The sun is officially out, folks. Ok, ok, we'll almost certainly have a few more bouts of heavy rain and chilly spells – this is Britain, after all – but if you're prepping your wardrobe for the hotter days ahead, and need an excellent pair of comfy, breezy sandals to whip out as soon as the clouds disperse, look no further.
Whether you're scheduled for a holiday staycation this year, or you're jetting off to a designer hotel abroad, a new pair of summer sandals is never not worth investing in.
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Sandals are thought to be the eldest and most commonly found shoe form world wide, but fast-forward to 2024 and we're finding that the easiest way to learn which sandals styles are 'in' is by seeing what cult brand The Row has available.
Famed for reintroducing the fashion world to flip-flops back in 2018, the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-helmed brand really nails a great summer shoe. Looking to the brand's offerings, it's clear that fisherman and flip-flop (or 'thong') sandals are still very much in. They also seem to have an emphasis on very minimal, strappy sandals this season, sometimes moving into naked-shoe territory – not to mention their grown-up reinvention of the nostalgic jelly. Very good to know.
Elsewhere, we've noticed that boho styles are back, asymmetric leather straps are de rigueur, and for the evenings, it's all about embellishment.
So, whether your idea of a great sandal is a comfy Birkenstock, heeled Manolo or everyone's favourite multicoloured (and sustainable) Sleepers, in this round-up we've got you covered. We've selected the cream of the crop from the high-street and high-end brands alike, and encourage a little bit of indulgence as we all wait patiently for the gloom to finally subside...
Every summer has its standout trending shoe, and for 2024 it's undoubtedly the elevated flip flop. This simple yet classic Mango design ticks all the boxes.
Naked dressing isn't just about see-through clothes... Barely-there shoes are all the rage this season, and these Reformation flats are our favourites. Just add a bright, glossy pedicure and you're good to go.
A true cult purchase, The Row's fisherman sandals are some of the most versatile shoes out there. Pair with socks when the weather dampens, or your favourite midi dress come holiday.
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Dior's molten-gold sandals are the perfect finishing touch to any summer look – the minimalist design, thin straps and metal logo give them a bang-on-trend Y2K feel.
There are sandals for every day life, and then there are sandals that just scream 'holiday'. These fall into the latter category thanks to the woven raffia base and chic floral embellishment.
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Ever since Chemena Kamali took the reins at Chloé, boho has been back on our radar. Just add these chunky burgundy leather slides to a floaty lacy dress to nail the aesthetic.
Made from natural rubber in Sri Lanka using Fairly Traded processes, these more eco-friendly flip-flops work just as well off the beach as on it. We're going to pair ours with shirting for the office in a classic 'wrong shoe' move.
The asymmetric and sleek design makes these a great formal, but flat, sandal.
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Dip your toe into the 'pop of red' trend – quite literally – with these fabulous raffia sandals from Manolo Blahnik in the most delicious shade of cherry.
With their slim straps and gold-tone embellishment, these are some of the most stylish sandals on the high street this season – so don't be surprised if they sell out fast.
Love the Birkenstock look but want something a little more luxurious? These Loewe logo leather sandals will do the trick.
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A classic for a reason, we particularly love Tevas with a contrasting cottagecore dress: here, turn to our favourite Scandi brands.
After a decades-long interlude, jelly shoes are officially back – but not as you knew them before. Case in point: these very cool and pared-back red jelly flip flops.
A. Emery is an Aussie brand that specialises in minimal footwear, and it has certainly nailed the brief. No doubt you'll soon start spotting these on the feet of fashion insiders everywhere.
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Just because everyone's obsessed with Boston Clogs doesn't mean you need to ignore the stalwart that is the Arizona... These babies will work just as hard in your wardrobe, we promise.
This braided ballerina-sandal hybrid will look great poking out from under relaxed tailoring.
We had to include The Row's Ginza flip-flops, because even though they cost a pretty penny, we know from experience they'll last for many years to come – and even then, they'll still be the height of cool.
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If you prefer your sandals with a bit of added height – but don't want to compromise on comfort – these Manolo kitten heels are perfection. They come in black, too.
Spanish brand Hereu makes some of the most beautifully crafted shoes, and these woven leather sandals are no different.
Daisy Murray
Digital Fashion Editor
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
Clementina Jackson
Fashion Editor
Clementina Jackson is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health UK, covering everything from and catwalk trends to buzzy brands and the cult products you need to know about (and shop before they sell out). She also commissions first-person and long-form fashion features, oversees and tests out the latest industry innovations. Clementina previously worked as Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, during which time she profiled high-end designers, interviewed everyone from Priyanka Chopra to Jane Fonda, and launched the Cut To Size franchise to shine a light on size-inclusive fashion. During this time, she was also named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner. Having worked in journalism for more than six years, Clementina has also written for the likes of , , , and , covering everything from luxury travel, lifestyle and restaurants to photography and interiors.