I Thought White Sandals Looked Cheap, Until These 7 Outfits Proved Me Wrong
As someone who lives in sandals from early summer through to mid-autumn (if the unpredictable UK weather allows me!), I have to confess that until very recently, I always found white sandals rather cheap-looking. To me, they just felt very stark and out of place against the rest of my outfit. For this reason, I always opted for black and brown hues to complement my summer looks. However, there are just some outfits that call for a white sandal, so for summer 2025, I made it my goal to find outfits that make them look expensive-looking as opposed to tacky. Luckily for me, after browsing through my favourite fashion influencers on Instagram, I found a number of different outfit formulas that make white sandals look grown-up and polished.
The trick to making them look expensive? It all lies in the balance. Instead of pairing white sandals with bold prints and patterns, I noticed that they work best with elevated silhouettes in more pared-back, minimal hues. Think tailored linen trousers paired with a smart button-down shirt, or a crochet top and Bermuda shorts. But whatever your style preference is, be assured that there are a myriad of ways to make white sandals look chic.
If, like me, you had also ruled out white sandals in the past, or are simply looking for some fresh styling inspiration, I've rounded up seven outfits that prove white sandals can look just as sleek as black for summer.
7 Chic and Elegant White Sandals Outfits for Summer 2025:
1. Linen Shirt + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Is there anything more classic than a linen shirt and trousers in summer? Pair this breezy combo with minimal white flip-flops for a seamless look that you can wear both to the office and on a day in town.
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With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Linen, White
Perfect for in and out of the office.
H&M
Bootcut Linen-Blend Trousers
I love a more tailored linen trouser.
Charles & Keith
Trinah Thong Sandals
These look like so many designer options on the market at the moment.
COS
Mini Cavatelli Clutch Bag
CELINE EYEWEAR
Triomphe Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
A good pair of sunnies will elevate even the simplest of outfits.
2. Midi Dress + Basket Bag
Style Notes: When in doubt, throw on an easy midi dress with a timeless basket bag and slip-on sandals. To keep things interesting, opt for a slightly elevated dress silhouette such as an asymmetric neckline or side slit.
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MANGO
Asymmetrical Pleated Dress
The perfect summer event dress.
Loewe
Small Anagram Basket Bag in Iraca Palm and Calfskin
Gucci
Women's Interlocking G Slide Sandal
These are high up on my luxury wishlist.
3. Blouse + Broderie Trousers
Style Notes: I've been living in white blouses this summer, but Chloe's sage green gingham style is calling to me. Pair it with a pair of pretty broderie trousers to add to the 'cottagecore' vibe, and then contrast this with a pair of chunky flip-flops to add some edge.
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Cottagecore at its finest.
ASOS DESIGN
Linen Blend Scallop Edge Trouser
THE ROW
Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops
These sell out every summer.
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bamboo Triple Jump Woven Leather Tote
4. Button-Up Top.+ Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: A white cotton skirt is a summer wardrobe staple, pairing well with everything from ballet pumps to minimal trainers. For those more formal occasions, opt for heeled sandals for some height as well as to keep the hemline off the floor.
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stradivarius
Textured Top With Buttons
I'd also wear this with jorts and chunky trainers.
STAUD
Procida Gathered Broderie Anglaise Cotton Maxi Skirt
A white cotton maxi skirt is a a summer wardrobe must-have.
Jimmy Choo
Elsy 70 Sandals
The perfect heel height, in my opinion.
5. Crochet Jumper + Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: There's just something so elegant about a longer short style. Counter this more structured shape with a bohemian-inspired crochet top and low-heeled sandals for a more relaxed take on the Bermuda shorts trend.
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Topshop
Knitted Sleeve Top
Layer this over a bandeau or bodysuit.
Reiss
Linen-Blend Bermuda Shorts
Long shorts always look so classy.
STAUD
Brigitte Leather Mules
The low heel will ensure all-day comfort.
6. Mini Dress + Boho Belt
Style Notes: Boho style is all the rage this season, and you can easily incorporate the aesthetic by pairing a simple white mini dress with accessories like a chunky coin belt and simple, pared-back sandals.
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& Other Stories
Linen Mini Dress
A white linen mini will serve you well from now until early autumn.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Metal Accent Leather Belt
Toteme
Leather Crossover Slides
Simple, sleek and easy to style.
Bottega Veneta
Mini Jodie in Black
This has been a fashion-person favourite for many years now.
7. Oxford Shirt + White Jeans
Style Notes: I couldn't conclude this round-up without including a jeans outfit. Choosing jeans in a white or ecru hue is the easiest way to ensure that your white sandals don't look out of place or stark against the rest of your outfit. Add a striped shirt for some contrast, and you're all set.
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ARKET
Wide-Sleeve Cotton Shirt
I love the wider sleeves on this shirt.
AGOLDE
+ Net Sustain Low Slung Baggy Organic Boyfriend Jeans
Agolde has some of the best denim on the market.
Reformation
Sophie Heeled Sandal
Heeled flip-flops are very in at the moment.
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Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.
