If you haven’t already, it’s time to put your boots into hibernation until next fall and dust off your sandals for warmer temps! We love transitioning into a new season because it feels like you have a whole new wardrobe to choose from: throw out the sweater for a sleeveless chambray top, a pair of wool pants for cutoff shorts, a skirt and top for a long maxi dress and, of course, boots for open-toed sandals. There are some great trends carrying over from last year, and a few new ones you definitely want to hop on the bandwagon for.
Living in the South (where the majority of the year is sunny and beautiful), sandals get a lot of wear, so if you splurge on a pair or two, you’re sure to get your money’s worth. On top of that, find a versatile pair of sandals that can be dressed up or down, and you’ll get even more bang for your buck. Here are this year’s hottest sandal trends and where you can find them locally:
FLATFORMS
When a flat sole meets a platform? Voila! A flatform! This look provides the perfect marriage of comfort and style.
Piampiani, new at Gus Mayer, is an edgy shoe line at a great price point. The soft leather and elastic provide a comfortable fit on the top of your foot, while the rubber sole is easy to walk on. And the sawtooth sole design gives it that extra flare to really make you stand out! From Gus Mayer: Piampiani, $145
This feminine slingback sandal has a minimal upper and ankle strap that is flattering on practically every woman! From Theadora Abbeyluxe: Antelope, $187
Lighten it up with a gray, soft leather crisscross slingback. From Gus Mayer: Janet Sport, $230
Here’s a great sandal that can take you from the ball field to the grocery store to lunch with girlfriends. You can find this and more than 30 other colors and styles of Antelope shoes at The Pants Store, $179.99
BLOCK HEELS
Channel the ’70s with the block heel, which is a big look this year. Ranging in height from just two inches to nearly half a foot, the block heel can give your outfit both height and a boho-chic vibe.
A not-so-neutral neutral shoe, this block heel features fabulous cutouts. Yes please! From Shoefly: Ibiza, $165
A heel that can take you from day to night, this block heel is available in either nude patent leather or tan suede. From Theadora Abbeyluxe: Sacha London Ewise, $149
Comfort and style intersect with this gold strappy number! From Theadora Abbeyluxe: Sacha London Carrie, $145
WEDGES
Who doesn’t love a good wedge? Some of the most versatile shoes around, every girl needs at least one pair in her closet. Wedges add inches and an elongated appearance … always a good thing when you’d like to look leaner. They’re also great if you want to show off your legs … flattering shoes indeed!
If you really want to splurge, this is the shoe for you! Stuart Weitzman sure knows what he’s doing when it comes to shoes … just look at this beauty! From Gus Mayer: Stuart Weitzman Glover, $398
This nude wedge goes with just about everything, and at this price point, you can’t beat it. From The Pants Store: Sbicca, $79.99
Between the bluish gray suede and the strap design, this wedge is a stunner! From Shoefly: Pella Moda, $165
If you’re going to buy just one new pair of sandals this season, this is the one! Comfort, manageable height, multiple color options and a great price! From The Pants Store: OTBT, $125
FLATS
Sometimes a girl wants nothing more than to walk barefoot. Well, since walking barefoot in public is not the greatest idea, a flat sandal is the next best thing and can style up just about any outfit.
Snakeskin or black? Your choice, but you better move fast! This sandal is going to move! From Monkee’s: Isola, $88
Our jaws dropped when we saw this sandal. Love it! The detail around the heel takes it from ordinary to extraordinary! From Shoefly: Dolce Vita, $150
The gladiator sandal isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to add a pair to your closet. From The Pants Store: Sam Edelman Eavan, $109.99 (available in black or tan)
Heading to the beach? Grab a pair of these jellies on your way out of town and take your beach look up a notch. From Monkee’s: Dizzy, $34
FRINGE
Fringe has carried over from last season and is EVERYWHERE this spring—on jackets, handbags and yes, even shoes. Don’t be caught without it … make a statement with one of these fringe-tastic options! (note this one color with fringe is HUGE)
A great transition shoe: it’s half bootie, half sandal. And with a block heel and fringe, it has all the right components to stop people in their tracks wishing they had a pair. From Shoefly: Very Volatile, $74
If you’re willing to spend a little more on the trend, Joe’s is pushing the envelope with these beauties. From Shoefly: Joe’s, $179
For more of a splurge, pine over pair, how about the Alex heel in Dune, available at Calypso St. Barth for $495
COLORS & PATTERNS
One thing’s for sure, there is no shortage of neutral sandals to choose from. But there’s good reason for that: neutral sandals go with everything. So if you’ve been saving some extra cash and want to splurge on something you’ll get a lot of wear out of, a neutral (black, brown, nude, camel, etc.) is a great option. However, that doesn’t mean you should rule out colors and prints completely. You want to make a shoe statement, right?!
At SB, we like to think of shoes as an accessory, one which you can use to really jazz up a plain look. Look at these great options below and envision them with something as simple as jeans and a white tee … you’ll take your casual look to the next level with snakeskin or bright hues!
These snakeskin wedges are a show stopper, ladies! The placement of the leather is really flattering on your foot, plus there’s an ankle strap, which will make your ankles look smaller (and who doesn’t want that?!). From Theadora Abbeyluxe: Sheridan Mia Zona, $198
If you read fashion mags or are a SB regular, you’ll know that royal blue is all the rage right now. Follow this trend for a low price—it’s totally worth it! From Shoefly: Madden Girl, $59
For decades, Donald Pliner has led the way in shoe design. Here’s a style that just keeps getting better with age. Meet Fifi. This sandal is available in multiple animal prints and colors. From Gus Mayer: Donald J. Pliner Fifi, $198
Does this sandal not just scream summer? Between the white platform sole and the orange leather straps, it makes us want to be in the summer sun! From Theadora Abbeyluxe: Sheridan Mia Zig, $154
Merlot. What we all used to know only as a wine is now the “it” color of 2015. This wedge is gorgeous, not only in color, but in the detail of the materials used—suede upper and snake-wrapped wedge. From Shoefly: Ibiza, $150 (also available in a greenish gray)
BIRKENSTOCKS
We hope you held on to your Birkenstocks from a decade ago, because Birks are back, baby! They are offered in an array of colors (including metallics), and you might just find yourself wanting more than just one pair.
Multiple styles and colors are available, but this is one of our favorites. Plus it’s incredibly comfortable! From Gus Mayer: Birkenstock Gizeh, $95
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