If there’s one good thing about this year (and trust me, I know it’s hard to be optimistic about 2020!) it has to be how damn chic the 2020 sandal trends are. It’s a small thing, I know, but hey! Let’s make the best of what we’ve got. There are tons of cute sandals on the market right now, from high-heeled lace-up numbers that wrap around the ankle to super laid-back flat styles—and even the return of the thong. Yup, flip flops are now considered fashion! Get with the times, my friend.
There’s a lot to love this season, but to make things easier, I’ve broken down the top five trends below. You can totally justify five new sandals this season! First, you’ll need a chunky flat platform (*flatform), ideally one that falls somewhere between boho and sporty thanks to a combo of rubber soles and espadrille weaving. Next, a feminine bow style for when you feel like looking extra cute. Third is summer’s sexiest trend, the strappy, wrapped-up heel, and fourth is a much more minimalist take, the double strap flat sandal. Last but not least, as I mentioned earlier, flip flops are back. But they look a lot more chic than they did back in the day, so this is definitely not a trend to sleep on.
With that, read on for a little fresh-off-the-runway inspo, and try to resist shopping the trends for yourself. I doubt you’ll succeed, and if you do, IDK. Maybe you’re more of a boot person. We all have a favorite shoe season, so I get it!
1. Flyin’ High
© Provided by StyleCaster STYLECASTER | 2020 Sandal Trends
Good news for all my shorties out there: Platform sandals will rule 2020. This trend is the perfect mixture of early aughts maximalism with ’70s glam. Pair them with cropped denim or your favorite sundress for a look that can’t be beat this spring and summer. Bonus points if you manage to incorporate summery espadrille weaving and durable rubber soles.
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Vince Camuto Maritten Espadrille Sandal $109.99
Boring black sandals are simply not an option this summer—not when styles like these Vince Camuto Maritten Espadrille Sandals exist. I love how the black leather and white rubber contrast the espadrille wedge and chevron detailing.
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Steve Madden Elba Wedge Sandals $29.99
The Steve Madden Elba Wedge Sandals are the perfect compliment to everything from floaty floral dresses to laid-back shorts-and-t-shirt looks. Plus, white really makes a tan pop—but if you prefer another hue, these come in blue, yellow, and black-and-white stripes, too.
2. Baby Got Bow
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I like big bows and I cannot lie. In 2020, bow-adorned sandals are here to add a feminine flair to any ensemble. Pair some bow sandals with an asymmetrical or masculine pieces for a contrast that’s sure to have you standing out all season long.
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I find myself wearing flat sandals an awful lot more than heels this summer, so the Gemma Bow Slide Sandals are right up my alley. Oh, and they’re on sale in three colors, which doesn’t hurt, either.
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Buy: Loeffler Randall Maisie Sport Sandals $195
For a chunky, sporty take on the feminine bow trend, lean into these Loeffler Randall Maisie Sport Sandals in this pastel tie-dye color way. TBH, this is everything I never knew I needed in a summer sandal. Catch me styling these on the ‘Gram ASAP.
3. Wrapped Up
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This trend is perfect for creating the ultimate vacation vibes, no matter where you roam. Stringy, lacy sandals that wrap around the foot or ankle are a Go this season, and the look is even better when done in bold colors, playful pastels or glitzy metallics. Go bold with this one, folks!
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Buy: STEVEN Oceana Heeled Sandal $69.99
If you don’t want to manually lace up your stringy shoes, a stye like the STEVEN by Steve Madden Oceana Heeled Sandal is the right choice for you. The strappy look gives the illusion of being all wrapped up, but all you have to do is buckle one simple strap.
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Buy: Jeffrey Campbell Khara Sandal $135
Now, if you want to really lean into the wrapped up trend, you’ll go for these stunning Jeffrey Campbell Khara Sandals in this breathtaking baby blue metallic finish. If I could wear but one kitten heel for the rest of my life, it would be this one.
5. Double Trouble
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If you’re a ’90s baby (or earlier), I’m sure you remember the double strap trend well. Good news, my friend: It’s back for 2020. Go ahead and find your most ’90s ensemble to pair with this simple and chic silhouette, and surprise yourself with how modern this throwback style looks.
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Buy: Senso Harley II Slides $78
What do you get when you mix leopard print with a scrunchies-style take on the double strap trend? The Senso Harley II Slides, aka the perfect combination of everything that was good about the ’90s, made wearable for 2020. *Chef’s kiss*
© Provided by StyleCaster STYLECASTER | 2020 sandal trends
Universal Thread Torri Two Band Slides $19.99
For a neutral take on the double strap trend that still has a little flair, snag the Universal Thread Torri Two Band Slide Sandals for just under $20 a pair. The metallic top strap and braided tan strap jazz up the simple silhouette.
5. Thong Szn
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Thong sandals are in for summer 2020, believe it or not. So, instead of wearing those $1 flip flops you bought when you forgot to bring a change of shoes to your pedicure, upgrade to something a little more runway-chic. You can buy heeled thong sandals for a dressed-up take, or go the comfy, casual route and still be on-trend.
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Buy: Villa Rouge Dawson Sandals $120
For a night-out take on flip flops, the Villa Rouge Dawson Sandals are the move. The wide, thin heel isn’t too high, but it’s not quite so chunky as a block heel, nor so old-school as a kitten heel, so the look is still high-fashion and formal. Still, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t throw them on with some baggy boyfriend jeans and a silky cami for a casual ‘fit.
© Provided by StyleCaster STYLECASTER | 2020 sandal trends
Rothys just dropped their first-ever flip flops, dubbed The Flip, and you already know I’m obsessed. This comfy flip flop is anything but a flop, and you can shop it now in seven gorg color ways. Personally, I’m partial to Grasshopper green.
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