This Sandal Styling Trick Will Be Everywhere At Fashion Week

Fall may be on the horizon, but if your feet are still in summer mode, here’s some good news: You don't have to ditch your sandals for boots anytime soon. Instead, employ a new styling trick and tie your lace-up sandals around your trousers in the coming months instead. Whether you’re looking to elevate your workwear, or just cannot let go of warm-weather shoes, the simple combination is a fresh way to transition into fall dressing, and give your sandals a fresh feel.

Cinched-bottom trousers emerged this past spring as a new alternative to classic slacks, and falls' alternative features a DIY cinched bottom thanks to the addition of gladiator and tie-up sandals. The styling method can be traced back to Bottega Venetta’s Resort 2020 collection, after the brand tied its cool lace-up sandals over slouchy trousers.

Influencer Ellie Delphine of @slipintostyle notes that she first drew inspiration from Bottega Venetta and Tibi deisnger Amy Smilolvic when deciding to try the look. “It really elevates your outfit to a cooler level, it gives a little something interesting to sometimes boring pants,” Delphine explains. To pull it off yourself she suggests, “for this trick, you need a good pair of strappy sandals where the straps are thick.”

See below for inspiration along with a few favorite combinations to shop.

Wide-Leg Trousers + Contrasting Sandals

For a polished look Delphine paired sleek wide-leg trousers with white strappy sandals. Following her own advice, she opted for a shoe style with thicker straps for added contrast. “I would definitely wear strappy sandals in a very flashy color block combination, for example red strappy sandals and electric blue pants,” she adds.

Pink Pants + Black Gladiators

If heels aren’t your thing, gladiator-style flats are a great option for this trick. Pair classic black sandals with bold pink pants. Keep it simple with a basic ribbed tank and a black belt to help bring the look together. When the temps cool down, add a black blazer atop to look put-together in three seconds flat.

Ripped Denim + Red Lace-Up Sandals

Dress up ripped denim with colorful, strappy sandals. Since denim can easily come off as relaxed, a purposeful statement heel adds a bit of unexpected intrigue and flash. Finish with a waistcoat in a white, breezy fabric for a look that can transition from day to evening.

Black Pleated Trousers + White Lace-Up Flip Flops

To balance out the flowy nature of sheer pleated pants, cinch lace-up heeled flip flops around the flared bottom. Style the bold bottom combo with a white asymmetric blouse for a quirky transitional look.

Baggy Denim + Minimalist Lace-Up Heels

Give slouchy denim a polished spin by tying strappy stilettos around the ankles for a DIY cuff and added volume. Balance out the bottom proportions with a streamlined blazer and fitted bodysuit, taking you from the office to dinner all one outfit.

Red Leather Pants + Lace-Up Heels

For days when you want to add color to your wardrobe in a sophisticated way, tie lace-up heeled sandals around fitted red leather pants. The contrast of black wrapped around the red, paired with a neutral-colored sweater, makes the look feel bold, but still streamlined.