How to Wear Flip Flops in an Olsens Way
I've spent most of my life following Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's cues when it comes to fashion — I've wanted their designs since they were available at Walmart — but I've never been fully convinced about one of their preferred footwear styles: flip-flops.
Their longstanding love of thong sandals, both The Row high and Teva low, is well-documented and compelling. It's just that, to me, they have always been just beach shoes — the kind Old Navy has sold for literally $1. Though the Olsens have arguably been waving this flag longer than most, their luxury brand hasn't been the only one working to elevate the silhouette over the years.
Self-identified minimalists have turned to the likes of Ancient Greek Sandals, ATP Atelier and Amanu for simple leather slip-on sandals that offer a sturdier take on the silhouette. (If you visit Scandinavia in the summer — or simply flip through street-style images from Copenhagen Fashion Week — you'll notice the most stylish people you've ever come across wear these pretty much non-stop when it's warm out.) We've also seen the style transformed by a platform sole (some added distance from the ground is appreciated, especially by city-dwellers) or even a kitten heel for easy elegance. Margaux's recent collaboration with Ciao Lucia adds a strappy element for more security.
I realized I was the outlier when it came to flip-flops — and that, really, I was missing out on a great summer shoe. So, join me as I (re)acquaint myself with the market, and shop grown-up flip-flops that don't feel flimsy.
Tory Burch Platform Flip-Flop, $148, available here
Sezane Low Freya Sandals, $215, available here
Paige Estelle Sandal, $278, available here
Madewell The Irene Thong Sandal, $128 $90, available here
Tkees Foundations Matte Flip Flop, $60, available here
Ciao Lucia x Margaux The Palermo Sandal Saddle, $275, available here
Reformation Jessie Thong Sandal, $128, available here
Maile Harper Flat Sandal, $295, available here
Charles & Keith Leather Asymmetric Thong Sandals, $83, available here
Melissa Free Platform, $89 $62, available here
Me + Em Espadrille Flip Flop, $245, available here
Jeffrey Campbell Linques-2 Thong Sandals, $130, available here
Amanu Style 34 The Malawi, $350, available here
OluKai Tiare Women's Leather Beach Sandals, $120, available here
Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent, $160, available here
Par Shoes Bow Sandals, $220, available here
Camper Thelma Black Leather Sandal, $175 $140, available here
ATP Atelier Rosa Lemonade Printed Snake Cutout Sandals, $310, available here
Ancient Greek Sandals Mera, $275, available here
Clarks Brinkley Flora Black, $55, available here
Staud Dante Floral Thong Slide Paper, $295, available here
Ipanema Selfie, $40, available here
& Other Stories Leather Platform Flip Flops, $129, available here
Gap Vegan Leather Platform Flip Flops, $45 $40, available here
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