6 Easy 2024 Outfit Trends That Make Flip-Flops Look Elevated (original) (raw)

It wasn't so long ago that to wear flip-flops in New York City was to have people assume you were either on your way home with a fresh pedicure or fresh off a plane from Sydney. (I was the latter.) We're now several summers deep into the minimalist sandal trend, and—as you'll know if you've tried to find The Row's City Flip-Flops in your size—this year has really been a moment for leather flip-flops in all forms.

If you need a little more convincing that flip-flops aren't just for the beach, these six looks will do the trick. You're welcome to think of them as looks that will elevate your flip-flops or come around to the idea that flip-flops are the magical accessory that make polished outfits feel a little more effortless. Either way, these six trending, chill looks care of Anouk Yve, Imani Randolph, and Robin Reetz, are all the inspo you need to breeze your way through the rest of summer.

Imani Randolph wearing a black matching vest and trouser set, silver jewelry, black leather flip-flop sandals, and holding a raffia clutch.

A vest-and-trouser set has been this summer's go-to for zero-effort polish—longline vests feel particularly trendy, but a classic waistcoat is never a no.

Banana Republic

Siena Italian Wool Vest

Banana Republic

Siena Wide-Leg Italian Wool Pant

J.Crew

Sculptural Rings Set

Loeffler Randall

Small Bailey Raffia Clutch-On-Chain

Robin Reetz in New York City wearing a silk slip, oversized white button-down shirt, minimalist flip-flops, Thistles eyewear, and carrying a Jil Sander bag.

This is the answer to the August lament of what to wear in New York when it's pushing 100ºF and you have to leave your apartment. The movement of a silky slip dress and an oversize button-down feels good when juxtaposed with the intentional clean lines of flip-flops and a structured bag.

Aritzia

New Only Slip Satin Maxi Dress

The Frankie Shop

Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Oliver Peoples

+ Khaite 1979c Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

Jil Sander

Goji Bamboo Leather Tote

Anouk Yve taking a mirror selfie wearing a blue shirt and summer blazer, white wide-leg trousers, flip-flops, and carrying a brown suede tote.

I know all offices aren't created equal, and wearing open-toe shoes to work gets a real quick no from some of you—but tell me this relaxed, tailored look doesn't make you think you could probably, maybe, almost get away with it?

Banana Republic

Oversized Linen Gauze Tunic

Madewell

The Harlow Wide-Leg Pants in 100% Linen

Reformation

Medium Vittoria Tote Bag

Toteme

The Flip-Flop Flat Croc-Effect Leather Flip Flops

Imani Randolph in Europe wearing a white dress, sunglasses, cord pendant necklace, and black leather flip-flops.

The case has been made that this is the summer of the white sundress. If you're like me and tend to fall in love with a dress only to get nervous it feels too romantic the first time you go to wear it out, accessories are the answer—leather flip-flops, an on-trend cord necklace, and '90s-inspired eyewear will add the perfect amount of edge.

Vince

Ellis Leather Thong Sandals

Reformation

Balia Linen Dress

Petit Moments

Collar Pear Corded Necklace

Le Specs

Work It! Sunglasses

Robin Reetz on a street in Europe wearing a black dress with black flip-flop sandals, and a black cardigan over her shoulders.

From the waist up, she could be a grieving royal, reentering society under the watchful eye of the paparazzi. The flip-flops tell you all is well, but she's wondering if you can recommend a local natural wine bar.

Reformation

Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

Aeyde

Renee Leather Flip Flops

Prada

Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

H&M

Belt-Detail Shoulder Bag

Anouk Yve taking a mirror selfie wearing wide-leg pants, a one-shoulder tank, beaded necklace, flip-flops, and carrying an oversize creamy leather tote.

An asymmetric tank and crisp white tote are already the kind of upgraded basics that make a look feel expensive. If you want to lean even more polished and compensate for the chill of the flip-flops, swap out these linen pants for a more tailored style without an elasticated waist.

Free People

Condado Sweater Top

Lioness

Ride With Me Pants

Khaite

Lotus Medium Textured-Leather Tote

Madewell

The Gabi Thong Slide Sandals in Shiny Leather

Mateo

14-Karat Gold Lapis Lazuli Necklace

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and _Marie Claire_’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.