Elevating the Flip-Flop

Flip-flops have come a long way. Once considered a fashion faux pas, they’ve since had a rebirth, rebrand and major rise in popularity. More relaxed dressing standards have helped, making them a de rigueur wardrobe staple at any age. Today’s variety of materials make them more versatile than ever, allowing for dressing up just as much as dressing down. At retail, adorable styles abound so find a cheap and cheerful pair in time for summer and have fun with it. Here are a 5 styling tips on how to elevate your flip-flop style this season:

1. Foam rubber flip-flops
   The foam rubber flip-flop is classic American Sportswear at its finest — sporty, functional and fuss-free. Being the most casual material of all materials, it’s most chic to elevate foam rubber with high-end, unexpected clothing for a high-low effect. Try with a summery, shimmery cocktail dress, slouchy linen suit or boho maxi dress, making sure flip-flops are in a contrasting pop of color to emphasize the high-low opposites. Foam rubber wears out quickly, though, so replace seasonally to ensure your flip-flops remain spiffy and polished.

2. Leather flip-flops
   It doesn’t get more sophisticated than leather footwear. Leather flip-flops are classic, elegant and versatile, giving any look an instant upgrade in style and sophistication. Consider leather flip-flops for any outfit you’d otherwise pair with leather driving moccasins in wintertime — jeans, t-shirt and smart blazer; white jeans and chambray denim shirt; khakis and an untucked, crisp white oxford. These are all traditional looks and pairing with leather flip-flops keeps it classic with a touch of easy-breezy.

3. Metallic flip-flops
   A touch of sparkle elevates any look, and metallic flip-flops deliver just the right amount of wow. Gold, silver or bronze, metallic flip-flops are perfect with summer whites on summer nights. Wear with flowy white linen pants, white shirt and statement metal cuffs to match. Be sure your pedicure is fresh and glimmers like the metallic.

4. Embellished flip-flops
   Summer is the perfect season for a statement shoe and an embellished flip-flop is the one to try. From subtle, matte stones to bright, shiny bling, bejeweled footwear is a fun and festive look to elevate classic denim, white jeans or a maxi skirt. For something a bit more subtle, tone-on-tone flower or bow embellishments are less flashy but just as fun. To be more understated, try matte finishes and keep the embellishments small-to-medium scale. That will keep you looking stylish but still appropriate.

5. EVA flip-flops
   Elastomeric polymer is a BPA-free, rubber-like material gaining popularity in the footwear industry thanks to its ability to be injection-molded into anything — specifically, flip-flops. The result is fun, more fashion-forward styles with platform heels, stylized straps and embellishments made from the same material. Injection-molding allows for built-in arch supports too, which is music to podiatrists’ ears worldwide!

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