Just like any other shoe style in your wardrobe, a pair of sandals must work hard with items you already own. Of course, there is room in every footwear collection for more directional pairs—think bright colours and standout finishes and embellishments—but get the basics right and when it comes to deciding which shoes to wear with an outfit, you’ll never struggle.
Now that things have begun heating up as far as the weather is concerned, sandals are all I want to wear right now. The thing is, my core pairs have now seen about five summers worth of wear, and some could do with replacing. Anything I buy needs to have a solid cost-per-wear ratio, so I was keen to see which sandal colours would go with everything I already own. No small feat, I know, but would you believe I found six shades worth their weight in versatility?
Below is an edit of the most classic sandal colours you could buy into this season. Chances are some (if not all) will already lurk on your shoe rack but don’t always get the appreciation they deserve in contrast to their flashy counterparts. It’s time to right that wrong—behold, six sandal colours that go with everything, no question.
1. Brown
Style Notes: Black sandals are essential to many of us when summer rolls around (more on those later!), but sometimes, although seldom, they can feel a little too stark a contrast to lighter outfits. Cue rich brown tones which are just as versatile—if not more so!
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DRIES VAN NOTEN
Leather Sandals
£395
These will never date.
H&M
Leather Slides
£50
Slip on and go!
2. Cream
Style Notes: Nothing says “summer” quite like a pair of white sandals, though the shading of which needs to be specific. Even high-end sandals can look cheap if they’re too white, which is why I always lean towards creamy, ecru tones instead—they go with just as much as white but, in my opinion, the slightly softer hue looks more premium.
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MINT VELVET
Cream Leather Chunky Sandals
£109
So chic.
A.EMERY
Turi Leather Sandals
£150
One of my favourite sandal brands.
3. Khaki
Style Notes: Okay, so I appreciate that green might not sound like a sandal colour that goes with everything, and you’d be right if you were to picture shades of lime or Kelly green. Khaki, olive and moss tones, however? They act as a neutral in a way not dissimilar to the brown shade outlined above.
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OLIVER BONAS
Cross Over Weave Studded Green Leather Sandals
£70
Just the right amount of chunkiness.
REFORMATION
Christina Heeled Sandal
£248
A kitten heel option that would look good with just about everything else in your wardrobe.
4. Black
Style Notes: It seems obvious but it would be remiss not to mention black in this line-up. Forget sandals—at least 90% of my shoes are black and although I would say they can look too harsh worn with some (seldom, but some!) pastel tones, I personally love the contrast between them and pale outfits, such as a white cotton dress.
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THE ROW
Fisherman Woven Textured-Leather Sandals
£1060
If you’re planning on investing in a pair of sandals this year, make it these.
COS
Minimal Suede Sandals
£110
Minimalists will love this pair.
5. Gold
Style Notes: Although it might be a key trend this summer, gold has everlasting appeal, especially in the form of sandals. With the ability to instantly elevate any outfit, the reflective surface also helps them blend with whatever attire you choose to wear them with.
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MANGO
Leather Straps Sandals
£50
A fun option to pair with a black or white dress.
REFORMATION
Millie Lattice Flat Sandal
£168
These handy sandals come in a handful of colours.
6. Tan
Style Notes: Where black sandals fall short, you can always rely on tan to pick up the pieces and get your outfit back on track. Wear yours with a short set, basket bag and a juicy red pedicure for the ultimate in summer styling.
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ZARA
Flat Sliders
£30
I own this pair of Zara sliders and can confirm they go with so much.
K JACQUES ST TROPEZ
Epicure Leather Thong Sandals
£280
I like an ankle-tie sandal.
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