9 Classic Sandals That Never Go Out of Style

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Classic sandals are the crown jewels in any spring and summer wardrobe. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist at heart, there’s no denying the power of anchoring an outfit with a timeless shoe. Of course, it can be hard to unearth the best styles, especially with the influx of here-today, gone-tomorrow trends.

The trick to ensuring you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse is to look for lasting silhouettes in high-quality leather that only get better with age. At the most luxe end of the scale, there are The Row’s effortless flip-flops, which are the epitome of quiet luxury, thanks to their easy-to-slip-on silhouette and expertly crafted design. On the other side of the price spectrum, there are the beloved double-buckle Birkenstocks and Madewell’s asymmetric T-strap sandals. And lucky for us all, the more affordable finds don’t sacrifice on style or quality.

Vogue’s Ultimate Classic Sandals Guide:

• The Flip-Flop: Staud Freja leather flip flops, $195
• The Thong Sandal: Mango wedge leather sandals, $140
• The Modern Mule: Aeyde Jeanie leather mules, $425
• The Strappy Sandal: Khaite Loop flat beaded sandal, $890
• The Classic Slide: Birkenstock Arizona slide sandal, $150
• The T-Strap: Madewell Maycie asymmetric t-strap sandal, $118
• The Fisherman: Emme Parsons Ernest leather sandals, $550
• The Block Heel: Gucci Horsebit sandal, $920
• The Wedge: Tory Burch Gigi leather wedge sandals, $378
• The Investment Find: The Row City calfskin flip flop sandals, $890

Other contemporary labels that have mastered the art of the timeless warm-weather shoe include Emme Parsons, A.Emery, and Loulou de Saison—all of which offer cool strappy styles that look great with midiskirts and maxidresses. And don’t forget about the heels! Block heels and wedges have enduring appeal, and our edit features a number of favorites you’ll wear over and over again. For all the classic sandals that deserve a spot in your lineup, keep scrolling.

Flip-Flops

What flip-flops may lack in ankle support, they make up for in style points. For a beach option, it doesn’t get better than a pair of Havaianas—opt for its new square shape if you already own the original. And if you re an Olsen fan, a pair of The Row flip flop s will always be a good investment.

Havaianas

slim square pop up logo flip flops

$38

SHOPBOP

The Row

City calfskin flip flop sandals

$890

NEIMAN MARCUS

$890

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Staud

Freja leather flip flops

$195

NET-A-PORTER

Tkees

Dylan

$220

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Christopher Esber

Jo PVC flip flops

$300

MYTHERESA

A.Emery

Kinto textured-leather flip flops

$135

NET-A-PORTER

$135

FWRD

T-Strap Sandals

Don’t call it a thong sandal or flip-flop! The T-strap deserves its own place in the sun. Some of the best ones come with ankle straps for more walking support (see: Neous, Proenza Schouler, and Loulou de Saison). Other fun options include a striking red pair from Aeyde, and a crisp white flat from Jil Sander.

Neous

Jumel leather sandals

$760

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Jil Sander

leather t-strap sandals

$850

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Aeyde

Ella leather slingback sandals

$325

NET-A-PORTER

Madewell

Maycie asymmetric t-strap sandal

$118

MADEWELL

Proenza Schouler

Tee thong sandals

$790

PROENZA SCHOULER

Loulou de Saison

Amaru Leather T-Strap Sandals

$545

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

The Strappy Sandal

The only bind these strappy sandals present is which one to buy—the more the merrier for a big seasonal refresh! For a more boho vibe, opt for Saint Laurent s gladiator style. If you’re looking for something that has a more city feel, Khaite and Manolo Blahnik s styles are chic and just right for everyday dressing.

Khaite

Loop flat sandal

$890

KHAITE

Saint Laurent

Babylone embellished metallic leather sandals

$1,100

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Laurie embellished leather sandals

$425

NET-A-PORTER

Schutz

Malta flats

$118

SHOPBOP

Loeffler Randall

Lara strappy flat sandals

$275

SHOPBOP

Manolo Blahnik

Susa flat leather sandals

$825

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Slides

Criss-cross, macramé, cut-out leather straps—there’s no shortage of slip-on-and-go slides on the market right now, whether you want something pared-back for work, or crave texture for vacation. The puffy leather straps on St. Agni’s chocolate brown pair would add nice depth to a white dress outfit, while Loewe’s criss-cross “belt” take is perfecting for toning down loosely tailored summer trousers.

St. Agni

leather slides

$305

NET-A-PORTER

Birkenstock

Arizona soft footbed slide sandal

$140

NORDSTROM

$140

NET-A-PORTER

The Row

Hugh leather toe-ring slide sandals

$1,090

BERGDORF GOODMAN

$1,090

MYTHERESA

Loewe

Petal belt leather sandals

$990

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Prada

leather slides

$1,070

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Banana Republic

leather knot slide sandal

$120

BANANA REPULIC

Fisherman Sandals

Not really a loafer, nor a traditional open-toe shoe, the fisherman sandal is a versatile option that’s great for transitional dressing; pair it with a colorful sock in between spring and summer (or summer and fall). Ancient Greek Sandals’s jelly take feels intentionally playful with cotton poplin skirts, whereas Emme Parsons’s and Hereu’s classic styles feel like they belong to another time—in the best way.

Ernest leather sandals

$550

NET-A-PORTER

Ancient Greek Sandals

Homeria jelly fisherman sandals

$245

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Hereu

Pesca leather heeled fisherman sandals

$540

BERGDORF GOODMAN

H&M

fisherman sandals

$25

H&M

Gabriela Hearst

Lynn leather fisherman sandals

$890

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Loewe

Campo brushed suede sandals

$150

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Block-Heeled Sandals

Marrying comfort with style, block-heeled sandals are primed for dinner dates, polished office looks, and wedding guest attire. Gucci s black open-toe sandal is simple and elegant, as is Jimmy Choo s modern take.

Gianvito Rossi

strappy leather block-heel sandals

$895

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Margaux

The City sandals

$375

MARGAUX

Gucci

Horsebit sandal

$920

GUCCI

Mango

crossed strap heeled sandal

$70

MANGO

Jimmy Choo

Azilia suede sandals

$875

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Aeyde

Annika leather mules

$425

NET-A-PORTER

Wedge Sandals

The wedge sandal is back, baby! Embrace the look with a minimalist style from Alaïa or Zara. Already a devotee? Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Saint Laurent s unique takes are street style-ready.

Saint Laurent

wedge sandal

$1,150

FWRD

Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Olympia heeled sandals

$345

SSENSE

Tory Burch

Gigi leather wedge sandals

$378

NORDSTROM

$378

TORY BURCH

Zara

wedge sandals

$80

ZARA

Madewell

The Deanna thong wedge sandal

$138

MADEWELL

Alaïa

satin wedge sandals

$1,150

NET-A-PORTER

$1,150

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Mules

There are plenty of mules to covet this season, from animal print finds from Paris Texas, to croc-embossed chocolate brown options from J.Crew. The versatility proof is in the pudding with these—where them with everything from breezy white dresses to baggy bootcut denim.

Paris Texas

Lorena leopard-print suede mules

$745

NET-A-PORTER

$745

SSENSE

Aeyde

Jeanie leather mules

$425

NET-A-PORTER

Mango

leopard-print kitten-heel sandals

$70

MANGO

J.Crew

wide-strap mule heels

$168

J.CREW

Staud

Brigitte mules

$295

SHOPBOP

Bottega Veneta

Blink raffia mules

$1,250

NET-A-PORTER

Heeled Thong Sandals

While we adore a flat, easy shoe, we also can t help but to note the cool-girl factor in a heeled thong sandal. Equally as comfortable, this casual-meets-outing must-have looks so good with our spring favorites: slip dresses, sheer skirts, and poplin skirts.

St. Agni

leather slingback sandals

$420

NET-A-PORTER

Reformation

Sophie heeled sandal

$248

REFORMATION

Mango

wedge leather sandals

$140

MANGO

Toteme

leather flip flop kitten heels

$450

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Aeyde

Wilma snake-effect leather sandals

$375

NET-A-PORTER

Staud

Freja kitten heel

$295

STAUD

$295

SHOPBOP