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Different styles of sandals that will be summer 2020 trends© Getty

6 sandal styles to wear this summer

From modest to maximalist, sandals are the perfect complement to your outfits


UPDATED JULY 15, 2020 10:50 AM EDT

Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik told Glamour years ago that “shoes help transform a woman.” And it does seem that the right pair can help to change our posture and the way we walk, and of course, our attitudeShoes are the styling secret to look amazing in any outfit. And with summer upon us, the focus is all about choosing sandals, but that doesn’t mean the options have to be boring. Here we’ve made a compilation of nine designs that are at the top of the fashion trend lists, based on the latest in street style and the runways.

White thong sandals by Rejina Pyo© GettyImages

Thong sandals, refined

These are easy sandals to wear and are more sophisticated than flip-flops. The styles that are on trend this season – like the ones seen on the Rejina Pyo runway – have an open back, wider straps on the top, and flirty kitten heels.

Thong-style brown leather sandals© Zara

Natural

In soft leather and with the characteristic front strap, the Heeled Leather Squre Toe Sandals from Zara ($89.90) will be your best friend this summer.

Pink croc-effect thong sandals© Shopbop

Open-toe

Sliding your feet into these Thong Sandals by the Paris Texas will help create a continuous line that elongates the legs (Shopbop, $480).

Suit and gladiator sandals street style look© GettyImages

Gladiators to flaunt

The sandals that evoke the glory days of the Roman Empire are making their triumphant return this year, with fashion bloggers like Alexandra Lapp rushing to add them to their summer closets. The most obvious difference this season is the height of the straps, which now come up to the calves, ideal for being tied over the pant legs for a style that stands out.

RELATED: Now hear us out: tying your sandals over your pants is seriously the hottest fashion trend right now

Gladiator sandals with a metallic effect© Revolve

Flat and metallic

These Gladiator Capri Sandals by Alumnae have a less-than-one inch heel and come in a lovely bronze color, with a side buckle (Revolve, $495).

Gladiator sandals in gold© Steve Madden

Versatile

Do you want to create ultra-feminine looks with your mini dresses and Bermuda shorts? Then go with the Mocktail Gold Snake Sandals by Steve Madden ($100).

Chunky-platform espadrilles on the runway© GettyImages

Ultra-chunky platforms

Meanwhile maximalist platform sandals bring back the retro spirit of the Seventies with an alternative twist: esparto rope soles. The result is a perfect hybrid of the espadrilles that are so characteristic of summer style. Simone Rocha complemented this pair made of PVC with embellishments and tights!

RELATED: Espadrilles are back, and we’ve got the hottest designs for this summer

Platform espadrille sandals with a double strap© Revolve

Jute finish

As these Ali Sport Sandals by Soludos show, jute makes all the difference, adding texture and bringing back memories of festival outfits (Revolve, $129).

Platform espadrille sandals in patent leather© Shopbop

Tempting

If you prefer a statement look, the best shoes to complement it are these Blackout Platform Espadrilles by Simon Miller made of raffia and patent leather (Shopbop, $490).

Black bow sandals on the Cynthia Rowley runway© GettyImages

Mules with bows

A variation of the traditional Swedish design, although much lighter and more sophisticated, mules are once again a summer trend. This year they come with an embellishment: bows. They were one of the pleasant surprises seen on the Cynthia Rowley runway.

Multicolored crinkle weave sandals© Revolve

Classic slip-on

Quite possibly the most comfortable type of sandals, the candy-striped Emilia Pleated Knot Mule by Loeffler Randall are perfect on hot days (Revolve, $350).

Pink polka dot bow sandals© Shopbop

A printed version

Polka dots are one of the most consistent prints in fashion. Combine a power suit or a lingerie dress with the Polka Dot Bow Sandals by Charlotte Olympia (Shopbop, $351).

Strappy sandals and satin mini dress street style look© GettyImages

Ankle-wrap sandals

Another one of the key fashion trends in footwear are wrap-sandals in bright or neutral colors. The underlying feature is created from the intricate straps that wrap around to hold or adorn the feet. If the focus is on the ankles, the hem should be high, as shown by Leonie Hanne.

Lime green ankle-wrap sandals© Revolve

Pure sensuality

Made of green suede and featuring ultra-thin straps, the Enna Heel by LPA is the perfect shoe to complement any wedding guest look (Revolve, $91).

Sandals with a multicolored ankle strap by Aldo© Aldo

Ankle trends

Make a statement with the Zingy High Heel Sandals by Aldo ($100). With their multicolored single tubular strap and high heels, you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd.

Maxi dress and flat sandals street style look© GettyImages

Flat sporty sandals

Although they may fall into the “ugly” category, flat sandals with a nineties-vibe have found their place in street style. With or without logos, they add a unique appeal to casual outfits, athleisure outfits with joggers, or more daring outfits with asymmetric dresses.

RELATED: Dad sandals: the unexpected hit of the summer

Flat sandals in gold and white by Nike© DSW

With a sporty touch

The Tanjun Sandals by Nike combine comfortable cushioning with a marked sporty-style. Perfect to complement a pair of jeans or denim jacket (DSW, $44.99).

Black leather flat sandals© Massimo Dutti

Everyday sandals

Are you looking for a new fashion ally? The Flat Hook-and-Loop Strap Sandals by Massimo Dutti ($130) will be your new favorites.