These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant.

These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant.

      The warm weather and influx of celebrities to the Côte d'Azur can only mean one thing: summer is in full swing. This season brings not only new vibrant pedicure colors and shorter hemlines but also the realization that you'll be soaking up a year’s worth of vitamin D in just a few months. Indeed, it's time to trade in our Chelsea boots for something a bit more playful, as sandal season is officially here.

      To find the top styles, just take a look at the casual outfits spotted along the Boulevard de la Croisette during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Notably, the classic sandals worn by Simone Ashley while she strolled through the iconic Hôtel Martinez lobby stand out.

      The Bridgerton star made quite an entrance midway through the prestigious event. Clad in an airy all-white outfit complemented by a delicate glass slipper blue Prada Galleria bag, the 30-year-old British actress looked perfectly suited for the French Riviera. Her ensemble was a three-piece co-ord crafted from gently crinkled nylon, with the standout piece not being the breezy bralette, cropped vest, or skater skirt, but rather the strappy white sandals that completed her look.

      When I shared the shoes at the Who What Wear offices, opinions were mixed. Personally, I have always loved white sandals, especially since fashion insiders began pairing their outfits with The Row’s Bare leather sandals. However, as many colleagues pointed out, white can be a challenging color—one wrong move and they can scuff easily, leading to an unappealing appearance (I can clearly picture the unfortunate sight of scuffed pointed courts). Luckily, sandals generally avoid this issue since they are open-toed, and I’m happy to note that our styling has evolved since we wore them back in the early 2000s, making them look significantly more chic. A perfect example is this look by Kendall Jenner.

      Of course, we aren't all supermodels or members of Young Hollywood, so I turned to Instagram for additional support for my argument. Scrolling through my feed, I found an array of stylish white sandals, from chic flip-flops worn by London-based content creator Karina Marriott (@styleidealist) on holiday in the Dominican Republic to kitten heel styles appreciated by New York influencer Makenna Alyse McReynolds.

      However, it was Monikh Dale's Loulou de Saison slingbacks that most strongly supported my case. (Trust a Parisian brand for that!). Whether you prefer heels or flats, there are numerous ways to embrace this trend this season. Take inspiration from A-listers and choose a flirty mini dress, or opt for something more relaxed with linen trousers. Given the versatility and neutrality of the shade, the choice is entirely yours. Below are the white sandals that have garnered my (and the office's) seal of approval.

      Shop Chic White Sandals:

      **Reformation**

      Serenity Bare Sandal

      Minimalists will appreciate the sleek lines of this Reformation design.

      **THE ROW**

      Bare Leather Sandals

      These sandals often come in and out of stock, so keep an eye on them.

      **Prada**

      Heeled Leather Sandals

      The straps create an exquisite pattern when worn.

      **COS**

      Toe-Post Heeled Sandals

      For a more substantial option, these are a great choice in white heeled sandals.

      **Khaite**

      Loop Leather Sandals

      The knot detailing on this Khaite style showcases the brand's craftsmanship.

      **& Other Stories**

      Leather Strap Sandals

      A modern twist on traditional caged sandals.

      **H&M**

      Heeled Strappy Sandals

      The ideal heel height for all-day wear—perfect for summer weddings.

      **THE ROW**

      Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops

      The Row is fully invested in the white sandal trend, and so am I.

      **Reformation**

      Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal

      Though the straps may appear delicate, their placement ensures they stay secure.

      **Bottega Veneta**

      Women's Stretch Strap Sandal in Optic White

      Among white heeled sandals, this pair from Bottega Veneta is truly hard to rival.

These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant. These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant.

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These sandals used to appear "cheap," but they have now evolved into something elegant.

Neither jelly nor rope, but extraordinarily stylish.