I'm Calling It: This Is the It Sandal Brand of Summer

Years from now, when I look back on 2020, I'll forever be reminded of the fashion trends that unexpectedly took off, from face masks and tie-dye to matching sets and clogs—things I admittedly never thought would be remotely on my radar. The joke's on me, I guess, right? My ever-so-stylish co-worker Natalia Sztyk just went with the flow this past year when circumstances started dictating her fashion choices. "When our company started working from home, I knew I needed house shoes for my standing desk." Fourteen months and four pairs of Crocs later, they're officially Natalia's go-to footwear and she's definitely not afraid to tell you as much. 

Like so many other fashion people, Natalia has been waxing poetic to me about the brand ever since, which is exactly why I felt it necessary to tell her that Crocs is a sleeper hit in the sandal department, too. "Okay, but there's no way they're equally as comfortable, cute, or easy to wear as the clogs," she sassily replied, and immediately picked a few sandal styles to put to the test. Did I hype them up? "They make me feel like I'm walking on a cloud," Natalia admits. Keep scrolling to see the three summer 'fits she styled with them that are just so good. 

"Since I'm only 5'4", the Brooklyn Mid Wedge ($55) is perfect for elongating my legs and dressing up this simple black tent dress. I feel so put together that I don't even care that my hair is unwashed and I'm wearing a classic baseball hat," says Natalia. Another plus? The wedges are giving off major '90s vibes, which she can't get enough of. "They're totally up my alley style-wise and unbelievably light on my feet."

Natalia even retired her skinny jeans a few years ago in favor of more '90s-inspired styles, like straight, loose, and baggy denim. "I just started wearing jeans again and love that they make me feel like I put some effort in," she says. "But that means I need everything else to be no-fuss, from my shoes to my top." The Crocs Tulum Toe Post Sandal ($40) definitely made the cut. "I've been wearing them instead of my staple Crocs. They're just a classic, easy-to-slide-on style that's versatile and will look good with anything."

Natalia tends to wear neutrals but is stepping outside her comfort zone because of this Crocs Tulum Sandal ($40). "The fire red is the pop of color my wardrobe needs this summer. This all-cream outfit looks chic but fun," she says. And what more could you want in an outfit?

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