Spring ushers in a change in dress code for formal and casual occasions alike, and on days when it gets really warm, who doesn’t welcome the chance to swap out their closed-toe shoes for a pair of sandals. But before you try to rock a pair of flipflops for your next dinner date, take a moment to consider whether you’re making an appropriate style choice.
Sandals can be fashionable and even formal if they’re done right. But there’s a right way and a wrong way. Here are a few helpful tips for both men and women when it comes to open-air footwear this spring.
Men
Take better care of your feet. This tip is directed at all the men out there because (and this is generalizing, but go with it) women tend to be better about foot care. Be diligent about washing your feet and treating any toenail fungus or athlete’s foot. Moisturize your feet and keep your toenails short. And consider a pedicure. You might think a pedicure is something only women do, but there’s nothing unmasculine about good hygiene.
Invest in a good pair, made with high-quality materials. Cheap rubber flipflops work for the beach or the pool, but if you’re going anywhere else, you should have a nicer pair of sandals. They don’t have to be designer brand, but they should be made from a high-quality material like leather, and they should have the arch support your feet need when you’re wearing them for an extended period of time.
Don’t wear them to the office. Even if you have the most stylish pair of sandals on the market, there are some atmospheres where men can’t pull off sandals, namely any professional or formal environment. It might seem unfair that dress codes tend to be laxer about women in open-toe footwear, but you’ll look more put-together in a pair of boat shoes.
Don’t be afraid to wear them with long pants. Sure, most of the time when you’re wearing sandals, you’ll be in shorts. But if you’re feeling daring, a pair of jeans or chinos will look great with a pair of nice sandals. Just be sure to cuff your trousers so your hem doesn’t drag.
Socks with sandals are becoming more acceptable. It’s a risky move and not one that everyone will like, but wearing socks with sandals is a bold look that you can pull off if you do it confidently. Find a pair of knit socks with bright patterns that give your outfit a pop, and wear them with a pair of slides like Birkenstocks rather than sandals with a toe thong.
Women
Go stiletto for formal occasions. The thin-strapped, stiletto-heeled sandals of the ’90s saw a resurgence in 2019, and why shouldn’t it? This was a way of making open-toe shoes look dressy, and they worked equally well for a night on the town or a day at the office. Be careful, however—you won’t want to wear stiletto sandals at a place where you’ll be walking on grass, such as an outdoor wedding. They’ll sink into the dirt when you try to walk on them. On that note…
Go for flat sandals when it’s practical. Make them work in your favor by balancing them out with an ultra-feminine outfit like a sundress. Flat sandals are ideal for when you’re depending on your mobility, such as if you’re walking around at the boardwalk on vacation.
Don’t be afraid of wearing black. Black isn’t usually your go-to color for spring or summer, but because sandals are open and airy, you can get away with wearing them in the darkest of colors. It will even add a little bit of formality for special occasions.
Accessorize with tights. Just as men can get away with wearing socks with sandals, you too don’t need to be completely barelegged on days when the temperature might still be a little cool. Don’t be afraid to wear a brightly colored pair of tights with sandals. If the rest of your outfit is already bold, opt for darker tights instead.
Wear sunscreen with gladiator sandals. Yes, this tip is more specific than the others, but if you’re planning to wear gladiator sandals during a long day out in the sun, you’ll appreciate this advice: Lather on the sunblock, and re-apply frequently. You don’t want those weird tan lines! Additionally, if you’re wearing gladiator sandals, make sure you aren’t wearing anything too long—your shorts or skirt should end at your upper thigh. Otherwise, your hemline will come too close to the top of your sandals.
