With summer finally upon us, we’ve taken careful consideration to identify the hardest working pieces in our wardrobe, that we can reliably call upon for the next few months. We’ve hunted down trending dress styles, explored the latest sophisticated take on shorts, and now it’s time to look at the footwear. After a primary scan through the current sandal offerings, it’s clear that the standout shoes of summer all have a very ’90s influence. As the sun’s just come out, let’s get straight into it.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Christy Turlington wears strappy sandals on the Calvin Klein runway, 1992.
Having grown up in the ’90s there are plenty of trends that I’m glad to see didn’t make it out of the decade. Some, however, are simply too special to let go of. Of these ’90s trends that continue to circulate, some return like clockwork every few years—like the micro statures of skirts and handbags, whilst others have only just re-emerged, like the controversial pedal pusher trend.
After the playful prints of the ‘70s, and the bold silhouettes of the ’80s, the following decade is often remembered for logomania, disc belts and swathes of body glitter. And whilst many of us may remember it that way, there was also a more discreet fashion revolution in the works at the same time. For the first time we saw fashion quietening, as minimalism in its first form came to prominence, heralded by designers like Calvin Klein, Jil Sander and Prada. This summer, ’90s refinement is back on the up, and it’s culminated in the following 5 sleek sandals trends that are destined to reign this summer.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston wears flip flop sandals, 1998.
Amongst the background noise of overalls and tie-dye, designers began to dedicate their time to pared-back designs, and the understated aesthetic has only grown in popularity. For 2024, we’re taking influence from iconic sandal styles that punctuated the ‘90s, but with a contemporary refinement to suit the current season. Think platform flip-flop sandals now with a sleek think sole, knee-high lace-up sandals now finish around mid-ankle and the cage jelly shoes we squeaked around in now come in refined leather in the form of the fisherman sandals. To make tapping into the ’90s style trend even easier, I’ve curated a concise edit of styles from investment pieces to high-street heroes to know about this summer.
Keep scrolling to explore the ’90s sandals that are already trending for summer 2024.
1. Flip Flop Sandals
SHOP FLIP FLOP SANDALS:
The Row
Ginza Sandal in Leather
The Row’s Ginza sandal have become an icon of the brand.
Toteme
The Flip-Flop Flat Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops
Minimalists, rejoice! This is a pair you’ll treasure forever.
It’s hard to believe this pair is from the high street.
New Look
Tan Leather-Look Chunky Toepost Sandals
The black and brown combination is surprisingly elegant.
2. Lace-Up Sandals
SHOP LACE-UP SANDALS:
Amanu
The Serengeti Leather Sandals
Pair with everything from wide-leg linen trousers to mini dresses.
A.EMERY
Shel Lace-Up Leather Thong Sandals
A.Emery is beloved by fashion people.
Aeyde
Penny Suede Sandals
The suede adds a pop of contrast to your looks.
Charles & Keith
Strappy Knotted Tie-Around Sandals
A pair that will withstand the moving trends.
3. Fisherman
SHOP FISHERMAN SANDALS:
The Row
Fisherman Leather Sandals
The pebbled leather is such a nice touch.
M&S Collection
Wide Fit Leather Strappy Sandals
These also come in classic black.
River Island
Brown Woven Gladiator Flat Sandals
The mix of smooth leather and woven straps is so good.
Oliver Bonas
Fisherman Black Strappy Leather Sandals
Comfortable, chic and sure to see you through this summer and the next.
4. T-Bar Sandals
SHOP T-BAR SANDALS:
John Lewis
Anyday Landed Leather Toe Post Footbed Sandals
Sometimes simple can be seriously effective.
AEYDE
Nala Leather Sandals
Aeyde knows all about brilliant footwear.
SAINT LAURENT
Cassandra Logo Leather Thong Sandals
Add a luxury spin to your summer sandals.
Mint Velvet
Gold Leather Whipstitch T-Bar Sandals
Imagine this metallic pair with a floaty white summer dress.
5. Strappy Sandals
SHOP STRAPPY SANDALS:
Hush
Thea Minimal Footbed Sandal
This pair is top of my wish list.
Reformation
Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal
Reformation always gets it right.
Jeffrey Campbell
Tan Lines Strappy Sandals
The square toe adds a contemporary edge.
Sézane
Amelia Low Sandals
This pair comes french-girl approved.
