Flip-Flops Are In Their Fashion Era
Uncomplicated, comfortable and perfect for summer, these classic sandals are meant for so much more than pool days and post-pedicure outings.
What do the Olsen twins, Zoë Kravitz and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy have in common—other than impossibly cool auras and ultra-private personal lives? A love of flip-flops for women.
Within the ever-evolving trend landscape, these thong-shaped shoes aren’t usually the item people are itching to invest in. For starters, they’re limited to a few seasons a year. They’re not welcome in every dress code. And they’re decidedly simple—critics might even call them boring. But this summer, the tide is changing on this beachwear classic. All of a sudden, flip-flops for women have a new chic reputation, and we have the legacies of the aforementioned It girls to thank.
Last summer, the Olsens’ brand The Row launched a characteristically minimal flip-flop that was deemed the It shoe of the season. An undeniable ode to the founders own affinity for the stripped back silhouette, the style has been embraced by tastemakers like the Jenner sisters and Kravitz, whose stylish outings are made even more effortless by the no-frills footwear choice.
Alongside the shoe’s new A-list visibility, there’s been a renewed appreciation for Bessette Kennedy‘s streamlined ’90s style. As elevated basics and uncomplicated high-quality pieces dominate the zeitgeist, flip-flops for women have become their own in-the-know symbol. What’s different about them now, you ask? Nothing really, and that’s the point.
The age-old flip-flop is not groundbreaking. It’s not innovative. Unlike bubble hems or Bermuda shorts, its recurring role in the sartorial landscape is not to, say, shake things up. Nay—the humble slide is delightfully basic and unwaveringly straightforward. And as pop culture’s favourite It girls indicate, that can be a wonderful thing.
How to wear flip-flops for women now
The beauty of flip-flops for women is that their familiar style is easy to use in both everyday and experimental outfits. Pair them with a slouchy suit for a high-low finish. Slip them on with a ankle-length maxi skirt for optimal effortlessness. To pull off an easy eye-catching statement, opt for a pair that stands out on its own, via an exaggerated silhouette or an unexpected colour.
When you think about it, the flip-flop is the ultimate symbol of quiet luxury. With its understated elegance and subtle confidence, flip-flops are worth re-considering as a polished wardrobe staple. And while The Row’s offering is a celeb-favourite, there are plenty ways to tap into the trend without breaking the bank. Consider the below options.
Flat flip-flops for women
From the beach to the bistro, slim slides are a versatile staple that is finally receiving well-overdue acclaim. These pairs promise to stand the test of time.
Platform flip-flops for women
For the past few seasons, flats have reigned supreme—but wedge thongs will be also everywhere this summer. Lean into early aughts nostalgia with these durable designs.
Heeled flip-flops for women
Flip-flops on a balmy summer evening? Immediately yes. This is a deceptively comfortable choice for a sleek night-out shoe. Slip-ons have never been chicer.
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Natalie Michie is the style editor at FASHION Magazine. With a pop culture obsession, she is passionate about exploring the relationship between fashion, internet trends and social issues. She has written for Elle Canada, CBC, Chatelaine and Toronto Life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and over-analyzing movies on TikTok.
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