When you think of sandals, you may only envision wearing them at the beach in summertime. But these shoes come in many styles, and you can wear them throughout the year. From beautiful bohemian-style barefoot sandals to heavy-duty slip-ons, there really is a sandal for every occasion. Read on to learn how to wear sandals all year round.
Spring Garden Party
You may not think of sandals for spring, but you can make it work. If you will be outside on a nice spring day for a picnic in the garden or a park, mud will be your main concern. Choose medium-toned sandals to keep them looking nice even if they get a little dirty. Platform sandals can help keep your feet clean even if you do happen to sink into some mud along the way.
Summer Wedding
When wearing sandals to a formal daytime event, choose a conservative pair. Go with either patent leather uppers or canvas in a subdued color that coordinates with your outfit – leave the flip-flops, gladiators, and sports sandals at home. Choose your heel height based on the location of your event. If you’ll be outdoors walking on grass, keep your heels low and chunky to make walking safer. If you will be indoors or in a paved area, you can go with a higher heel.
Formal Evening Event
While dressing for a formal evening events tends to be conservative, you can break that rule with your footwear. As long as they’re not the kind of sandals specifically designed for comfort, you can wear almost any type that matches your ensemble. High or low heeled, jewel-encrusted or black patent leather, your shoes are the place to let a little of your personality shine through.
Beach Barbecue
For a super-casual outdoor event, try replacing the usual flip-flop with a pair of barefoot sandals. These trendy “shoes” consist of an anklet with an attached toe ring, and usually do not have soles at all. They are more decorative than functional and come in a wide array of styles that feature beads, metal chains, stones, and lace.
Fall Back-To-School
When the weather starts to turn cool and students return to campuses around the world, it’s time to break out the heavier duty slip-on sandals. Often featuring a leather upper with thick straps and a thick treadeded sole, this style of sandal is meant for walking. To keep your toes warm in the late fall, add a pair of wool socks to complete this cozy look.
Casual Work Event
You don’t often think of wearing sandals to work events, but it can be done as long as you keep a few points in mind. Your heel height should be on the low end and the less strappy your sandals the better. Choose a sandal in a neutral color like beige, white, or black, with either a natural or a natural-looking upper.
Sunday Brunch
Depending on your circle of friends, “Sunday Brunch” could be an ultra-casual affair or an all-out glam fest. But in either case, since you will be among friends, this is an occasion where almost anything goes as far as fashion and footwear. If you will be joining friends at home for pancakes in your pajamas, then feel free to slip on your flip-flops or any other comfy sandal, as long as they are clean and in reasonably good condition. For brunch at a restaurant, you can still keep your footwear comfy and casual.
Outdoor Winter Festival
Sandals in the snow? It can be done. Reach for those heavy-duty slip-on sandals again. You need a pair with a good tread to prevent you from slipping on the ice, a reasonably deep footbed to help keep your feet dry, and adjustable straps to help accommodate a pair or two of thick socks to keep your feet warm. You probably shouldn’t be jumping into snowbanks in your sandals, but you can navigate shoveled sidewalks just fine.
So as you can see, sandals aren’t just for summer days at the beach, although that is a great opportunity to break out your favorite casual pair. Sandals can be worn for formal events as long as they are conservative in color, and they can carry you through the fall and winter provided you’ve got a heavy-duty pair that can accommodate some warm socks. So mix up your footwear choices and wear a pair of sandals to your next big social event.
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