It's True—These Sandal Colours Go With Absolutely Everything
Just like any other shoe style in your wardrobe, a pair of sandals must work hard with items you already own. Of course, there is room in every footwear collection for more directional pairs—think bright colours and standout finishes and embellishments—but get the basics right and when it comes to deciding which shoes to wear with an outfit, you'll never struggle.
Now that things have begun heating up as far as the weather is concerned, sandals are all I want to wear right now. The thing is, my core pairs have now seen about five summers worth of wear, and some could do with replacing. Anything I buy needs to have a solid cost-per-wear ratio, so I was keen to see which sandal colours would go with everything I already own. No small feat, I know, but would you believe I found six shades worth their weight in versatility?
Below is an edit of the most classic sandal colours you could buy into this season. Chances are some (if not all) will already lurk on your shoe rack but don't always get the appreciation they deserve in contrast to their flashy counterparts. It's time to right that wrong—behold, six sandal colours that go with everything, no question.
1. Brown
Style Notes: Black sandals are essential to many of us when summer rolls around (more on those later!), but sometimes, although seldom, they can feel a little too stark a contrast to lighter outfits. Cue rich brown tones which are just as versatile—if not more so!
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Wear these with other neutral tones for an expensive-looking holiday outfit.
2. Cream
Style Notes: Nothing says "summer" quite like a pair of white sandals, though the shading of which needs to be specific. Even high-end sandals can look cheap if they're too white, which is why I always lean towards creamy, ecru tones instead—they go with just as much as white but, in my opinion, the slightly softer hue looks more premium.
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3. Khaki
Style Notes: Okay, so I appreciate that green might not sound like a sandal colour that goes with everything, and you'd be right if you were to picture shades of lime or Kelly green. Khaki, olive and moss tones, however? They act as a neutral in a way not dissimilar to the brown shade outlined above.
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A kitten heel option that would look good with just about everything else in your wardrobe.
4. Black
Style Notes: It seems obvious but it would be remiss not to mention black in this line-up. Forget sandals—at least 90% of my shoes are black and although I would say they can look too harsh worn with some (seldom, but some!) pastel tones, I personally love the contrast between them and pale outfits, such as a white cotton dress.
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If you're planning on investing in a pair of sandals this year, make it these.
5. Gold
Style Notes: Although it might be a key trend this summer, gold has everlasting appeal, especially in the form of sandals. With the ability to instantly elevate any outfit, the reflective surface also helps them blend with whatever attire you choose to wear them with.
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6. Tan
Style Notes: Where black sandals fall short, you can always rely on tan to pick up the pieces and get your outfit back on track. Wear yours with a short set, basket bag and a juicy red pedicure for the ultimate in summer styling.
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I own this pair of slides and can confirm they go with so much.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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