black trouser and white shirt. It’s easy chic. They’re also crazy comfortable.” Maria Farro also does great thongs (at a more affordable $169).
Best for a resort vibe: Proenza Schouler , peep-toe slides, $570
Proenza Schouler partnered with Birkenstock for one of the chicest sandals of the European summer and the brand’s footwear is know for having a fashion forward edge. “These are a modern take on espadrilles. It’s an elevated beach look with a resort feel. You could wear these with a big flowy maxi dress or to a BBQ or lunch,” says Tara.
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