Michele Lawrence
Fashion Editor & Writer
Founding Member
They say beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be.
I’ve rounded up the top five trendiest sandals that you can wear to stomp around NYC without breaking your bank or your back.
If you have ever tried to look sexy and in doing so crammed your foot into a 4” heel just to hobble around for a night out in Manhattan I feel your pain. We have all worn those shoes that are not only killer style wise, but killing your feet. The good news is, platforms, flats and kitten heels are in! THANK THA LAWD. I am 5’7” and I have always worn my heels with pride, but I am so excited to be down on somewhat ground level. After being trapped inside for months I can’t wait to let my dogs out. These are perfect for those unexpected high temperature days of the early autumn, and I love that the style is going to be colorful and bold with a lot of the 90’s sprinkled in.
First up, The Birkin
Yes this monstrosity of a sandal is still around and absolutely on trend. Most people buy these for comfort not the style, I happen to really like them. What’s different about this trend this year? The material of the sandal went from cloth to rubber. This material change makes you look like the sleek bad ass fashionista you are meant to be while adding the tread needed to get through the city streets. The ones to look out for are the cool color tones, black or white.
Styled: Looking to go to a casual happy hour on a warm day? (FINGERS CROSSED THIS HAPPENS AGAIN) Slide these on with a cute crop top, high waisted wide leg jeans, your fave sunnies, some hooped earrings and you are officially stylin’! Want to run to grab a coffee but still be a fashionista? Throw birks on with your fave biker shorts, oversized tee, gold chain necklace, small hooped earrings and of course your blacked out sunnies. The pairing options are endless with these guys. I’m happy that Birkins are here to stay. Not only will these sandals get you around the city streets looking like a cutie, your feet will thank you for it.
Next up, we have the good ol’ Espadrille.
This year the espadrille has an edge. Ever throw this type of shoe on and feel like you’re 5? No need to worry about that anymore; this style offers an edgy and more mature look. There is no excuse to be wearing plain black sandals any longer! All designers are coming out with this cutesy turned rock and roll aesthetic. Anything with a deep thread, or a platform is going to be all over the city streets for sure. This style sandel is such a good go to because you can wear them a million different ways. The strap across your toes and the strap around your ankle is comfortable and secure. If you’re someone always on the go, this secure fit is probably best. Run, dance, skip, and walk in these beauts without any worry.
Styled: Outdoor happy hour? Throw these on with your favorite pair of boyfriend fit ripped jeans, v-neck t-shirt, minimal accent jewelry to add a girly flair to a simple outfit. Oh I’m sorry did you say brunch? Dress them up with a long floral skirt, graphic tee, statement necklace and you’ll be more than city brunch worthy.
The Bows are Back in Town.
Expect to see bows on bows on bows when you look down. These cuties will add the perfect feminine touch to any outfit. Super easy to slide on and hit the ground running. Well maybe not running… but definitely perfect for a day strolling around Central Park. This style is so soft and versatile. I personally feel that as soon as you put bows on sandals you instantly become a princess. The best part is there’s no bow too big or small this season. Go on with ya big bow self!
Styled: Love these dainty bow flats, over-sized t-shirt dress, low messy knot for hair, ear cuffs and call it a FIT. I mean that’s only if you’re looking to slide something on quick to run out and still look like a queen. If you’re actually looking to have a day in this style sandal, I’d suggest grabbing your go to Bermuda style cut off denim, white milkmaid style top, gold chain for good measure, oval ray bans and obviously hooped earnings. Fly my butterfly, you are instantly gleaming.
How could I do a sandal post without a tie up sandal?
This style is literally everywhere. If you’re someone who loves to stay on top of the trends, YOU NEED A PAIR OF THESE. Square toes and dainty straps are everything. Into kitten heels? There’s a tie up sandal for that. Love keeping it low? Tie up sandals for that. Need espadrilles in everything? TIE UP SANDALS FOR THAT. You are for sure going to find this look for your taste.This style adds flair to a casual outfit and can spark up the heat for a sexier night look. Mostly you are going to see tie ups in the standard white or black but it doesn’t stop there. Expect metallics as well for the early fall. A good tie up sandal can literally make an outfit.
Styled: Lunch around Chelsea Piers with your main squeeze? Throw these tie ups on with an oversized midi dress, woven basket bag, drop earrings, layered necklace and beach waves. Heading out for the night? Squeeze into those tight ripped jeans, add a large buckle belt, a silky lace slip tank, beaded clutch, gold hoops, layered choker and a sleek low bun for the ultimate smoke show look. I’m telling you, you can not go wrong with any style of tie up sandals. WARNING: These sandals may turn you into a slaying machine.
This last one might shock you as much as it shocked me.
I literally spit out my coffee when I realized Gladiators are back in style. I really thought this style died, but here we are. This time around – the gladiator is not necessarily knee-high, or over top. It has more of a boho feel as opposed to the previous hardcore Spartan vibe. If you hated the previous Gladiator style I encourage you to try this one out. This is a much more dainty and homespun style that can amplify your outfit.
Styled: Running out to the pub on the corner? Throw on some denim cut offs, white v-neck tee, neutral jacket, gold hoops, gold layered choker and your favorite cross-body.
There’s nothing wrong with letting the tootsies see some light of fall, weather permitting. Take advantage of the warmth we have left! Don’t let the seasons determine your style, you tell the seasons what’s in style.
Hope you’re inspired to take a new look at your closet!!
Thanks for reading!!
