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Guide to the Best Iconic Sandals: Summer Must-Have

From gladiator sandals to stylish yet comfortable Birkenstocks, from classic jeweled sandals for ceremonies and important occasions to the practical chic of rope platform wedges, these must-have models define every summer with glamorous and stylish looks.

The arrival of warm weather is always a time for renewal, making it the perfect opportunity to refresh our summer wardrobe with printed dresses and new shoes, especially the best classic sandals that never go out of style. The first warm sunshine encourages us to dress lighter, embracing that sense of ease that summer always brings. That’s why summer sandals become the highlight of our daily outfits, combining a love for fashion trends with the comfort and elegance of summer attire. Sporty look enthusiasts will surely stick with the practicality of trainers, while fashion addicts will still find heels to be the stars of any outfit. Yet, the variety of sandals offered by this season’s fashion trends always brings us back to iconic styles that never fade.

Comfortable yet stylish Birkenstock sandals, for example, are at the forefront of current trends, blending comfort with a stylish outfit. Don’t forget the classic jeweled sandals, perfect for a night out with friends or a formal event, adding that touch of sparkle that always makes a difference. Gladiator sandals, known for their iconic status, remain a staple, especially in their flat, leather versions, adding a boho-chic touch. The latest summer trends have revealed platform sandals, also known as wedge sandals, which have quickly become iconic for their versatility and originality. These are fantastic when paired with flowing maxi dresses, caftans, denim dresses, or beach outfits.

Gladiator Sandals: High or Low?

Gucci Silver & Gold Leather Strappy Sandals

Some call them “strappy sandals,” but most call them “gladiator sandals,” however we all agree on their undeniable charm. These sandals, featuring long laces that wrap up the leg beyond the ankle, draw inspiration from the footwear of ancient Roman warriors. This timeless style has been embraced by celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, and Blake Lively, who showcase their versatility with various outfits. Contemporary trends have paid homage to this classic with a variety of styles and colors, offering a perfect mix of elegance and sensuality for any look. Whether flat or with high heels, black or gold, these sandals are a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of effortless sensuality and boldness to their style. Finding the coolest pairing has never been easier.

Low Gladiator Sandals: Comfort and Style

For fans of flat sandals, a pair of low gladiator sandals is a wardrobe staple. Perfect for those who love to combine comfort and style, these flat models are ideal for daily wear, providing the freedom of movement that is increasingly hard to give up. Whether for long city walks or a boho-chic party, low gladiator sandals with ankle laces add a bold detail that can elevate even the simplest outfits. Simple leather designs in black or white from brands like Toteme, or embellished with pearl details like Magda Butrym’s styles, a pair of gladiator sandals brings a daring touch to your wardrobe. Pair them with denim shorts and a light shirt, a short dress to accentuate the leg, or a caftan for celebrating the summer season on the beach.

High Gladiator Sandals: Absolute Sensuality

As the season of sophisticated dress codes and exclusive parties approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a refined and cool outfit. High-heeled gladiator sandals are always the perfect choice, contributing to a sophisticated and trendy look. Fashion highlights include René Caovilla’s designs in gold, red satin, or floral tones, Ferragamo’s strappy leather sandals with gold heels, vibrant colored high sandals from The Attico, and Magda Butrym’s floral details that gracefully accompany the laces up the leg. The elegant high heel adds refinement and elongates the figure, while the long, wrap-around laces infuse character and originality. Pairing high gladiator sandals with a flowing long dress, perhaps with lace or silk details, is always a great idea.

Jeweled Sandals: A Ceremony Favorite

Flat patent leather Gucci sandals with jewel logo detail

Be it ethno-chic or crystal-embellished, jeweled sandals are at the top of our list for ceremonies and important events. Every summer, they continue to grace the runways of luxury designers, solidifying their status as an essential choice for trendy summer outfits. Sparkling stones, Swarovski crystals, and dazzling details add a touch of brilliance and personality to even the simplest looks. Think of René Caovilla’s high-heeled jeweled sandals, adorned with crystals and pearls, fastened at the ankle or styled as gladiators. Mach & Mach’s satin mules, classic in shape but decorated with their signature crystal-encrusted bow and mirrored leather upper, are equally striking. Imagine pairing them with a sophisticated one-shoulder dress in a solid color for guaranteed glamor.

Jeweled sandals have become a must-have, making their debut each summer in high-fashion collections from brands like Aquazzura, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Amina Muaddi, celebrating femininity with a new shine. Aquazzura presents jeweled sandals for ceremonies with micro-crystals and pearls paired with metallic or PVC uppers, enhancing their brilliance—perfect for weddings and formal events where understated luxury is essential. Gucci reinterprets the classics with black models featuring a touch of sparkle or silver ones adorned with precious stones, ideal for pairing with midi skirts and blouses for a casual chic look. Those who prioritize comfort will appreciate Dolce & Gabbana’s low-heeled jeweled sandals, featuring bright colors and shiny stones, perfect for an evening in the city when paired with a sparkling mini dress or a formal suit. Amina Muaddi, on the other hand, focuses on sculptural heels and elaborate decorations, offering sandals that are true works of art. Also noteworthy are jeweled thong sandals, with their comfortable and discreet style, adding a touch of luxury to the most casual outfits on the hottest days.

Birkenstock Sandals: When Comfort Becomes Fashion

Arizona pink suede leather Birkenstock sandals

It’s impossible not to know and love Birkenstock shoes, which this year have climbed to the top of the fashion charts with their undeniable comfort. Known as “comfortable yet stylish sandals,” they are among the most versatile and trendy footwear in recent trends. The popularity of Boston sandals, often worn with visible cotton socks, paired with long skirts or cropped jeans during the mid-seasons, hasn’t gone unnoticed. This story began in 1973 with the creation of a unisex sandal designed for extreme comfort, thanks to its flexible footbed and cork sole. Not surprisingly, the classic Arizona model was initially sold only in natural food stores, as the perfect shoe for adding lightness and comfort to daily life.

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs was the first to highlight their appeal, featuring Arizona sandals in the spring/summer 1993 Perry Ellis collection, paired with grunge and rock outfits. The Arizona returned to the runway in 2012 in Céline’s collection, affirming a trend that has continued to grow, leading to collaborations with top designers. The Birkenstock 1774 collection, for example, saw the classic Arizona reimagined by designers like Manolo Blahnik, Jil Sander, and Proenza Schouler.

This increasingly cool trend is accompanied by a wide range of models and colors, from silver Birkenstock sandals to traditional brown ones, and from vibrant hues like fuchsia, orange, and sky blue to more traditional shades for Boston models, ensuring a style for every preference. Perfectly paired with ripped jeans or a boho-chic summer dress, they are ideal for those who love to stand out with style and personality. Don’t overlook the Birkenstock platform sandals, which add a little bit of height without sacrificing practicality. Regardless of which Birkenstock model best suits your look, the key feature remains its iconic footbed design, mimicking the natural imprint of the foot in sand. This design ensures comfort and flexibility during long hours of standing or walking without any stress.

Discover Must-Have Birkenstock Sandals of the Summer

Wedge Sandals: The Platforms of the Summer Season

Gucci rafia strappy wedges with cristal logo detail

High heels, yes, but without sacrificing the comfort, look no further than a pair of wedge or platform sandals. Among the many models taking the fashion world by storm, rope platform wedges are definitely at the top of this summer’s trend list. For those who can’t give up heels, these fashion-forward sandals offer a perfect solution, providing extra height without compromising on practicality. Combining style and comfort has never been easier, as these sandals offer added height while ensuring comfort, making them ideal for long days out or summer evenings with friends.

Among the most popular models are black wedge sandals, which are particularly versatile for creating both casual and more elegant outfits. Perfect with skinny jeans or a short dress, as well as knee-length shorts and long solid-color shirts, wedge sandals from Saint Laurent or platforms from Christian Louboutin are a go-to for any outfit, thanks to their simplicity and sophistication. Dolce & Gabbana brings a romantic flair to summer with maxi platform sandals in floral prints and vivid colors like yellow, fuchsia, orange, and multicolour, beautifully paired with long beach dresses and daytime outfits.

There is no shortage of choices when it comes to sandals, and whatever your style or occasion, a pair of wedge sandals is the right accessory to make a difference.

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