Flip Flops and Birkenstocks Become Sexy — Even Anna Wintour is All In

Summer Fashion Has Been Flipped On its Heel

By Heather Staible // Jul 4, 2019

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Birkenstocks are sexy? That's what Rick Owens says.

Lighten up with a throwback this summer. Tie-dye is a favorite of designers like Amanda Uprichard.

Fashion influencers flock to Rhodes dresses for their color pops and feminine touches.

Still want in on the chunky sandal trend? Chanel offers these velcro numbers.

Perhaps The Row Ginza Sandal is in Anna Wintour's closet?

Never mind what the calendar says, summer has been going strong seemingly for months now in Texas, which means the sundresses and sneaks are on repeat. Looking for a mid-season refresh? Think flip-flops with easy summer suiting and tie-dye for an updated take on a colorful throwback.

When the reigning queen of sartorial elegance aka Vogue’s Anna Wintour weighs in on the lowly flip flop, proclaiming her love for the thong sandal, it tends to add a little gravitas to the summer shoe.

While Wintour didn’t specify her preferred flip flop, fashion stylist Tamar Mendelssohn likes a mixed approach to the shoe, sliding on a rubber thong sandal with a loose suit in a pastel shade like lavender.

“A Jonathan Simkhai suit with a rubber flip flop is a great way to do something different this summer. Flip flops, even ones from the drug store, are fresh,” Mendelssohn says. Her other mid-summer fave is a puff sleeve top. The stylish likens it to a “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion vibe.”

For those who prefer a little more substance for their soles, the ugly, clunky, cool sandals from designers like Chanel, Prada and Gucci are still going strong. Designers offered up their versions of the chunky shoe, but it’s the tried-and-true Birkenstock that continues to add flourish to the comfort shoe scene, even while collaborating with Maison Valentino and Rick Owens. Owens even told GQ Germany, “Maybe Birkenstock are even the sexiest shoe ever.”

Sexiest shoe ever? Makes you wonder if the flip-flop-loving Wintour would agree.

Another fresh throwback for the second half of summer draws from the past, while maintaining an easy elegance that’s very now. Leave the art projects behind and slip into colorful, breezy tie-dye dresses, perfect for seaside vacations and Houston errands alike. A T-shirt is an easy option, but so are maxi dresses by Amanda Uprichard or short swingy numbers from Rhodes.

The tie-dye trend is an ode to individuality, so mixing it up is part of the fun. And take heart, summer style setters. Fall fashion is just around the corner.