This summer has seen a slew of shoe trends dominate street style, from divisive fishnet ballet flats to sturdy fisherman sandals. But if none of these are your thing, don’t worry—you can never go wrong with the all-summer favorite: the flat white sandal.
The first person to make them a staple in the jet-setting wardrobe was Jackie Kennedy, who brought home a pair of white sandals with whip-stitched details from Capri and asked her shoemaker Jack Rogers to recreate them for her. Indeed, her entire international circle soon began to emulate the look.
It’s easy to see the appeal. White is famous for looking great with the tanned skin that many of us aim for in the summer months. It’s also a great neutral accessory that works particularly well with the season’s go-to color palette, whether you’re into pastels or brights. They’ll also look equally stylish with cropped trousers or flowing dresses, or even just a swimsuit.
Like most white clothing, there’s an undeniable “moneyed” appeal to white sandals, as they’re assumed to be less likely to get dirty. “White sandals are not for walking in, they’re for looking good with a cocktail in your hand,” she says. Fashion luxury editor Milena Lazazzera. “It should be kept in a bag and worn only at the right time and in the right place — especially if it’s leather and Hermès.”
But that doesn’t mean you can’t make them your go-to shoe, whether you’re at the beach or in the city. After all, the style is so versatile that it works with both office and vacation wear, and can be especially chic when paired with cropped pants and a shirt. But one caveat: As Lazazzera says, white sandals aren’t really meant for 10,000 steps because of their tendency to show dirt, but if you have to walk on the sidewalks, try a sturdier, sportier pair like Katie Holmes’s Chloé x Tevas , which will not only be more comfortable but also easier to clean.
The secret to keeping them clean
The real danger of wearing your white sandals in the city and in the UK is the weather. And of course you can check the weather forecast before you head out, but you can never guarantee that you won’t be caught in a sudden downpour. If you find yourself ankle-deep in rainwater or splashed by a bus, don’t despair – there are plenty of ways to revive your favourite sandals, and many of the products you use to clean your home will do a great job.
“I mix Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White powder [£3.50 for 470g at Asda) with a little water to make a paste and then use a toothbrush to clean,” shares fashion editor Gemma Louise Deeks. “An all-purpose cleaner that you spray on and wipe off after wearing will keep them looking good as new,” adds Cat Anderson, stylist and owner of boutique store, Treen. “Good old baking soda and vinegar mixed into a paste should lift any marks and stains on white sandals, and keep them cleaner after applying. And you can’t go wrong with toothpaste – particularly on white soles. Rub the white of the toothpaste on, leave for 10 minutes then wipe off. Ta-da!”
Extra care has to be taken with suede shoes, which can be trickier to keep clean, and easier to inadvertently ruin. “Cleaning suede footwear requires special care to avoid damaging the delicate material and keep them looking their very best,” explains Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of the Norfolk accessories brand Fairfax & Favor.
“Start by brushing off any surface debris before utilising a suede cleaner in gentle circular motions to spot clean any light marks. If you’re dealing with any oily stains, sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder onto the stain and leave overnight for the powder to absorb the oil. In the morning, simply brush off the powder with a soft brush and the mark should be gone.”
And a final word of caution: “Remember, we want gentle and light cleaning only. Don’t go submerging your sandals in water as that can lead to irreversible damage.”
Of course, many of these white sandal styles are timelessly chic, so if you’re hoping to wear the same pair year-in, year-out, then it’s worth considering how you store them during the winter months, too. “If you regularly leave your favourite pair of white sandals in pride of place in direct sunlight, you may actually be contributing to fading and deterioration of the material, especially with leather shoes,” shares Fairfax Fountaine. “In the winter months, we would suggest investing in storing your footwear in a dedicated shoe storage cabinet or keeping pairs of sandals in individual boxes in a cool, dark space to prevent light and heat from damaging the material – storing footwear this way also ensures you can select your shoes with ease every time.”
Five of the best pairs to buy
Leather slingbacks, £295, Camilla Elphick
Leather sandals, £170, A. Emery
Leather Mary Janes, £350, ATP Atelier
Leather fisherman sandals, £140, Camper
Leather heeled sandals, £69, Marks & Spencer