The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Working Closet.
|
I”m always looking for an alternative to flip flops for summer; I want a shoe that’s easy to wear and lightweight but a little dressier than a rubber thong. This year, there are some great gladiator sandals out there, and they’re the perfect option.
Type Z “Noteworthy,” $98 at Zappos
I know what you’re thinking — you’ve seen the Extreme Gladiators, the ones with the four-inch heels and the straps that come up to the knees. Most likely, you’ve only ever seen those on celebrities, because who wears anything like that in real life? No one, that’s who.
You don’t have to look like Russell Crow to wear a gladiator sandal. You just need to find the right shoe, and keep a few simple tips in mind.
Neutrals work for everyone. Choose a leather that is the same tone as your skin, for the longest leg line. Even a strappy sandal is less intrusive when it blends in with your skin.
Steven by Steve Madden “Aviva,” $118 at Nordstrom
Slim straps are the most flattering. If you’re concerned about drawing attention to your ankles, look for sandals with super slim straps.
daniblack “Wanda,” $134 at Zappos
Keep it at the ankle. Sandals that wrap around right at the ankle bone flatter virtually everyone; sandals that wrap around the calf flatter virtually no one. Easy.
Steve Madden “Sysco,” $49 at Piperlime
Gladiators are the perfect sandal option with shorts (keep the hem at the knee or slightly above) and with dresses and skirts (again, keep hems at or above the knee). But a great gladiator sandal also works well with a maxi dress — it’s a fun compliment to the extra-long skirt.
Will you be sporting the gladiator look this summer?
Subscribe to blog via RSS
OH MY GOSH SUSAN- I totally thought you were advocating buying those first pair when I first looked at this. I was afraid I was going to have to drive to your house and have a talk….
slynnro | May 23rd, 2010 at 8:09 am
No gladiators for me. I found a great pair of Seychelles sandals for a steal and bought them in two colors to wear this summer.
elz | May 23rd, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Stara, if anyone could pull those sandals off, it’s you.
Susan | May 25th, 2010 at 3:23 am
My legs are SOOO stinking short and potentially dumpy looking, I have to be super careful with anything wrapping around my ankles. So… I’ll probably pass on this trend.
Miss Britt | May 26th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
I am tall and “all leg” as some would say, but omg, I’d never be caught dead in those first ones (and, phew, I thought you were recommending them until I read your post!).
I don’t love things that wrap around my ankles but those bottom two sandals are pretty cute. I’d consider them, though the dopey tan lines from the final style would bum me our when I try to wear something else, so maybe only at night.
Fairly Odd Mother | June 2nd, 2010 at 3:16 am