Saturday is the first day of spring, and sandal season is just around the corner! A t-shirt and jeans or jean shorts with sandals is pretty much my spring/summer uniform, so I like to have lots of sandal options to change it up.
wearing: Caslon tee // Mother denim // Sam Edelman platform slides // woven straw tote (option)
Today I’m rounding up the top sandal trends for spring and my best recommendations in each category, all available at Nordstrom.
Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to shop for shoes, and they always have a great selection of the latest styles and trends at a variety of price points. Plus, it’s Bonus Points time! Now through March 21st, Nordy Club members earn 5 points per dollar, and Cardholders earn 10 points per dollar. That makes this a great time to bank some extra points for the Anniversary Sale, which is just a few months away… #justsayin.
Flatform Sandals
Flatform sandals are one of the biggest trends I’m seeing this year, with bonus points for quilted or puffy details. Slides are also very popular, and you will see a lot of these details overlap.
These Sam Edelman Adaley platform slides incorporate several trends of the season — they’re slides with a flatform base, molded footbed, and woven leather strap.
I styled them with a simple white scoop neck t-shirt and distressed cropped jeans for an effortless off-duty vibe.
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Footbed Sandals
Footbed sandals are molded to provide optimum support, and this year, Tory Burch decided to get in on the action with these luxe leather Miller Cloud sandals. If you like the look of the original Miller but need more support, these are for you!
If you’re not a fan of the distressed jeans above, these light wash boyfriend jeans have a similar relaxed look and feel, and they also pair easily with a white t-shirt and casual sandals.
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Birkenstock has long been known for their footbed sandals, and they’re always bringing out new styles and colors. I particularly love their Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandals because they have a more minimalist vibe than their original styles.
The light pink color I’m wearing is from last year, but they have a bunch of new colors out now.
This twist detail at the neck of this grey t-shirt adds interest to the look but keeps it casual. This tee also comes in white and black, and it’s incredibly soft. It runs true to size, or you can size down if in between.
Minimalist Slides
In stark contrast to the flatforms and molded footbed sandals that are very much on trend right now, minimalist slides are also trending. I love this barely there look for dressier outfits.
These Jeffrey Campbell Jamm-3 slide sandals have a blunt toe and two slender straps, with an architectural heel that is very now.
I threw a light grey faux suede draped jacket on over the white tee and boyfriend jeans from the look above, and swapped out the casual footbed sandals for this strappy pair to create a chic spring date night look.
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Embellishments
Another big trend in sandals is embellishments. Think metal studs and spikes, pearls, and rhinestones. I love how the rounded silver studs add an edgy vibe to these minimalist slides.
This black utility shirt jacket is the perfect topper for a basic t-shirt and jeans outfit, and it also comes in white and olive.
wearing: Kut from the Kloth jacket // Treasure & Bond tee // Mother denim // Marc Fisher slides // R Minkoff hobo // Gucci sunglasses (option)
Braided & Quilted Details
Ruched, braided, and quilted details are also popular right now. And again, you’ll see a lot of overlap with other trends — often these details are present on more minimalist slide sandals with the squared-off toe.
I recently styled these block heel slides with the chunky braided straps from Dolce Vita, and they’re probably my favorites of the season. They’ve just been restocked in most sizes, but act fast. They seem to sell out in hours every time I see a restock.
And I also styled these black Jeffrey Campbell Quilted slides with the glossy, sculpted heel with white skinny jeans for a spring/summer date night. I’ll be sharing more of that look in a few days!
Which of these sandal trends are you most excited for?
As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.
If you aren’t already a Nordy Club member, be sure to sign up so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop, and enjoy exclusive perks like members-only access to sales, offers, and events.
Be sure to visit Cyndi Spivey and see the spring look she’s styling today!
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photos: Alison Cornell
41 Responses
Can you recommend a petite version of the black utility shirt jacket from Kut by the Kloth? Thanks!
I will keep an eye out! 🙂
Kudos to Alison on the photography, especially on the last picture of all the sandals! I am happy to know that more sandals will have molded footbeds since that is something I need. Since I don’t wear a heel of any height, I like all of the flat and platform sandals. I am going to check out the yellow Birkenstock’s and some of the Sam Eldeman styles. Here in south central Georgia we are under a tornado watch until 1. So many states have been and are being impacted by this nasty weather system. I’m praying for all!
Yes, I thought she was so creative with the shoes!! 🙂 Stay safe down there.
So many cute shoes! And I second Ginger’s kudos to Alison on the pic of all the sandals…great shot! 🙂
Nice job on this post. I am so looking forward to sandal weather and I order a few pairs already. I love Sam Edelman sandals and look forward to wearing the ones I bought last spring and didn’t get to wear much. We’re having some nice mild weather in SA now but not quite sandal weather yet so I wear a lot of mules this time of year as a transition shoe.
Yes, Sam Edelman always seems to find the right balance of quality, style, and price point.
I just love sandals period! I’d go naked feet if it wasn’t gross and you couldn’t get splinters (ha). Needless to say I do struggle with shoes such as the flatform or those with just the one strap across cause when i walk i sound like a herd of horses clomping. Also, I noticed Cyndi did a somewhat fitted midi dress….I too am not a big dress wearer but the idea of a fitted longer but not long dress with wedges is appealing maybe something along that line????
Yes, I do like that dress! I prefer a more open neckline, but that silhouette could work for me. I’m going to make a concerted effort to find a couple this weekend. 🙂
I know this post is about shoes but I have to tell you – those Mother insider crop jeans are my all time favorite ! I own six washes!!!! They are so flattering and cute with sneakers or heels !!! Grab these while they are on sale!
LOL, you’re so funny!!! They really are so cute on. I wasn’t sure about them at first, but now that I’ve styled them a few ways, I’m sold!
Amy…. Could you link the Mother Insider Jean you are talking about? There is always so many Jean names I get confused which is which. Thanks.
These are the Mother Insiders: https://shopstyle.it/l/bsUv3
This is a timely post as I did a brutal culling of my summer shoes/sandals and I need to replace them in several categories. Thanks for taking the time to create it, Jo-Lynne. I love the fact that sandals are finally being made to be more comfortable. (I have a pair of patent MIllers in my closet that has never been comfortable– not sure why I kept them!) I have always liked sandals with a platform because they are great on the grass. I am currently looking for a pair on the dressy side in a nude-ish color with a 2.5 – 3 inch platform to replace a pair of similar Rockports that were amazingly comfy and stylish. I find that his style looks great with a maxi dress, jeans, or pants. For every day, I wear comfort sandals. I ordered several pairs of Mephisto comfort sandals which I prefer over Birkenstock because the soles are a little more flexible. The lower puffy platforms intrigue me but I will have to try them on as they could easily look like the slides I wear at the pool to lap swim!
I agree about the Birkenstock vs Mephisto – I own both and love both, however, my chiropractor has told me that come a certain age (coughcough), the Mephisto footbed shape is better. I have lower back issues so the lower Birk footbed at the heel isn’t as good for me…but having said that I still wear them, just not for long periods of time. The plastic Birks are wonderful in summer when around pools or camping.
As another note JoLynne – the nude minimal slides you styled – I have a similar pair to that in pink witha very similar heel that I purchased in 2004 when travelling in France with my mom – lol. I”ve never had the heart to get rid of them even though I wasn’t wearing them since I purchased in France and considered them untouchables lol….and lookie lookie they are back in style now!!!!
That is awesome!
Kork-Ease has some great platform sandals.
Did you find the Jeffrey Campbell slides run TTS?
Yes. I always size down half in slides, so considering that, I would say they’re true to size.
I love this post!!! It’s been 4 years since I started actually reading the emails I subscribed to for years and really paid attention to your style. You shared the SE Felicia flats and I’ve been an SE shoe addict since. I can’t wait to try some of these new styles!
Great post, Jolynne! I’m LOVING the quilted patterns on the heels! I bought a pair of Sam Edelman platform slides a few days ago and I’m hoping they work for me. Some of the reviews said the slides don’t stay on while walking. Have you experienced this with Sam Edelman slides?
I have narrow/flat feet, and they fit me great. I did size down half, which I almost always have to do in slides.
Those Jeffrey Campbell slides…swoon!
Right!?! 🥰
I’ll take one of each please!! You summer sandal game is strong. XO
We spend most of the year down here in sandals. I really like the up-dated footbed sandal. The platforms only do it for me if the platform is cork or straw. I still can’t get on the slides bandwagon, they just don’t stay on well enough, I’ll stick with the updated flip-flop for now.
I can’t wait for sandal weather; however we aren’t even at mules yet so let’s say I’m loving my fashion sneakers! Rain today and snow tomorrow ( 10-20 cm) then 50 and sunny over the weekend and double digits next week… finally ☀️I’m loving the braid look and embellishments but haven’t found a pair yet.. I love slides but with a narrow foot I find they can slide a lot… Dress try ons would be great.. casual please! I’ve already picked up a few for trips home from the beach when we may stop for supper and a possible one for baby showers! Yep I’m going to be a grandmother 🙌🏻🙌🏻!!our daughter and son -in – law will be having their first this fall and it’s our first grand baby… super excited!! to say the least .
Congrats, Karen! That is super exciting.
I love the look of slides but my foot is so narrow and thin it slides (no pun intended!) right through the front of the shoe. The birkenstocks might work for me if the strap across the top is adjustable. Do you find the strap on the birks loose across the top of your foot?
No, it’s adjustable, and I also got the narrow width.
Always love your column. As far as ideas for upcoming posts…..this has probably been done a hundred times, but after having just come in from running errands in the rain, a post on rainy spring days would be great.
Hi Jo-Lynne, cute sandals!! I was all set to try out the Miller Clouds, but got to reading the reviews. Several said that the sandals made an embarrassing noise (like flatulence, lol) when walking in them. Just curious, did you notice that?
No, I haven’t had that problem.
Hey Gwen, just wanted to follow up b/c I was wearing these today, and one of them did make a squishy noise as I walked. It kind of depends on where I place my foot in the footbed – in other words, not every time. It’s not a deal breaker for me, but I wanted to let you know.
Although I love sandals and wear them all summer, I do NOT like the quilted and puffy trend in sandals (guess I’m by myself here). They look so grandma ish to me, no offense to grandmas. I think this is a trend I’ll not participate in. I do LOVE the trend toward looser jeans though. Love the boyfriend cut. They’re way more flattering than skinny jeans on most of us.
That is exactly what I was thinking…..puffy shoes look like house slipper slides to me. Grandma ish is the word that came to mind also.
Love the sandals feature. How timely! Just got a pedicure on Tuesday so am ready for warmer weather and sandals. The embellished sandals are fun. Love this easy, casual cool look today: easy T-shirt and jeans. You make it look really effortless chic!
Love all of these sandals, and you look great!! Speaking of warmer weather shoes, I have been on the hunt for a pair of casual looking white or beige flat mules and I keep striking out! I wanted the Sam Edelman Natalya mule (that is the look I want), but I have not been able to find them in stock anywhere. Do you have any recommendations for mules that look similar to that style? Thanks so much! Have a great day!
Please understand their are many women that can only wear flats and can’t wear slip-on sandles! Thank you!
Love all of them, but especially those Jeffrey Campbell quilted slides! Trying to find them in Canada…
Yes, they are showstoppers, aren’t they!?!