How to Style and Elevate Flip Flops
You can’t go wrong with flip-flops for summer, whether you’re spending the day at the beach, pool, or running errands. This shoe style keeps feet cool and goes with almost anything from swimwear to women’s shorts and a T-shirt. Keep reading for shopping tips, style inspiration, and more outfit ideas for wearing with flip flops.
How to Shop for Flip Flops
Although all flip flops are made in the same style, features can vary. Look for a cushioned footbed for comfort and a rubber outsole for grip and traction on wet surfaces. There are different strap materials from which to choose when shopping for flip flops, including cruelty-free vegan leather and durable woven polyester. If you’ll be walking along the shore or wading, polyester is an excellent choice because it dries quickly—which is why it’s also often used for swimwear and beach cover-ups.
Flip Flops and Swimwear
Swimsuits and flip flops are made for each other. This shoe style protects feet against hot sand and concrete and goes with any type of bathing suit. In addition, the open style of flip-flops ensures your feet stay cool even on the hottest days. Plus, they’re water-resistant and fast-drying, so no worries if you get them wet. As previously mentioned, polyester flip flops are good for wearing to the pool or beach, and they come in a variety of colors to coordinate with most any bathing suit.
You can wear flip-flops with a one-piece swimsuit for a classic beach-day look. Tankinis are another fashionable option. They offer more versatility than one-piece bathing suits because tankini tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched to create multiple swim looks.
Slip into a pair of flip-flops and a cover-up dress to visit the concession stand or grab a bite from a beachfront café. There are knee-length and long cover-ups, so you can find one that provides your preferred level of modesty and coverage.
Flip Flops with Shorts
You can also wear flip-flops with shorts for a casual summer look that works for many occasions. Women’s Bermuda shorts are a resort-inspired style that goes with flip flops and almost every type of top. A short-sleeve white women’s Oxford shirt is a classic style to wear with Bermuda shorts or any other semi-dressy summer bottoms.
If you want a summer outfit that’s super-comfortable yet still stylish, slip into flip flops and a pair of elastic-waist shorts. There are also women’s board shorts for beachwear that go perfectly with any pair of slip-on summer shoes. You can wear a tankini or bikini top with board shorts or go for more coverage with a short-sleeve swim tee. Cotton tank tops also go with every type of shorts, or you can wear them with skorts for a slightly dressier outfit.
Flip Flops with Capris
Create a retro-inspired outfit with capri pants and a halter top, then slide your feet into a pair of soft foam flip-flops for comfort. Capris are versatile, and they come in elastic waist styles made from stretchy knit fabrics. You can also find capri pants with five-pocket jeans styling for a more structured look. They not only go well with halter tops and tanks but also with T-shirts and button-downs. Tunics are another shirt style that pairs well with flip flops and capris for summer, especially if you’re wearing a pair of skinny capris. Relaxed-fit or wide-leg cropped pants can be worn with a figure-fitting top with a hint of stretch for a balanced look.
Flip Flops with Skirts and Dresses
You can even wear a pair of flip-flops with a skirt or dress. Rash guards come in a variety of dress styles and provide UPF 50 protection for covered areas. Even if you’re not at the beach or pool, you can still wear flip-flops with a midi skirt or dress for a cool, casual style. A pair of faux leather flip flops is a stylish footwear option for almost any dress style, including summer maxi dresses for women and fit-and-flare dresses. Shirt dresses also go well with flip flops, whether you prefer a button-front style or a T-shirt dress.
Styling Flip Flops
There are a few ways you can elevate the style factor of flip-flops. Toe rings add sparkle to your look when wearing flip flops—just make sure to take them off and store them in your canvas tote bag or jewelry pouch before getting in the water. You can also accessorize flip-flops with an ankle bracelet, and if you choose a water-resistant piece, you can swim with it. Some solid-gold and gold-plated pieces can get wet without turning your ankle green or tarnishing, or you can opt for braided hemp or vegan leather.
Experiment with different flip-flop fashion combos to find your summer favorites. Other shoe styles that go with many warm-weather outfits include loafers, boat shoes, ballet flats, and water-resistant walking sandals.