I Get Stopped in the Street When I Style Celebrities' Favorite Flip-Flops

Collage of celebrities wearing flip-flops for The A-List Edit.

Last weekend was huge for celebrity style—and no, I’m not just referencing the debut of Taylor Swift’s "magical" Dior wedding dress. For three days straight, A-listers took over vacation locales from the Hamptons to the Italian Riviera, with summer’s biggest sandal trends in tow. For this fashion editor, there’s one trend that’s a surprising step above the rest: the flip-flop renaissance.

I know, I know; some city-dwellers might find this sacrilege. But hear me out…

The Haute Flip-Flop Trend

I'd break New Yorkers' closed-toe cardinal rule for the flip-flops trend. (Image credit: Getty Images)

I used to be staunchly anti-thong sandals, whether they were The Row’s $790 status pair or insider-beloved steals from Old Navy. But there’s been a flip-flop vibe shift that has me, well, flip-flopping on my old grudge. A-listers have been thwacking their way through NYC and LA in black leather pairs with thick straps (from Reformation and A.Emery), to offset an oversize suit or a ’90s-coded slip skirt and tank. They’re also trying out rainbow-colored jelly thongs from Ancient Greek Sandals and bitchy kitten heels—pairs that have a lot more personality than you may remember.

It’s the styling—always in high contrast to more formal pants or an off-kilter dress—that’s won me over. I’d underestimated flip-flops’ versatility in Real Outfits, and I’m hardly the only one: Google reports searches for flip-flops recently hit an all-time high in 48 out of 50 states.

How I Style the Flip Flops Trend

My favorite flip-flops don't just mimic the celebrity trend—they're also built for comfortable arches. (Image credit: Halie LeSavage)

I knew I had to bring this look to the newsletter when a stranger on the street stopped me to say I was her new maternity style inspiration. (Whoever you are—thank you!) In the spirit of celebs like Bella Hadid and Ciara Miller, my flip-flops outfit is all about covert comfort. The top’s pretty embroidered sleeves balance its easy-breezy open front; the skirt is my longtime favorite for no-brainer mixing and matching. But the sandals are my trade secret for getting in steps on hot summer days: They have the subtlest bit of arch support, and they’re even better for my feet than slippers.

This is my homage to a Barbara Palvin look that’s been stuck in my head since Cannes. Little kitten-heel thong sandals can make even the comfiest summer separates, like an oversize button-down shirt and capri pants, feel more photo-worthy. I’m keeping up the French Riviera energy in my neck of the woods with a silk scarf tied over my hair and a sculptural pendant necklace peeking out from under my top.

TKEES Lily Square Toe Flip Flop Senso Xylon Rubber Thongs Reformation Jessie Thong Sandal A.EMERY Kinto Leather Flip Flops Nili Lotan Nl X Tkees Leather Flip Flop Ancient Greek Sandals Jelly Flip Flop Daphne The Eyelet Lobby Shirt Hill House Home The Delphine Nap Skirt Eliou Carter Necklace ARCHIES Archies Arch Support Flip Flops CELINE Triomphe 52mm Oval Sunglasses Maryam Nassir Zadeh French Blue Carnation Scrunchie J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt in Dobby Stripe Free People Movement Never Better Mini Leggings Larroudé Gaia Low in Black Leather J.Crew Oversized Silk Bandana Madewell Sculptural Pendant Leather Necklace Quince Berlin Polarized Acetate Sunglasses