Trend Report: 3 ways to comfy summer sandals

   

I have always chosen comfort over trend, especially when it come to shoes, so I was delighted to read Claire Brayford's Practical Threads in the November issue of Vogue Australia. Along with relaxed sportswear and roomy back packs, designers are showing chunky, wide strapped, flat or platform sandals, or "mandals".

Givenchy ad campaign SS14

Designers such as Givenchy, Prada, 3.1 Phillip Lim have shown chunky sandals and peep toe mules in various colours, textures and materials. Some of my favourite come from Celine's spring and summer collections:

 

Givenchy's runway show demonstrated how to pair the sturdy shoes with high end fashion:

image via Fashion Bite

But how might we mere mortals wear this super-comfy trend with our existing wardrobes?

1. Pair chunky sandals with short shorts and flippy skirts.

Image via Pose.com

Dakota Fanning in Celine sandals & a shirt-dress
image via Cool Spotters

You can pair your mandals with shorts in similar or contrasting colours, drawing attention to your legs. Wearing shoes in a similar tone to your skin's will visually lengthen your legs. If your sandals have straps at the ankle or high on the arch of your foot, go with a shorter hem to lengthen your legs, as the straps will appear to shorten them. Avoid short, tight skirts; go with a skater style instead.

Image via J's Everyday Fashion 

Image via Shop Koshka

2. With cropped pants

The Budget Fashionista rolls up a pair of chinos 

Wide legged linen trousers also work.
image via Sierra Trading Post 

Amanda at Colour me Blue blog chooses cropped skinny jeans. 

3. Go to great lengths

Chunky flat or platform sandals look great with skirts and dresses of all lengths; just make sure your hem is not dragging on the ground. 

Hi-lo hem seen on Pintererst

Maxi skirt via Pose.com

Full, below the knee skirt at Elle Adore Style

How are you wearing your chunky sandals this summer? 

Belle xx