Emily Ratajkowski Pulls Out Chunky (and Controversial) Platform Flip Flops for Summer
The supermodel approves of wearing open-toe sandals in the city.


Emily Ratajkowski just showed where she stands when it comes to wearing open-toed, platform flip flops in New York. Some might say they're an absolute no-go for a city sidewalk, often filled with trash and the more-than-occasional run-ins with rats. In spite of it all, they're the epitome of a "summer shoe." And the supermodel is embracing their slip-on comfort in her latest street-style sighting, putting the heated debate to rest (for now, at least).
Ratajkowski was spotted early in the morning on Thursday, June 27, taking her daily stroll around SoHo. On her usual route, the 33-year-old was photographed wearing a white linen button-down shirt. Her sleeves were casually rolled up to her elbows, and her top was fully unbuttoned to reveal a brown bralette worn underneath and her toned abs fully on display.
Emily Ratajkowski enjoyed a morning stroll in SoHo wearing a white button-down with green parachute pants and puffy black flip-flops.
She bared the early morning heat by opting for slouchy parachute pants. They're a celebrity-favorite style not only worn by Ratajkowski on numerous occasions, but recently by stars like Jennifer Lawrence, who sported the baggy bottoms twice in a span of a few days this week alone.
Emrata's dark green bottoms were low-slung and stretchy at the waistband, the wide balloon legs hitting right at the ankles.
Ratajkowski's choice of footwear—a pair of black chunky flip flops by Axel Arigato—tied in her effortless "on-the-go" street style. She wore her brunette hair down and completed her look with black oversized sunglasses and large gold hoop earrings.
Despite its universal and timeless nature, there's nothing more divisive at the moment than the flip flop silhouette when it comes to summer dressing. It's known for its easy-to-wear functionality for just about any occasion (which includes a casual walk around Manhattan, as seen on Emrata), but every year, ushers in an influx of heated opinions surrounding the shoe. (Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, is anti-flip-flop, considering close-toe sandals like a fisherman style to be her summer essentials.)
But Ratajkowski is a longtime experimental fashion darling. The debate surrounding the rubber sandals isn't stopping her from comfortably tackling her errands—or serving her usual off-duty style—anytime soon.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Ahead, shop similar black flip-flops inspired by Emily Ratajkowski.
Shop Emrata's Chunky Flip Flops

Born and raised in Memphis, India Roby is a freelance journalist based in New York City. In 2021, India graduated from The New School with a Bachelor’s in Journalism + Design and a minor in Fashion Communication.
India’s work at Marie Claire focuses on celebrity style, shopping, and cultural deep-dives on fashion trends. She also wears many (!) other hats, with her bylines also appearing in Architectural Digest, NYLON, Highsnobiety, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and others. You can follow her on Instagram at @indiajde and Twitter (she refuses to call it X) at @india_roby.
-
I Tried Kate Middleton's Surprisingly Simple Morning Routine
My results were hit or miss—but the princess is on to something with one step.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Shares Photos of Archie and Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Nanny Opens Up About George, Charlotte, and Louis
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Blake Lively's Time100 Gala Dress Pays Tribute to Her Own 2022 Met Gala Look
The first Monday in May came early this year.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Kendall Jenner Honors Her Self-Imposed Paris Dress Code in a Corporate Gray Suit
She owns this outfit in multiples herself.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Lila Moss Cosplays a 2010s Hollister Model in Low-Rise Jeans and Ballet Flats
She walked out of a Hollister catalog.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Miley Cyrus Reinvigorates the Thigh Slit in a Spicy Little Black Dress and Body Harness
She's deep in her 'Something Beautiful' fashion era.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Miley Cyrus's New Signature Look Is So Different Than Any of Her Past Eras
Nothing could have prepared me for her new look.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe Trend
Footwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.
By Emma Childs
-
Sofia Richie Grainge's Favorite Necklace Stack Subtly Nods to Her Husband and Baby
No wonder she wears it constantly.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Florence Pugh Takes the Pointe Shoe Trend Center Stage With a Bustier Dress and Naked Trench Coat
She's so back.
By Kelsey Stiegman