The Sandals to Buy for SS24
Why you need a pair of fisherman sandals this season.
While the great British weather isn’t yet reliable enough to brave getting your toes out (indeed, I’m yet to wear my Alaia-inspired mesh ballet flats from Free People and not end up with soggy feet in an un-forecasted downpour), I’m looking ahead to - hopefully! - sunnier days and shopping for the perfect pair of sandals.
One of my work colleagues once said to me “I feel like sandals are really your thing.” and she wasn’t wrong. I tend to invest in one or two really good pairs each year, that go with everything and then wear them to death. For the past couple of years I’ve been a big fan of the chunky (or orthopaedic, as my mum calls them) Dad style spearheaded by Chanel. In fact I loved them so much that I bought them in two different colours. I also made the mistake of buying some Hermès Chypre on Vestiaire… the less on that the better! But let’s just say I tried to break them in for a full year before finally giving up and reselling them. While I don’t think the chunky style is completely done, (fear not, your Birkenstocks can stay another year!), this year I’m ready for something a little different.
Granted, they’ve been around for a few years - in fact, I actually wrote a for and against piece on the Fisherman sandal for SheerLuxe back in 2021, where I argued against them! Just goes to show, never say never when it comes to fashion and I think the fact they’ve slowly grown on me proves this isn’t just a fleeting trend. In the usual way, seeing a few cool girls I follow on Instagram styling them has been enough to convince me to give them a try. So, with a 25% discount tempting me I took the plunge on a pair by Hereu from MATCHES. Sure, they’re ugly as all hell, but if the Chanel Dads were anything to go by, pretty sandals were never my thing anyway.
[A word of warning if you’re thinking of buying the Hereu sandals, MATCHES is now in administration and is not accepting returns/refunds, only store credit. So be sure you definitely want them before purchasing! I took my usual size, and the fit is fairly narrow]
THE EDIT
Here are some of my favourite styles to buy now…
(some affiliate links have been used)
HOW TO STYLE THEM
As with most ‘ugly’ shoes, they’re best used to add a bit of an edge to your outfit. So while they look great with a simple look like shorts, or trousers, plus a t-shirt and boxy jacket, they’d also look cool juxtaposed against a pretty dress. I also love the image below where they’re styled with a delicate slip skirt - the hyper-feminine fabric paired with a tougher shoe makes quite a classic piece feel much more modern. Extra points for the addition of an anklet - something I’ll be wearing with my fisherman sandals once it’s bare legs weather!
I’d love to hear in the comments whether this is a trend you’ll be jumping on and if you have any questions, drop them below! Please do subscribe and share this newsletter with your friends if you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next week with another instalment.
Lots of love,
Polly @pollyvsayer
This is the only sandal / shoe on my list for this spring summer season! I feel validated ♥️
Seeing as my sister has laughed at my feet for decades I think these can only be considered a win. Sandals that keep the hooves well covered. No more taunting from younger sibling. It’s a yes from me!