Summer Sandals

As weather heats up, the last thing any of us wants to wear are boots, pumps, or much anything that covers our toes. Flipflops are fine for the weekend, but for anything dressier than doing laundry you should reach for something classier. Thankfully there is a range of sandal options on the market this season, from cute fringed flats to the highest platform. Below are the top five sandal trends of the season, so you never have an excuse to be caught at the bar in your shower shoes.

The Flat Fringed Sandal

The Strappy Gladiator
As the bohemian look continues, so does fringe. Fringe is even stronger this season than it was when it made its way back onto the style radar in Spring 2008. While it’s been showing up everywhere from bags to jewelry, the strongest and most popular statement is still the fringed sandal. Balmain’s brown suede flat sandals with ankle fringe successfully blends the bohemian and gladiator trends (see below) making them and their lots of knockoffs a must have for Spring 2009.

The gladiator sandal is another trend that has moved from Spring 2008 in to the current year. Whether it’s studded, knee high, or an in your face metallic, the five thing that makes a gladiator is the multitude of straps that criss cross the feet and wrap around the ankle. The most flattering color for gladiators is a nude tone, as the ankle straps can tend to cut off the ankles and shorten the line of the leg.

The Sky High Platform
No miniskirt or wide leg pant is complete this spring without a platform sandal. The newest platform is the platform sandal, and the higher the better. Whatever you do, stay away from the clear plastic and stay with luxury fabrics like leather and snakeskin so that the overall look steers clear of the Playboy feel. Work the gladiator look in to the platform with a multitude of straps and studs to add visual interest.

BCBG’s cream platforms have a flattering T-strap as well as a medium-height platform in the front of the shoe to keep it comfortable while reaching an enviably tall height. If you wear a skirt with a platform sandal make sure it’s not too short or you run the risk of looking more trashy than trendy.

Don’t think you have to say goodbye to looking lovely when you put your boots away in the closet for the summer. Stick to the above sandal trends and you’ll always be able to put your best foot forward.