The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Wearing Flip-Flops & Still Looking Expensive

Sun’s out, slides out. This summer, style girlies are standing ten toes down on the flip-flop trend. Even luxury designers are crashing the party, dropping high-end collabs with known slipper brands to give the look a major promotion. Isabel Marant’s Havaianas launch is flaunting studs, while Ganni’s partnership with Melissa is delivering cute jelly sandals with ribbon-esque straps. But let’s be real, having endless options doesn’t make these tricky flats any easier to style without looking like you’re heading straight to a water park changing room.

So I called in the local outfit authorities (read: the rest of the Bustle fashion team) to help me with some easy hacks to give your flat shoes a serious upgrade. A few took notes from minimalist icons Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, who managed the impossible and elevated their slippers. Jenner’s secret is keeping things ultra-sleek in expensive-looking fabrics and neutral tones, while Bieber serves effortless model-off-duty energy in a long-sleeved tee and jeans.

The maximalists were well represented, too. One great example: Jennifer Lawrence paired her beachy footwear with florals... for summer.

Ahead, you’ll find five chic style ideas for showing off your thongs. Sisqo would be proud.

Sandwich Method

In my book, Zendaya can do no wrong. And with drawstring pants having such a major fashion moment right now, I thought her pairing them with a long-sleeved top and hoodie created the perfect on-the-go outfit. Since the look itself is fairly simple and understated, I wanted the flip-flops to become the focal point — adding the shoe makes the entire outfit feel intentional rather than basic. — Ashirah Curry, associate market editor

Model-Off-Duty

Hailey Bieber’s effortless street style never misses, and this look immediately caught my eye. It’s simple yet undeniably cool — the epitome of sleek model-off-duty dressing. I can already see myself recreating this outfit on cooler spring and summer days paired with summer’s staple: flip-flops. — Noelia Rojas-West, fashion market assistant

Florals For Spring... & Summer

In this Jennifer Lawrence look, refined pieces like the oversized cardigan and floral pants make it ornate, while the baseball cap and slouchy suede bag immediately cut the formality. The flip-flops serve as a defining element, pushing the outfit into an easy, lived-in register. To recreate, start with a tailored base, then offset it with utilitarian layers and simple rubber flip-flops that break the overall sense of polish. — Sunshine Kern, fashion closet assistant

Minimalist Dreams

Kendall Jenner has a knack for making the simplest items look so sleek — flip-flops included. Take this outfit: She’s in nondescript lounge pants, a breathable beige tank, and thong sandals for crying out loud. And yet, she makes it work. If I were to recreate this effortless chic vibe, I’d do everything she did to a tee, including wrapping a contrasting sweater around my waist, too. For ultimate fashion girl points, I’d also carry an IYKYK bag. — Alyssa Lapid, style writer

An Old-Money Twist

King Kylie has crowned the heeled flip-flop this summer’s must-have footwear. Rather than hiding the flip-flops beneath floor-skimming skirts or jeans, she joins a growing list of celebrities who utilize capris to make their shoes the focal point of their outfit. To balance the skin-tight look, she dons an oversized trench coat over a form-fitting black tee, providing a stylish layer for these capricious spring days.

While flat sandals would have relaxed the look, she opts for heeled thong sandals to elongate her silhouette and provide a sophisticated lift to the ensemble — perfect for drinks with the girls or dinner with your partner. The look is completed, in true Jenner fashion, with a pair of sleek sunglasses. — Madison Collins, fashion closet assistant