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The City Sandal Trend: The Chic Summer Shoe You’ll Wear Everywhere

The city sandal is hitting the streets for EVERY occasion this summer! Defined by its sleek silhouette, thin black straps and minimalist aesthetic, the city sandal is the effortless footwear staple making its way into both casual daytime outfits and ultra-chic evening looks. Read on for tips on how to wear this look, outfit ideas and our stylist-approved sandals edit below!

Summer Styling Services with Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher

Los Angeles personal stylist Meg Gallagher helps women create effortless warm-weather style through her personalized wardrobe and styling services. Meg’s services include planning travel outfits, packing for vacation, refreshing your everyday wardrobe and building versatile capsule collections for summer. Look polished, comfortable, and confident EVEN during the hottest months of the year!

Outfit Ideas

The appeal of the city sandal lies in its versatility. Its clean, understated design is the ultimate neutral for grounding billowing linen pants and summer dresses . Dress it up for dinner, date night, or rooftop cocktails, or dress it down with relaxed separates for everyday wear.

How to Style the City Sandal This Summer:

  • With Billowing Trousers or Balloon Pants: One of the chicest ways to wear the trend is with lightweight, oversized trousers or balloon pants. A sleek heeled city sandal peeking out beneath flowing fabric creates a beautiful contrast. The heel helps provide length and prevents your foot from getting lost under voluminous pants.
  • With Mini, Midi or Maxi Skirts: Great for dates, casual outings, or evenings out, the minimalist shoe balances feminine silhouettes while adding an effortless sophistication that works from day to night.
  • With Summer Dresses: A black city sandal is the perfect finishing touch for dresses of every kind. Style it with romantic date-night dresses, breezy resort wear, or elevated going-out looks. The simplicity of the sandal lets the dress shine.
  • With Minimalist Accessories: Pair the simplicity of a black thong sandal with other likeminded accessories in black. For a casual outing, a slouchy black leather shoulder tote bag and oval black sunglasses. For evening pair with pieces like a black clutch with a unique shape or a black belt with abstract metal hardware.

Prefer More Coverage? You Can Still Wear the Trend

If you need a little more coverage on your foot, there are plenty of ways to stay on trend. You can still achieve the same sleek minimalist aesthetic with sandals featuring wider straps or more supportive silhouettes. The right high-coverage sandals offer comfort while maintaining the modern look that makes the city sandal trend so appealing. I’ve included my favorite high-coverage sandal picks in my stylist edit below.

The City Sandal Edit: Chic Black Sandals for Summer

REFORMATION – Amelia Heeled Thong
AEYDE – Daphne Heeled Flip Flop Sandals
REFORMATION – Larsen Thong Sandal
J.CREW FACTORY – Easy Summer Flip Flops
EMME PARSONS – Folded Slide
A.EMERY – The Luca Sandal
Sanni 20 Pebbled Soft Calf Black
Banie 20 Polished Croco Calf Black
A Little Extra Sandal
Perfect Wish Heel
REFORMATION – Sherlyn Wedge Thong Heels
Carminho 40 Stiletto Crinkled Polished Goat Black
REFORMATION – Zoe Sage Sandal
REFORMATION – Geffen Sandal
MARGAUX – The Selene Flat Sandal
TONY BIANCO – SANDALE BLAIRE

Summer Sandal FAQs

What is a city sandal?
A city sandal is a sleek, minimalist sandal characterized by thin straps, clean lines, and an understated design. Popular styles include black thong sandals in both flat and heeled versions. The city sandal is versatile enough to wear with everything from dresses and skirts to trousers and shorts, making it a staple summer shoe trend.

How do you style the city sandal trend?
The city sandal can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair heeled city sandals with flowing trousers, midi skirts, or dresses for dinner dates and evenings out. For a more casual look, wear flat city sandals with relaxed separates like plain white tees and trouser shorts. The minimalist silhouette adds a polished finish to almost any summer ensemble.