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If you're wondering what the biggest trends in footwear are right now then let us take you back to basics via none other than a humble pair of flip flops.
Sure, mesh shoes, ballet pumps and wedges are all continuing to have their moment, but it's not always about making a statement. It's not always about picking a shoe that'll really stand out, or really ‘offset’ your look. And it's certainly not about spending endless amounts of money on uncomfortable kicks that'll look good for one Instagram picture and cripple you for the rest of the day…
Sound familiar? You're not the only one.
Believe it or not, the official start of winter is only just arriving.
It seems fashion fans worldwide are growing tired of uncomfortable, fussy shoes that are all style over substance. And never was that more evident than on the pavements during Copenhagen fashion week, where the flip flop was out in force.
Unlike recent summers, however - which have seen chunky, platform, ‘fashion’ flip flops take centre stage (thanks largely to The Row's cult Ginza sandal) - this season has seen the street style set's appetite shift from heavy duty styles to the OG, pared back, slimline silhouette.
Fuss-free and entirely low-key, this shoe moment serves up the perfect opportunity to get involved in another of the season's big trends; the wrong shoe theory.
It's every fashion girlie's best kept secret.
While you - or perhaps your mother, if you're more Gen Z than millennial - might have once paired the humble rubber flip flop with little more exciting than a bikini on your holiday morning walk to grab a sun lounger, or leggings to put the rubbish out (they're the ideal slip-on shoes to have by the front door for those quick dashes outdoors), this season they're proving the perfect accompaniment for all manner of looks. And, à la the wrong shoe theory, the more obscure the pairing feels the more right it likely looks.
Struggling to find a comfortable sandal to pair with your new summer dress?
Your oversized tailoring?
Your favourite maxi skirt?
Or are you looking for something to throw on your feet on office days that are entirely commute-friendly?
Looking for a versatile shoe that you can wear with all your everyday casual looks?
Something to pair with your wide leg trousers that doesn't overwhelm or weigh-down the look?
In fact, as proven by some of street style's best-loved wardrobes, there are very few looks that wouldn't work with an old school flip flop right now.
Whether you've worn them (perhaps privately) for years or you're ready to swap your chunkier sandals for something a whole lot more fuss-free, we've picked out some of our favourite styles to shop right now that would look just as great with a summer dress as they would your favourite loose-leg tailoring.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
