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Here we've broken down the six essential sandal trends you need to waltz through the warmer months, from criminally-comfortable weekend slides to work-appropriate block heels. Plus, there are plenty of platform, lace-up, and metallic styles for the good times in between.
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Driely S. for Racked
The Flat Sandal: Slides
The humble slide sandal was once notorious as the choice of off-court basketball players before Isabel Marant gave them a luxe makeover in padded leather, igniting a footwear trend that has picked up steam over the last few summers. There's good reason, too: In addition to being obviously quite comfortable, slides are surprisingly flattering (with no ankle strap, they're visual witchcraft, making legs look extra, extra long). This season's updates are loaded with rich texture, like calfhair in the Dolce Vita 'Genivee' pictured above ($120), and strap details.
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Splendid
Tysan slides in caramel (also available in black)
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ATP Atelier
Astrid leather slides in natural
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Sol Sana
Betty sandal in moss (also available in black)
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Forever 21
Faux-suede crisscross sandals in blush (also available in three other colors)
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ASOS
Flatter padded leather sandals in gray (also available in black)
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Emilie Elizabeth for Racked
The Work Sandal: Block Heel
Look no further than the chunky block heel for daytime lift that's sturdy, versatile, and not too sexy for the office. Adjustable ankle straps and minimal other straps make these styles easy to customize for all day comfort, and cute enough to transition to after-work plans.
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River Island
Black suede block heel sandals
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Diane von Furstenberg
Cami metallic coloblock leather sandals
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Tory Burch
Lexington leather sandals
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See By Chloé
Keeni leather sandals
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H&M
Leather mules
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Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Sophie suede sandal
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Photo: Silver and Lemon
The Party Sandal: Platform
Platforms are back, right in line with the 1970s resurgence quaking through fashion. The massive lift up front actually makes the intimidatingly tall shoes easier to wear than they look, using simple Heel Math (trademark pending): Five-inch heel minus two-inch front platform equals three-inch heel, really. For understated sexiness—and to avoid Vegas bachelorette stereotypes—pair with long, swooshy dresses.
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Steve Madden
Jillyy platform sandal in blush suede (also available in black suede)
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Topshop
Lilith suede chunky platform sandals in black (also available in two other colors)
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Sophia Webster
Amanda printed faille sandals
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Windsor Smith
Virginn leather platform
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New Look
Ripple black and pink platform heeled sandals
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Photo: Pull & Bear
The Update: Espadrilles
Jute-bottomed espadrilles get refreshed this year with high-contrast colors, mixed materials, and smooth leather uppers. It's like your preppy cousin went to college, made friends with the art kids, and is home for the summer with a much cooler look.
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Kaanas
Isis tie-back sandals in buttermilk (also available in black)
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Banana Republic
Clea rivet espadrille in black (also available in crema/black)
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Vince
Emilia two band flatform espadrille in bone (also available in two other colors)
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Proenza Schouler
Leather slingback espadrilles
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Paloma Berceló
Suede mules
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ASOS
Jowett two-part espadrilles in multi
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Driely S. for Racked
The Detail: Lace-Up
Lace-up sandals were a big runway trend, some of the best seen at Chloé (whose pinkish suede wedges will cost you $1,450) and Valentino (which is selling out of its 'Aphrodite' style, despite the $1,345 price tag). Rope closures allow the shoes to be fit Goldilocks-style to your foot—just right.
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Photo: ASOS
The Special Effect: Metallic
For something otherwordly, slip on a pair of metallic sandals. They're a cool way to add dimension to an all-white look, and are striking with pastel pedicures like lavender.
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Glamorous
Silver cross-strap slider sandals
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Jeffrey Campbell
Jewett leather sandal
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Helmut Lang
Flat sandals
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Forever 21
Patent faux-leather flatform sandals in silver (also available in black)
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VAgabond
Alexis sandal in silver (also available in black)
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BDG
Niles sandal in silver (also available in two other colors)