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These Sandals Will Age You

April 6, 2023 By: Nada Manley2 Comments

It’s sandal season. Well, it’s technically sandal season all year round in Florida, but it hits different in the springtime. Spring clothes just seem designed for pretty strappy sandals of all kinds. Except the frumpy ones. And that’s what this video is about.

But first, let me get something out of the way.

No matter your size, comfort, or fit requirements, there is a cute sandal out there for you.

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Not all cute sandals are:

  • High
  • Uncomfortable
  • Impractical

We deserve to have it all. So if some of the sandals on this list don’t work for you, keep looking. There’s bound to be something here that suits your feet and your style.

Most women would benefit from at least 2 sandals for warm weather: A metallic and a medium neutral, like brown (the most versatile) or gray (best for those with cool coloring).

The Mule

While not exactly a sandal, many of these do show off either a cute pedicure or the back of the foot, and since they’re a go-to for me, I couldn’t leave them off the list.

But as with all of these categories, there are good mules and bad mules. Let’s start with the good ones.

The Good

What makes these so stylish> They are sleek, modern, and not fussy. The details that they do have are modern and trendy. They are also versatile enough to be dressed up or down.

Swan Mule (Women) BIRDIES $75.00 – $165
The Evie Mule (Women) KATY PERRY $79
Visa 4 Pointed Toe Mule (Women) SARTO BY FRANCO SARTO $130
Finland Pointed Toe Mule (Women) ZIGI $159.95
Yogi Square Toe Mule NINE WEST $95
Vice Metallic Mule (Women) SEYCHELLES $119

The Bad

And now for the not-so-good styles. These styles are not just frumpy, but some of the details limit them to casual wear, making them less versatile.

This shape, heel, and texture of these mules makes them dated.
The mottled finish and textured rubber sole make these unflattering. Uma Mule (Women) TROTTERS $79.95
These would be find without the mottled finish.

The Statement Sandal

This category is optional, of course, and something to try if they suit your personal style, but they are a fun way to add interest to a simple outfit. Maybe for you, a statement sandal is just a pop of color or an interesting heel shape. For this roundup, I focused on bold and (mostly) multicolored styles.

The Good

While these might not be for everyone, these sandals are modern, colorful, and a fab addition to simple spring outfits.

Amour Ankle Strap Sandal NATURALIZER $275
Kensington Sandal KURT GEIGER LONDON $140
Veronica Beard fletcher sandal
The Vivvian Sandal (Women) KATY PERRY $98
Crystal Statement Sandal (Women) JEFFREY CAMPBELL $169.95

The Bad

These clunky colorful sandals are just not cute and very unflattering to the foot.

The Comfort Sandal

Comfort can be cute! Or at least modern and trendy. 🙂 If you fear your comfort sandal style is dated, look for a more modern version from the same brand. Details to look for include rubber soles (simpler and sleeker is better), fewer straps, and simpler sleeker finishes.

The Good

These are modern and, for the most part, sleek and versatile. Birkenstocks, while not my personal fave, are trendy and a great choice for a modern comfort sandal.

These are a sleek and modern high quality pair of sandals. Go-To Flatform Slingback Sandal (Women) NISOLO $138
The espadrille detail elevates the comfort sandal. Neila Ankle Strap Platform Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $89.99
Birks are back and comfortable for most women.

The Bad

While there are worse options, there are also better ones. The first pair, with the elastic straps and awkward sole, is really dated and not flattering.

These are a classic comfort sandal, and not a flattering look, although much better in metallic than in black.
These are okay, and better than most, but still not the chicest option out there.
The thick black straps on these is not that flattering to the foot, although these are more modern than the metallic pair shown here.

The Braided Sandal

Woven, braided, and textured styles are trending, but as with every category, there are good and not-so-good versions.

The Good

Kingfisher Gladiator Sandal (Women) BEEK $320
Comet Woven Slipper Mule (Women) BAND OF THE FREE $79.00
Earth Herly Woven Ankle Strap Sandal
GEOX Eolie Woven Metallic Sandal

The Bad

These are both unflattering and out of style.

Meadow Slide Sandal (Women) EASY SPIRIT $48.30
Iwa Woven Leather Sandal (Women)
BØRN
$100

The Dress Sandal

These are a wardrobe staple, and are essential for weddings, holidays, and other special events.

The Good

The most versatile dress sandal is a neutral or metallic, with a slim or block heel.

Genny Rhinestone Sandal (Women) JEWEL BADGLEY MISCHKA $83.30
Thena Ankle Strap Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $62.50
Leather Ankle Strap Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $91
Vera Ankle Strap Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $120
Vera wedge sandal, Naturalizer
Even though this had a diagonal strap, which I usually don’t recommend, the rest of the details make it modern and chic. Pnina Tornai for Naturalizer Ahava Ankle Strap Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $250
Amour Ankle Strap Sandal NATURALIZER $275

The Bad

With their diagonal straps and dated details, these are sandals that will age you.

Taimi Slingback Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $69.99
Vanessa Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $99.95

The Flat Slide Sandals

Sport sandals should be for sports, not everyday wear, just like sports sneakers. For a more versatile flat slide, look for a sleeker pair in leather or even rubber.

The Good

These simple and elegant leather sandals can be worn with everything from dresses to activewear and always look cute.

Bay Cutout Slide Sandal (Women) SAM EDELMAN $120
Sugarbird Slide Sandal (Women) BEEK $230
Double T Sport Slide Sandal (Women) TORY BURCH $138.60 – $198.00
Interlocking G Cutout Slide Sandal (Women) GUCCI $660
Daphne Slide Sandal (Women) LOEFFLER RANDALL $250

The Bad

These styles are for casual wear only, and can look heavy on your feet. This is an example of a trendy style that is not flattering on nearly anyone.

The Flip Flop

These are a staple here in Florida, and there are both cute and not-so-cute versions of these.

The Good

A simple and sleek (ideally not platform) rubber flip flop or elegant leather thong sandal is your best choice here.

iQushion Flip Flop (Women) FITFLOP $32
Archies Arch Support Flip Flops $40
Platform Flip Flop (Women) TORY BURCH $103.60
True Colors Fallyn Crystal Embellished Sandal (Women) NATURALIZER $59.99
Perris Sandal (Women) DOLCE VITA $100

The Bad

The ubiquitous black platform rubber flip flop, a Florida staple, is just not cute, especially when dusted with crystals or sparkle. Neither is the basic comfort brand flip flop.

The Strappy Sandal

These styles are usually flat, and include gladiators, lace-up styles, etc.

The Good

Whether delicate styles with thin straps or more supportive and substantial pairs, these are all stylish picks.

Good strappy sandal. Ankle Strap Sandal (Women) MADEWELL $128.00Current Price $128
Gwen Sandal (Women) SAM EDELMAN $120
Aeyde Ella metallic sandal
Mirielle Flat Sandal (Women) SCHUTZ $98
Brenndie Sandal (Women) VINCE CAMUTO $99
Slingback Espadrille Sandal (Women) TORY BURCH $228

The Bad

These are not awful, but lack the style and flattery of the above pairs.

What did you think of my sandal roundup? And which of these styles would you consider updating? Let me know in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Nada Manley says

    April 10, 2023 at 9:58 am

    Thank you so much Emily!

  2. Emily says

    April 7, 2023 at 9:41 am

    Thank you so helpful!!!!

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