1.Dress Sandals
Okay first up on our list: dress sandals. With spring and summer being the de facto season for formal events, like proms, weddings, galas, etc., having a good pair of dress sandals you can break out in a pinch is an absolute necessity in any shoe rotation.
Now there are a lot of "dressy" sandals that you could probably get away with wearing to some of these events, but what we're going to be focusing on are the ones that you can wear to the absolute fanciest of occasions: heeled sandals.
Now don't be fooled – you might see these and think "oh well those are just heels" (and to be honest, that appearance is part of the reason why they're great for formal events), but in truth they're classified as sandals because of the design and the way they fit your foot. Basically, they take that elegance you would get from a great pair of heels and combine it with the comfortability and breathability of a sandal.
When shopping for heeled dress sandals there are primarily three different types you're going to be looking for. One of your options is the strappy dress sandals, which feature additional straps running across the top of your foot giving them a slightly more upscale look (AND giving you a more secure fit). Then, similarly, we have the ankle strap sandals that are characterized by you guessed it, a strap that goes around your ankle. Then rounding out your options are the block heel dress sandals. Like the name suggests, these feature a bigger block heel on the back on them giving you a little more stability than a traditional heel would – making them ideal for those events where you're too sure what the terrain will be like.
购买高跟正装凉鞋时,主要有三种类型可供选择.其中一种选择是系带正装凉鞋,这种凉鞋的特点是额外的绑带穿过脚背,看起来更高档一些(而且穿起来更稳固).然后,同样地,我们还有踝带凉鞋,其特点是你猜对了,绑带绕过脚踝.最后一种选择是粗跟正装凉鞋.顾名思义,这种凉鞋后跟较大,比传统高跟鞋更稳定,非常适合那些你对地形非常了解的活动.
2. Flat Sandals
Next up on our list of sandal must-haves: flat sandals. Now this is by far the largest category of sandal out there and is what we'd classify some of our absolute favorite sandal styles, like gladiator sandals, lace-up sandals, t-strap sandals, flip-flops, and slides, under. And that's not mentioning the fact that there are both casual AND dress sandals (yes, you're right, we did just go over these – consider this a bonus part two) that fall under this massive umbrella. So, let's take it step-by-step.
For starters, let's break down this casual vs. dress discussion. Most of the styles that fall under this sandal category are causal. They're great for running errands, looking cute at brunch, going to or from the gym, or just lounging around the house. But there are some, particularly the gladiator and lace-up sandals, that have fine details and finishes (think gems or raffia) that give them a more elevated look, making them great, comfortable options to wear to a wedding or formal dance. So yes, if you're looking for dress sandals and aren't into heeled sandals give a nice pair of flats a try – they still can give you that elegance you're looking for, just without the extra lift you'd get from a heeled pair.
With that out of the way, let's look at some of your actual style options. If you're looking for something with a little extra something-something we recommend gladiator sandals or lace-up sandals. They take the comfort you'd expect from a pair of flats and add lacing the runs farther up your leg, giving it a more refine and sophisticated look that you could wear to any number of events, from something as casual to a girl's shopping trip to a formal wedding.
Next-up we have the flip-flops (AKA thongs). In your head you probably immediately picture the shoes you would wear to the pool as a kid, there's actually a whole world of styles to explore. Basically you're looking at two different basic styles: the Y-strap, which is your classic flip-flop style with one strap coming back in a Y-shape over your foot, or the T-strap, which is also a single strap but instead of hugging your foot with a Y-shape it comes straight back then immediately straight-lines off to either side (making a T-shape on your foot). T-straps tend to be a little dressier in nature, whereas Y-straps are typically thought of as more casual. Worth noting though is that there ARE dressy flipflops options, and that flip-flops are pretty gender-neutral and are available in women's, men's, and kids' styles and sizes.
Rounding out the flat sandals category are slide sandals. When you hear the word "slides" most people immediately think of women's, men's or kids' athletic slides, the super casual style you'd typically use as your day-to-day footwear during warm weather months. But believe it or not, there are dressier women's versions available that are appropriate for more upscale events and activities.
Ultimately, whether you're looking for a casual style to wear around town or something a little more elevate to wear to nicer events, chances are you'll be able to find a pair of flat sandals in any number of styles that will fit the bill.
3. Wedges & Espadrilles
We're keeping things going as we move onto our next category: wedges & espadrilles.
First things first, let's breakdown what the differences are between these two. Remember back from your school days how all squares are a rectangle, but not all rectangles are a square? That's what's going on here – all espadrilles are wedges, but not all wedges are espadrilles. For a wedge to be considered an espadrille it needs to have a heel made from esparto rope (hence where we get the name from). If it doesn't have that it just falls into the category of plain-old wedge.
But let us be the first to tell you: there is NOTHING plain about wedges. Outside of espadrilles, you also have wedges that can be made from New Natural materials (think woven materials, raffia, or even canvas finishes), as well as any number of fun materials and finishes. If you're looking for a sandal you can really express your personality with, look for a wedged sandal.
Style wise, the big thing you're getting from a wedge sandal is elevated (literally) comfort. Height is ALWAYS in, regardless of the shoe type you're looking for, and thanks to the thick sole featuring a gentle slope, wedges are a lot more comfortable than most of your traditional heel styles. Combine that with the fact that you have a plethora of options when it comes to style, finish, and material and you're looking at a sandal you can wear to almost anything.
4. Platform (& Sporty Chic) Sandals
Time to kick things up a notch as we move into our next category (and it's a two-for-one): Platform and sport-chic sandals.
As the name suggests, platform sandals feature an elevated, flat sole that give you "I'm wearing flats!" level comfort with the height you'd expect from a pair of heeled, wedged, or espadrille sandals. If we're talking trends, platforms have been on the up's (yes, another heigh joke) that last few years, and have no signs of slowing down any time soon. This spring, one of the big trends we're seeing in platforms in the sporty sole, which is basically half-sneaker, half whatever (in this case, sandals). What the trend is truly about is taking your favorite, non-sneaker shoes and giving it a sneaker sole, so you're getting the extra traction, durability, and comfort you'd get from a traditional sneaker.
For sporty chic sandals, think sandals like Birkenstock. These are your classic, comfortable, stylish sandals that are designed to be worn any and everywhere all day long. Design-wise they'd typically fall into the flats category, but because of their design they have a sportier feel to them.
Both styles are incredibly popular this season, so whether you choose a trendy pair of platform sandals or a comfy pair of sporty chic sandals you can't go wrong.
