ARE FLIP FLOPS BECOMING COOL AGAIN?
The shoe of the summer may be collecting dust in your closet. Here's how to bring it back to life.
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I’ll say it: I wasn’t the biggest fan of flip flops until recently. Being born in the early aughts, I’ve seen its descent in real time. In the 2000s, it was a beach staple. In the 2010s, the Birkenstock surpassed it and became a runway fave.
But in the 2020s, designers are back flocking to this closet staple.
Last year, it was The Row’s Dune flip flop. This year, it’s the viral Havaianas x Isabel Marant collab.
At work, I’m producing stories about flip flop styling. At home, I’m seeing them at airports, stores and on the street.It’s got me thinking: when did the flip flop, a shoe that’s arguably the antithesis of high fashion and luxury styling, become chic again?
2020s style can be attributed to a blend of effortless, “cool girl” fashion versus the Y2K revival—a symbol of futuristic maximalism. The flip flop fits both worlds.
The effortless dresser can pair silk skirts with heeled flip flops while the 2000s enthusiast can sport low rise jeans and the classic sandal à la Halle Berry.
No longer seen as a beach shoe, the flip flop is now an easy way to elevate or tone down an outfit.
It’s versatile, not tawdry. Casual, not basic.
In essence, flip flops are the perfect summer shoe for much more than the beach. Think rooftop bars, suburban streets, and everywhere in between. Style your next pair of flip flops with some of my favorite finds this week.
Monochromatic Moments
While pastels are one of the biggest color waves of the year, opt for a rich mustard yellow color combo instead. I’ve been eyeing how Kai Collective, a contemporary fashion and lifestyle brand, uses rich tones in their branding, and it feels refreshing against the cultural lean towards lighter tones.
Pair their barrel leg jeans with a matching fitted tank top, and for that barely-there, minimalist vibe add Tkees flip flops in Lemon Curry. Don’t worry if you don’t know how else to style bright yellow flip flops in your wardrobe; bright colors work best together. (Think the Tkees sandals with the Curves tote in Lemongrass.)
Last, add a cherry red mini bag to match the iconic logo from Kai Collective’s jeans. The Sack Bag from Marc Jacobs is my favorite addition.
STYLE THE LOOK
01. Aelfric Eden Studded Star Tank Top, $45
02. Kai Collective Khala Denim Barrel Leg Jeans, $245
03. Marc Jacobs The Micro Crossbody Sack Bag, $198
04. Tkees Tubular Lily Flip Flops, $95
Athleisure-ly
This updated take on the athleisure trend of the 2010s gives you both function and flow. 90-degree days are ahead, so fabrics like linen, chambray and Uniqlo’s cotton t-shirt are lighter for the skin. The Adidas track pants are one of those timeless staples that’s a must have, both essential for athleisure looks of 2010s and 2020s.
Compliment this baggy look with a wild card: the Melissa flip flop. In another iconic flip flop collaboration with Ganni, these summer shoes offer comfort, structure and flair with its ruffled jelly straps. Bring this nostalgic look back to the 2020s with a large clutch bag.
This is less for silhouette and more for movement that glides with each step.
STYLE THE LOOK
01// Uniqlo AIRism T-Shirt, $25
02// Adidas Track Pants, $80
03// Bohunono Woven Clutch, $20
04// Melissa Flip Flop Slim, $115
Rooftop Scenes
It may be a Euro summer—a season of idyllic strolls through the Mediterranean—but nothing beats a vintage rooftop vibe. This time, elevate your flip flops into a simple kitten heel. Aldo’s bone-colored heels are great for more dinner scenes and casual strolls in a go-see outfit.
Old Navy’s collab with Christopher John Rogers feels like a perfect addition to this heeled flip flop. Oversized and acetate glasses are trending now too, but Polette’s sheer brown sunglasses feel both modern and vintage, depending on the style you’re going for.
STYLE THE LOOK
01// Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Halter Maxi Dress, $65
02// Epifene Resin & Gold Bangles, $80
03// Polette Reginal Brown Sunglasses, $95
04// Aldo Jump Flip Flop, $95
Shop More
Find the best flip flops for the summer below.
Jimmy Choo Diamond Flip Flop, $425
Senso Innika III Flip Flop, $162
Steve Madden Marble Natural Flip Flop, $90
Isabel Marant Gypso Sandals, $395
Anthropologie Matisse Maryland Flip-Flop Wedge Sandals, $160
