STYLE GURU STYLE: Rise of the Strappy Sandals

The gladiator sandal we all know and love is evolving. Resort season is upon us, and runways across the globe have been graced with the elegant, modern and refreshed tall strappy sandal. Making appearances in the Louis Vuitton resort 2015 show as well as Peter Pilotto’s and countless others, tall gladiator sandals are taking the resort shows by storm. They are growing in height, often reaching up to the knee, creating a fresh, dramatic look. The tall, criss-crossed straps with embellishments, metals, details and alternate materials are all over the resort runways, and they are arguably the easiest item to transfer to street wear—bold and simple.

For my look, I snagged some white, leather, tall gladiator sandals from ALDO for just $90! The gold details are my favorite part about these killer sandals, gold being my signature statement, if you will, which I incorporated in my earrings and festival-inspired ear cuff. The sandals from the runways of high fashion can be duplicated with a less expensive and just as fabulous version that zip right up the back in addition to crossing, thin, white straps that go up just a bit higher than mid-shin. Leather is also very much on-trend right now, so why not go for leather sandals in a crisp, clean, white tone—a staple color of summer!

I matched the sandals with a simple, white tank top. White on white is, no doubt, my favorite monochromatic look of the season; it’s so clean and bright and virtually foolproof! It is also a great way to take a major fashion trend down to streetwear. On the bottom I decided to go for a darker toned, tribal print skirt reaching just about mid-thigh. This length is perfect for the tall gladiator sandals because it draws the focus of the outfit downward. The skirt features playful pockets and tightens at the waist with two little zippers which help to pull the look together—no pun intended. The darker colors of the skirt stand in great contrast to the rest of the white outfit without clashing and stealing too much of the attention.

May I add that we have (finally) entered the month of June which means it is (finally) heating up. Yes, even here in Boston where there are still some snowbanks. So, my outfit is comprised primarily of all cotton or cotton blend fabrics to keep cool. The white top helps to dodge some of the sun’s harsh rays, but the overall loose-fitting and breezy outfit is perfect for these summer months. The sandals are tall but because they are so open, you run no risk of overheating in the name of fashion.

Get My Look: 1. A basic, white tank top. 2. A short skirt in a fun pattern. 3. Some white-hot, tall gladiator sandals.

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