Although I occasionally dabble with tan, red, and white, I’d still say that 90% of my shoe collection is made up of black footwear. The reason for this? Versatility. Seldom will I wear an outfit black shoes don’t look good with. I find that when I wear pastel and lighter tones, black sandals give my look the edge I so crave. As for busier ensembles, they act as the perfect neutraliser. And in summer, even with the gorgeous array of colours on standby, I always come back to black shoes. This is particularly handy in 2023, where all of summer’s top sandal trends tend to have this colour in common.
Of course, ’90s strappy sandals have received serious backing from almost every brand going, from Reformation to Arket. Similarly, chunky fisherman sandals have been given a stylish seal of approval, thanks largely to The Row, whose caged design has become a regular on our feeds and sparked a legion of high-street homages. In fact, after months of extensive research, I’ve come to the conclusion that summer can be defined by six black sandal styles, with each serving as the solution to any sartorial dilemma the next few months can throw at you.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the best black sandals of the season. I promise you’ll be in awe at just how versatile they are.
Style Notes: Whoever said style and practicality don’t go together clearly never saw these sandals Anna wears on repeat. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but the velcro straps also loan a down-to-earth air to any look.
I love this chunky silhouette.
Simple and versatile.
A modern classic.
Style Notes: Mules are sticking around for another season. Instead of the pointed iterations of black heels we wear year-round, summer 2023 places an emphasis on open-toe styles.
I always turn to COS for high-quality accessories.
The perfect height to wear all evening.
Can you tell I’m having a moment with kitten heels?
Style Notes: A shoe style of note right now is the ‘elevated’ flip-flop, i.e. a leather or suede take on the casual sandal. Make like Emma and wear yours with laid-back summer staples.
The sandal that reignited our appreciation for flip-flops.
Wear these from the beach to dinner.
These also come in white if you prefer a lighter palette.
Style Notes: If your outfit requires a dose of cool but you’re keen not to detract from the clothes themselves, fisherman sandals are the shoe for you. From The Row to M&S, all your favourite brands are on board with this trend.
At first glance, I thought these were designer.
A contemporary take on the classic shape.
These are on all our editors’ wish lists.
Style Notes: They might not be appropriate for walking tours, but slides are essential for leisurely summer days. With the ability to make any outfit look effortlessly sleek, the fact they require zero fastening effort on our part is an added bonus.
The espadrille-style sole makes these feel even more summery.
Don’t these look so expensive?
Another killer pair sourced from the high street.
Style Notes: If you haven’t bought into strappy sandals this season, now’s the time. Featuring incredibly thin straps that weave across the foot, this barely-there design has remained in style for more seasons than we can count.
There isn’t a single outfit these heels won’t work with.
Bring these on your next vacation.
Timelessly chic.
Style Notes: I particularly love an ankle-tie sandal with dresses and shorts in summer. Flattering, comfy and yet still polished, they go with just about everything in my capsule wardrobe and feel a tad more protective than slides.
Sometimes the simplest pair are the best.
I have these in both black and brown, that’s how much I love them.
A rope style feels fresh for 2023.
This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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