You know when it's so hot outside that putting on any amount of clothing sounds miserable? It's not quite that time of year just yet, but with summer fast approaching and temperatures steadily creeping up it's time to start thinking about your game plan for when those feelings arise. Since strolling around sans clothes is typically inadvisable, the best alternative is a go-to combination you know will reliably keep you feeling comfortable and simultaneously put together. Enter your hero summer outfit: a dress and sandals. This unassuming duo is nothing new, but lately some stylish women on Instagram have been proving its reigning versatility.
To start, find a dress that hits around the low shin or ankle and is crafted from some sort of fabric that gives a feel of instant elegance (think linen, satin, crepe de chine). Then, just add in a pair of flat sandals. Though this season there have been a ton of kitten heels and strappy '90s sandals, for this particular duo — go with a flat version. Together, the two are sophisticated and can easily maneuver from office to weekend with ease. Ahead, see how to pull off the look in a variety of aesthetics and situations and shop your favorites to get through the summer heat as effortlessly as humanly possible.
Tropical Print + Sleek Leather
Look like you just came from a warm-weather locale by styling a tropical-print dress with simple leather sandals. The outfit translates to evenings in the city as well as your next holiday away, wherever that may be.
Long Sleeve + Chunky Sandals
Temperature permitting, grab a midi or maxi with long sleeves and a splashy print and wear it with the "tourist" sandals everyone’s been talking about as of late. The juxtaposition between the two will come across cool and effortless.
Silky + Toe-Huggers
For a weekend picnic or wine tasting getaway, consider a long, fluid dress in a soft shade of blue. To finish, toe-hugging leather sandals in a neutral hue to help incorporate other summery accessories like a straw hat.
Formal + Huaraches
An elegant silk dress can still be paired with flat sandals, as illustrated by Caroline Issa. The style expert teamed hers with ones that feel reminiscent of Huaraches and the duo couldn’t be more fitting (and comfortable, for that matter).
Wrap + Slides
If you’re attending a summer soiree and aren’t sure what everyone else will be wearing, a safe bet is to accessorize a splashy wrap dress with flat slide sandals. It strikes the perfect balance between festive and low-key.
Cargo + Comfy
Summer is the best time to infuse your look with outdoorsy vibes via a cargo shirtdress and functional sandals. The two also happen to translate to useful scenarios like the office and weekend brunch.
Romantic + Strappy
Not sure how to style that dreamy dress you just bought? No need to reach for heels, simply slide into your favorite flat strappy sandals and off you go. It’ll help balance out the drama of whatever ethereal frock you’ve got on.
