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Rope Sandals Are The It-Girl Shoe Of The Season: Here's How To Wear Them, Even If You're Not In Italy

Summer asks a lot of a shoe. It has to survive the farmers' market, look intentional at the office, and still feel worth wearing by the end of a long day. For years, stylish and comfortable have been two different categories when it comes to warm-weather footwear, but this year's it sandal finally bridges the gap. Enter: the rope sandal.

By Emilee JanitzJun 16th 20263 min read

Net-a-Porter/Isabel Marant

For the past two years, the coastal grandma and fisherman aesthetics have had a majority of fashion girls clamoring for fisherman sandals. During this timeframe, paper-thin, '90s-inspired flip-flops have also been considered a stylish must-have. This year, coastal is very much still the vibe to aspire to, but with the benefit of a more comfortable fit and a chicer silhouette. Rope sandals are taking qualities from their trending predecessors and serving up something much more stylish and wearable.

If you haven’t already seen these European-inspired sandals taking over your feeds, consider yourself warned. They’re about to be everywhere.

Breaking Down the Rope Sandal Trend

The term “rope sandals” encapsulates a lot of variety in the shoe space. But the style most associated with this designation—and sure to be the most sought after this summer—is defined not only by its construction and material, but by its silhouette. In addition to its signature paracord straps, these sandals are delimited by their thong design (when a strap separates the big and small toes), such as that of a traditional flip-flop.

While this shoe is nothing new, its rising popularity is being credited to its appearance on Miu Miu and Prada runways. Naturally, once an item has been spotted on the fashion main stage, it’s only a matter of time before it’s being coveted by the masses.

Now, these sandals are being redesigned, produced by all our favorite fashion labels and we’re excited to style them with all our go-to summer outfit formulas in the months ahead.

Reasons to Love Rope Sandals

With “East Coast summer” being the aspirational summer energy for several years running, it’s become increasingly difficult to not swoon over—let alone turn down—anything and everything that sports a paracord. The nautical nature of this shoe makes them classic, and their sporty silhouette makes them cool. In other words, they appeal to yuppie, coastal grandma types and cool-girl city dwellers alike.

They’re aligned with the resurgence of '90s-inspired flip-flops but provide an additional, European-inspired edge. They hit on that highly sought-after middle ground between timeless and trendy.

Aesthetics aside, rope sandals also deliver on comfort. Because most shopping options sport a backstrap, you don’t have to feel limited in where and when you wear them, i.e., you won’t be putting your daily step goal in jeopardy every time you reach for them.

They’re also versatile and can be worn with a number of different outfits. From jeans, to shorts and skirts, matching sets, and athleisure. It’s a shoe that can pull its own weight by tallying up a low cost per wear.

Italian Roots

While not inherently Italian, rope sandals are often associated with Italian girl style due to their strappy, open-toe design and association with Italian brands such as Flowze, which are known for incorporating paracord into their designs. Just imagine a stylish Venetian woman strutting down the length of the Adriatic Sea with a pair of these sandals adorning her feet, perfectly complementing her breezy linen outfit.

Italian girl style runs elevated and feminine. It’s classic and sensual without trying too hard. If that’s a vibe you’re looking to channel this summer (and who wouldn’t be?), then adding rope sandals to your OOTDs can prove to be an accessible starting point.

How to Style Rope Sandals

As previously mentioned, a major benefit to rope sandals is their versatility. They go with many summer outfits and favorite formulas, from casual to elevated. While you can easily work them into your typical styling rotation, here are some additional ideas to consider if you’re seeking inspiration.

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With Culotte Pants and a Tank

Cropped pants are on the rise. And what better way to style them during the summer months than with a hot day-approved tank and a pair of breezy sandals? This cool-girl outfit formula is one of those combinations that can see you through the entire day. From your early morning commute (rope sandals are comfortable enough to actually walk in—love that) to happy hour drinks with friends.

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cropped Wide Leg Pants, $45

Everlane The Tank in Essential Cotton, $19

With Jeans, a White Tee, and a Pair of Aviators

The belief that the best summer outfits are also the simplest is a hill I’m willing to die on. When worn in tandem with a pair of cool, oversized aviators, rope sandals can add just the right amount of edge and intentional styling to your favorite jeans-and-a-white-tee combo.

J.Crew Girlfriend Crewneck Tee, $13

Madewell Logaan Aviator Sunglasses, $75

With Track Shorts and a Button-Down Shirt

These sporty sandals pair well with all athletic bottoms, including summer-approved track shorts. Throw on a button-down for crisp mornings, Zoom calls, or brisk oceanside evening walks. This look is particularly practical if you spend the summer months chasing kids around.

Aritzia Medallion Long Short, $52

Quince Organic Cotton Relaxed Oxford Shirt, $40

With a Sundress and a Basket Bag

For a look that requires minimal planning and prep, and that’s 100% Italian girl-coded, grab a white sundress and a woven tote. Tie a trendy little scarf around your neck to pull the ensemble together.

Showpo Athena Midi Dress, $130

Sezane Mini Maia Basket, $240

With a Matching Set

Whether it’s a knit tank and shorts, or a midi skirt and blouse, coordinating sets are a lazy girl’s best friend, especially during the summer when you don’t have to worry about styling outerwear. Again, rope sandals are versatile. They can play up the sporty nature of a casual set, or add satisfying contrast to a more polished look.

Boden Miriam Linen Maxi Skirt, $220

Boden Square Neck Linen Waistcoat, $110

Our Favorite Rope Sandals

Those familiar with the rope sandals trend know that the Miu Miu version is being dubbed the version to own. However, Old Navy’s copycat style is finding its way onto the shoe racks of financially conscious fashion girls everywhere. No matter your budget, if you’re ready to get on board (boating pun intended), there’s a rope sandal for you.