There’s a moment when the weather shifts and my whole approach to getting dressed shifts with it. Closed-toe shoes get nudged to the back of the closet, sandals move front and center, and suddenly they’re the only thing I want to reach for. I like keeping a small lineup of distinct pairs in rotation, each one setting its own tone depending on where the day is headed. Here are the five styles I’ve been wearing most.
Statement Wedges
Shape leads. Carved bases, natural textures, satin finishes, even lace-up ties—each pair feels slightly different but all sit with presence. The height changes how everything falls, especially with longer hemlines or anything fluid through the leg.
Beaded Sandals
Surface takes focus. Beading scattered or tightly placed across the foot creates variation, almost like pattern built into the shoe. Some feel tonal and subtle, others introduce color in small, precise ways that draw the eye downward.
Gold Metallics
A layer of light. Straps curve and wrap in warm metallic tones, sometimes smooth, sometimes braided or embellished. They move with the foot and catch light differently depending on the angle, creating a kind of soft dimension.
Jelly Sandals
Material leads here in a more playful direction. Glossy finishes, sheer straps, and saturated tones create a slick, almost glass-like effect across the foot. It feels nostalgic but reworked in a way that’s more deliberate, especially when the color runs bold or the transparency is pushed further.
Colorful Sandals
Color takes center stage. Striped uppers, multi-tone straps, and vivid palettes create a striking, almost graphic effect across the foot. It feels spirited and expressive, introducing contrast and a sense of play through bold combinations and unexpected pairings.