Summer is all about showing off a little bit of skin, whether it’s a recently bronzed shoulder or pedicured toes. Outfitting your feet in the season’s most breathable staple, sandals, is practically a given. The ultimate in easy footwear, sandals are constantly being reinvented—the only true constants of the form are comfort and casualness.

In recent years, gladiator sandals have gained in popularity, thanks to eye-catching metallic and horizontal stripes that complement anything from skinny jeans to summer festival shorts. Yet, the ever-present classic strappy thong sandal whether in its basic, minimalist form or dressed up with beads is always a great summer look. Classic wedges keep women’s legs looking long and lean while still providing solid support. Don a pair of peep-toed wedges and instantly turn a summer day dress into an ensemble worthy of a nighttime soiree.

Ankle sandals, characterized by a wide ankle strap and open toes, add a bit of edge to outfits and work best with skirts or shorts—both of which show off the leather covering the ankles. And of course, this wouldn’t be a style profile of sandals without mentioning espadrilles, the quintessential summer shoe. Traditionally defined by a flat sole fashioned from jute or rope and a soft, breathable cotton upper, espadrilles have seen new incarnations as designers have experimented with open toe, wedge, and ankle-tied styles. They scream summer, guaranteeing that you’ll see them waltz across the boardwalk, pound the pavement around local tourist sites, and click clack atop rooftop BBQs and parties.

Categories: Fashion 101