May 29, 2024
It will soon be that time of year again when breaking out the sandals doesn't seem like the craziest thing to do. But what's the best way to wear sandals? And how should they be styled?
We're particularly keen to focus our attention on gladiator sandals and the best way to wear them for a formal or informal occasion, they can certainly be a versatile choice of footwear.
Gladiator sandals are probably one of the more varied types of footwear out there, with many different styles and colours available. Some are flat with a toe post, others are heeled with decorative embellishments. The possibilities are endless when it comes to gladiator sandals… and when they're super comfy and keep your feet feeling fresh out in the hot sun, it would be foolish not to make them a summer wardrobe staple.
Here we're going to take a look at some of the best tips for styling gladiator sandals, including what to wear with them and the trends that are really hot this year.
It stands to reason that wearing gladiator sandals should be reserved for the summer months, but what occasions are best suited to wearing them and why?
You can dress up gladiator sandals as easily as you can dress them down.
If you have a pair of heeled gladiator sandals, they're perfect for adding a little bit of an edge to your party dress if traditional court shoes aren't your thing. They can also turn a simple pair of skinny jeans into something far more funky, ready for your night out.
Gladiator sandals are the ultimate summertime footwear for that laid back, bohemian look. A cute pair of flat, calf height sandals looks fabulous with a light and floaty summer dress. You could also try the combo with ankle length sandals if you prefer to show off those perfect sun-kissed legs.
If your plan is to wear them for a more formal event such as a wedding, never fear, you can definitely do that too. If it's a summer wedding and light colours are the theme of choice, you could either opt for a corresponding colour, or you could choose something a little more neutral such as tan or cream. If you're feeling daring, a heeled pair of gladiator sandals can certainly help you glam up your outfit, but just remember they're shoes that you'll need to wear all day...so think wisely about whether they're a practical option for you!
If you want to wear gladiator sandals for work, you might want to double check the dress code policy for your workplace first. If there's a chance of injury there might be restrictions on the type of shoes you can wear, especially those that have an open toe. If however, your workplace doesn't have any issues, gladiator sandals are great for when you want to look smart but you want to be comfortable too. A brightly coloured pair can be a great focal point for your outfit and ankle length sandals look great with a pencil skirt and tailored trousers too. As well as bright colours, metallics are all the rage this year too! A nice, sparkly pair definitely won't go unnoticed!
Well, we've already mentioned skinny jeans, dresses and pencil skirts but the possibilities are literally endless when it comes to gladiator sandals. One of our favourite looks for the summer, is mid-thigh length classic shorts, a Bardot top and a coordinating pair of ankle height gladiator sandals. A classic, yet fresh look that anyone can try.
Gladiator sandals really do become the focal point of any outfit, so choosing the right style and colour is important. As we've mentioned before, a neutral colour such as tan can be a great all-rounder and will suit pretty much any outfit, but wearing colours such as pink with red sandals might be a little too much, go for an opposite colour instead such as turquoise.
Multicoloured sandals are a fantastic option if your plan is to wear neutral clothes, they'll really make a style statement and we guarantee you'll get compliments on your footwear!
We like to think that this question is a little bit rhetorical...of course they are! As the name suggests, they're probably one of the oldest styles of footwear around, dating back to 246 B.C and they really have stood the test of time… with a few style tweaks along the way as fashionistas took them under their wing of course. Originally designed as a protection for the feet against debris and the elements, it's the 1960's that popularised the style as a fashion fixture, originally the footwear choice of the young and free, they're not synonymous with warm sunny days and beach holidays. We strongly recommend adding a pair to your summer wardrobe if you don't already have one (or several), we're certain you won't regret it!
We're huge fans of gladiator sandals and that hint of summer lovin' that they bring with them. If you don't already have a pair and you would like to add some to your footwear collection, we're confident our guide on how to wear them and what with will definitely help you to make the right decision!
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.