While it’s fun to show off a new pedicure, wearing sandals at work sometimes doesn’t… work. This season, trends are moving away from frumpy flip flops and towering platform sandals. Here are some sandal styles that are almost boardroom appropriate.
Peep-toe
While they might not be a full sandal, if you work in finance, you likely can’t get away with showing too much toe cleavage. A peep toe gives you more room to breathe in hot weather. This shoe by Nine West is the perfect balance between showing skin, but not too much, plus the coloured stripes are cute.
Low-wedge sandal
If your workplace is ultra-conservative, a low wedge style is demure but still playful enough to be worn with a crochet skirt on a weekend. Look for styles with simple designs and neutral colours to offset all the skin you’re showing. The Lilian Patent Low Wedge from J. Crew is classic and minimalist. It wouldn’t work with a suit, but would look great with a floral dress or chiffon skirt.
Little Black Sandal
Think of this pair as a summer version of a classic black court shoe. Ankle straps are one of this season’s top sandal trends, and add polish to a pair of short pants. Look for a thick block heel which is comfier than a stiletto if you’re on your feet all day. The key to pulling off ankle straps in the workplace is making sure the heel isn’t too high and your pants or skirt ends at a good spot so you don’t chop off the length of your legs. This ankle strap sandal from Zara is modern and the perfect balance between sexy and simple.
Flats
Like ballerina flats for the rest of the year, flat sandals can also be work appropriate. The key is to avoid flip flop styles and anything with too many straps, so you’re not mistaken for a gladiator. Keep the style simple, but you can get away with mixing colour and materials. This pair from Zara has elegant t-straps and a gorgeous studded detail around the heel.
Metal Accents
The top trend for sandals (besides lucite, which is out of the question in any office), are metal accents. Metallics might not work in the workplace, but a sliver of silver or gold along a strap adds a luxurious touch to a simple sandal, and even makes thong style look more polished like the Archer style from Dolce Vita.
The key to wearing sandals in the workplace is to not wear styles that have too much print and straps or too high a heel. Like a classic pair of pumps, simple styles work best if your office is conservative, but if you work in a creative field, you can incorporate more textures and trendy details into your summer footwear.
image from lookbook.nu
