6 sandals that’ll pull your ‘I-woke-up-like-this’ summer outfit together
Prepare for toe sweat season
Growing up, there was only one thing that felt more uncool than your parents calling you by your nickname in front of your friends: the infamous sandal. With their clunky buckles, neutral shades, and boat-like shape, they enthusiastically took on the role of grandma shoes—you know, the kind that instantly make you look frumpy, no matter the rest of your outfit?
The only saving grace used to be their wearability, which is truly unparalleled. Comfort? Like nothing you’ve ever known. Breathability? It’s like they’re barely there. Convenience? You could slip them on and run off to play without missing a beat.
And like the humble makhana of our childhood—which is now found in BBQ and peri peri flavours—the sandal has also had a complete glow-up. Now it lets you find that sweet spot between comfort and style, tying your summer outfits together, and elevating them too. This round-up of summer sandals is evidence.
These summer sandals will light(en) up your wardrobe
Robak Copper by Aprajita Toor, ₹4,099
Remember Priyanka Chopra’s iconic look from Desi Girl? With her metallic gold sari billowing in the wind? This pair is the sandal version of that.
With their metallic copper tone, open-toe design, and hand-embroidered motif, the flat sandals add a pop of girl-meets-woman glam to the blandest of outfits. And if you’re committed to creating an evening look that fetches you compliments long after the party’s over, a shimmery gold saree, like this one from Swtantra, might be just the companion piece you need.
Y2K block retro style platforms by Littlebox India, ₹2,398
Early 2000s nostalgia is everywhere. Right from iPods to ‘Shaka Laka Boom Boom‘, Gen Z and millennials alike seem to look back on that time with a strange wistfulness. What we’re most passionate about, though, is the Y2K aesthetic—with its bold, experimental, and playful elements—which has made an iconic comeback in recent years.
Case in point: these Y2K-style platforms that are miraculously chunky, sleek, and comfy all at once. Take a cue from the early aughts’ most popular trends and style them with a baby tee, maxi skirt, and disc belt. You’ll loom over everyone literally but also style-wise—and you didn’t even need to squeeze your feet into a pair of stilettos to do it.
Eudora Green Flatform Heels by Monrow, ₹2,299
Let’s get this straight: strappy heels are strictly for parties, embellished juttis are perfect for brunch dates, and platform sandals make you feel well put together at work. But what about the moment you run out of laundry detergent and need to stop by the kirane ki dukaan? When you need shoes that aren’t too flashy but still manage to pull your look together?
Elegant and easy to slip on, this sea foam-green pair is your knight in shining rubber for low-stakes excursions—errands, late-night drives, and visits to the dentist, among others. What’s more, they’re specifically made with a unique square toe design, so you aren’t nursing a gazillion blisters on your feet after every outing.
You’re the Zest by Fizzy Goblet, ₹3,490
As the weather grows warmer, you can’t help but dream of balmy afternoons and icy mocktails on a sun-drenched island far away from home… only to be rudely jolted back to reality when your phone lights up with a new Slack message. If escaping to a tropical paradise seems a little out of reach right now, may we suggest jumping onto the dopamine dressing bandwagon instead?
Drawing from the idea that your wardrobe can affect your mood, dopamine dressing is all about choosing colours, styles, and fabrics that add a touch of excitement to an otherwise monotonous day. These summer sandals, for instance, combine 3D flowers, sequins, and vibrant stripes—instantly making you feel a tad bit happier. While you can’t gaslight yourself into believing that you’re in Hawaii or Bora Bora, you can certainly make yourself feel better about the fact that you’re not.
Ivory Crochet Design Ballerina by Westside, ₹1,699
Balletcore is having a moment, complete with ballet flats, tutus, and powder pink. Just a few months ago, American singer Olivia Rodrigo shared photos on her Instagram, wearing lace-up heels and a tiered ruffle dress—and honestly, we’re big fans. If you’re all about soft colours and dainty silhouettes, why not try these crochet ballet flats that are just the right amount of adorable-meets-chic?
Their artisanal design and soft cushiony sole will have you feeling like a princess in a vintage movie—dolled-up and pirouetting away in a ballroom meant just for you. We’d recommend pairing them with a breezy midi dress (what about these?), or if you’re feeling a little risqué, maybe even a peek-a-boo crochet dress, like this one from H&M.
Yellow Strings ankle flats by CAI, ₹1,699
As the sun beats down on you, you’re faced with a unique problem—one you couldn’t have ever anticipated. It’s TMI, gross, and frankly just unnecessary: toe sweat. You can’t deny it, there’s simply nothing worse than being out and about, knowing that your toes are sloshing against each other in moist, sticky tandem.
Which is why, these strappy, barely-there ankle flats are the perfect way to keep your feet well-ventilated and sweat-free. Plus, the sunny-coloured criss-cross straps are delicate yet sturdy, making them a great option for a girls’ brunch or an impromptu coffee date.
