8 Ways To Wear Chunky Sandals This Summer
Things are heating up, and it’s time to kick off those boots in place of sandals.
One of the first ways everyone changes their outfits for the season is with their shoes. Think about going on vacation, the first thing you know you’ll be packing is your sandals. But dressing up during the hot months can be difficult. Hot weather usually means you just want to be comfortable with flow dresses or kaftans – and pairing these with sneakers would just be wrong, though flat sandals aren’t quite dressy enough. Heels are an option but will be uncomfortable, and if you’ve flown for a vacation, your feet may be swollen. Instead, a chunky or platform sandal is the best of both worlds.
If you’ve found a pair of chunky sandals you like, but aren’t sure how to style them for a flattering outfit – you’re in luck! Here are eight of our favorite chunky sandal outfits for the hot weather!
What To Wear With Chunky Or Platform Sandals
1. Blazer
The vibe of chunky, otherwise known as “dad,” sandals can naturally look casual – which for the most part is exactly what suits a summer daytime look. If you want to wear these sandals to work, or to a smart dinner, pairing them with sharper garments will never go amiss.
As for the rest of the look, keep it elevated with chunky jewelry, straight-leg jeans and clean hair and makeup. Also, pay attention to the colors here. A pair of neutral sandals will always look more put together than a pair of multicolor ones.
Recreate This Look
Abercrombie & Fitch
High Rise Loose Jeans
$90 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Steve Madden
Mayven Sandals
$70 at Revolve
2. Wide Leg Pants
Keeping with the smart theme, wide-leg pants are a must-have basic for every body type and aesthetic. They are comfortable, and in the right fabric will keep you cool during the hot summer days – perfect for when you’re stuck behind your desk rather than at the beach. The elasticated waistband is also perfect for sitting down all day.
For a cool girl aesthetic, pair these with a dad cap, an oversized shirt and a fitted crop top to ensure the overall silhouette is still flattering.
Recreate This Look
Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Pant
$228 at Revolve
Schutz
Enola Sporty Sandals
$148 at Revolve
3. Slip Skirt
Keeping with the formal idea a slip skirt is a perfect piece to pair with chunky sandals for work and summer evening events. Slip skirts are loose and flowy, so pair this with a fitted top like a tank or fitted t-shirt.
For an easy summer look, pair with a crossbody bag or tote bag. If your slip skirt is a neutral color, you can opt for a pop of color with your bag and chunky sandals.
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Lovers and Friends
Madalena Midi Skirt
$158 at Revolve
Steve Madden
Raffia Slingback Platform Sandals
$99 at Nordstrom
4. Maxi Dress
A closet staple should be a fun maxi dress, especially for the warm summer months. The loose silhouette of this dress is well complimented by chunky sandals.
If you’re buying your first pair of chunky sandals, opt for a neutral color like tan brown or black to match all your summer looks. To go with the maxi dress, a straw bag is the perfect statement accessory. The Loewe straw bag is our favorite luxury bag to pair with all your summer looks.
Recreate This Look
Show Me Your Mumu
Romance Ruffle Dress
$248 at Revolve
Steve Madden
Karrigan Sandals
$99 at Revolve
5. Cardigan
For your spring looks, a cardigan is a great transitional piece which you can keep in your tote bag or round your waist in the day, and over your shoulders in the evening.
As for the shoes, chunky flip flops like these were made popular by The Row with their “Ginza” sandal which is the epitome of quiet luxury.
On a less warm day, you can complete this outfit with jeans or wide-leg pants, and for hot days – a skort is a great accompaniment.
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Abercrombie & Fitch
The A&F Scarlett Wrap Mini Skort
$6o at Abercrombie & Fitch
Camper
Flota Flip-Flops
$145 at Nordstrom
6. Jeans
We’ve mentioned jeans a few times, but the fit is the most important. During the summer months, stick to a light-wash denim as this will compliment lighter colors.
Skinny jeans (sorry to all the millennials reading) aren’t making a come back so stick to straight-leg or baggy jeans – not only are these more comfortable, but they are also more flattering. Accessorize with a belt to break up the outfit and add more dimension, this can be in the same color as your top or your sandals – whichever you prefer!
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Mother
The Hustler Ankle Fray
$218 at Revolve
Schutz
Enola Slide Sandal
$138 at Nordstrom
7. Bustier
Bustiers are super underrated, they can be comfortable if in the right fabric, and dress up even the most casual sweatpants and sneakers – though in this case, we’ll be styling chunky sandals.
A maxi skirt is another popular garment for the spring and summer seasons. Something great about maxi skirts is also that they can be worn by people who like the dress modestly too!
Complete your outfit with chunky [but still minimal] gold jewelry, and sleek sunglasses to look like the coolest girl about town.
Recreate This Look
Favorite Daughter
The Phoebe Strapless Bustier Top
$228 at Nordstrom
Tony Bianco
Ives Sandals
$120 at Revolve
8. Button-down Shirt
Another summer staple is the classic button-down skirt which can be worn for casual and formal occasions, as well as in place of a cover-up with a swimsuit, and your chunky sandals.
Packing for a vacation can be difficult, especially if you intend on shopping so versatile pieces like this can be your best friend.
If you’re going for a shirt with some color, keep the rest of your outfit the same neutral color so as not to overcrowd the look.
Recreate This Look
Norma Kamali
Spiral Strapless Dress
$175 at Revolve
Open Edit
Gisella Platform Slide Sandals
$70 at Nordstrom
Up next: 5 Best Shoes To Wear With A Denim Dress (+ Cute Outfit Ideas)