Strappy Sandals Will Make You Reconsider Heels

They're perfect for spring but are equally cool when paired with socks.

strappy sandals
(Image credit: Marie Claire)

Welcome to The Best in Basics, our series highlighting all the must-have classics that are key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.


As a firm believer in the power of a capsule wardrobe, I’ve made it my mission to cultivate a collection of pieces rooted in basics. And in order to see my wardrobe truly blossom, I’ve had to properly tend to it by investing in items that have a timeless appeal. So, what are the shoes that will forever have a place in my closet and my heart? White sneakers, black boots, and strappy sandals.

“There is a sense of ease to a strappy sandal that has stood the test of time,” says Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom. Strappy sandals have been around for decades, but these chic shoes notably made their mark in the ‘90s, when they were feverishly worn across numerous red carpets by fashion icons like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss.  

Although we’re no longer living in the ‘90s, strappy sandals have managed to find their way into the contemporary fashion world because, simply put, they’re versatile shoes. With a straightforward silhouette and a barely-there feel, the best strappy sandals will pair with a variety of outfits for a range of occasions. 

Ahead, you’ll find seven of the best strappy sandals and styling references for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Whether you’re heading into the office for work or going out with friends for brunch, slip into these sleek shoes with ease.

Chic and Casual

New York Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Minimal Effort

Copenhagen Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A Pop of Red

New York Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Statement on the Go

New York Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Office-Appropriate

New York Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Out and About

Copenhagen Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Preppy and Comfy

New York Fashion Week street style

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Meet the Expert

Linda Cui Zhang
Linda Cui Zhang

Formerly an accountant with a career in merchandise planning, Linda Cui Zhang joined Nordstrom in 2021 as a buyer and is currently the Associate Fashion Director. Originally from North Carolina, Linda resides in New York City.

Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.