I saw a woman recently on Michigan Avenue who was dressed for success. She wore a navy blue business suit and a white silk blouse, and her hair was drawn back in a neat, low bun. Everything about her was classy and put together. Everything, that is, except her flip-flops.
Ouch. Haven’t we outgrown this trend yet? Business suits and dressy attire accented with flip-flops top the list of fashion faux pas.
It’s time to trash the flip-flops and find a new summer stand-by.
Yes, even for the everyday stuff–shopping for groceries, trolling street fairs, barbecuing in the backyard–flip-flops are a flop. Get a new go-to shoe.
Nicole Rego Shockley, who owns Old Town’s Josephine shoe boutique with her sister, Danielle Rego, says, “The reason [we wear] flip-flops is for comfort … but there are so many equally or more comfortable alternatives out there.”
Let’s rally together and get out of the flip-flop rut (if only to put an end to that squeaking). Here are more comfortable and stylish alternatives.
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For women
1. It’s natural to want to wear flip-flops with shorts, but the heavy-duty plastic Bahira sandal from Adidas by Stella McCartney is a better option. It’s tailored to the shape of your foot and has a barely-there heel. It’s also a great shower sandal, so you can stand out from the flip-flop pack at the gym. $75 at shopadidas.com.
2. For dressier occasions, try the Rodo coral and gold peep-toe flat, which is bit of a fantasy item, priced at $395. It looks great with a neutral-colored linen suit or cargo pant, says Rego Shockley. Its inner cushioning ensures your feet won’t feel aches and pains. At Josephine, 1305 N. Wells St., 312-274-0359; josephineonline.com.
3. Wedges and espadrilles get a bad rap because it’s assumed they’re hard to walk in. That’s not true of this Old Navy sequined espadrille, which keeps the foot level instead of at an uncomfortable angle. And, really now, what flip-flop comes with a pretty silk ankle tie? $19.50 or $13.99 (sale price) at Old Navy nationwide, or oldnavy.com.
For men
1. The lived-in look of worn-out flip-flops won’t score you any points at the neighborhood cookout, guys. Try the Nike Air Moray slide, which washes up a lot better than the flip-flop. We promise it’s just as easy to slip on. $50 at Niketown, 669 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-6363; or niketown.com.
2. With leather sandals, you get the casual look of flip-flops and a lot more durability. Aldo carries plenty of varieties, a favorite being the Willeja. Its wider straps and toe insert keep your feet in place, so you don’t have to worry about losing a shoe (sound familiar, flip-flop wearers?). $89.99 at Aldo nationwide, or aldoshoes.com.
3. You don’t have to show toe. Flip-flops leave you exposed, but other summer shoes–try UGG Australia’s Three-sixty fisherman-style sandal–keep things covered while still providing ventilation via cutouts near the heel. $90 at uggaustralia.com.
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atplay@tribune.com
