What to Wear With Tall Gladiator Sandals

This summer, it’s all about tall gladiator sandals. They’re everywhere — on your favorite bloggers, all over the streets of New York, and in every store. They’re basically the sandal version of the knee-high boot, and they’re not actually any trickier to style. Trust me on this one. They look scarier than they actually are. When deciding what to wear with tall gladiator sandals, just think about where you’re headed, because you can pretty much make them work with anything. Seriously. The only thing they won’t work with is pants — the whole point is to show them off. And what’s great about tall gladiator sandals is they make a statement on their own so the rest of your outfit can be pretty simple. Try pairing them with a prim floral dress for an unexpectedly chic look — just stick to a midi, short, or high-low hemline so you can show off your sandals. I also love how they look with shorts or a mini skirt, or try a slitted mini skirt for a fashion-forward vibe that works for the city. There’s nothing that screams Coachella more than denim cutoffs and tall gladiator sandals — the look is perfect for a concert or music festival.

Flats styles (like these ones) are the safe, more casual (and comfortable) choice; a stacked heel gives you height without adding too much sexiness or fanciness; while a stiletto (this pair is soo good) is full-on sexpot and glamour that’s basically a summer take on what my husband calls “the hooker boot” (in reference to the heeled stiletto boots Julia Roberts iconically wore in Pretty Woman. Sigh. Husbands.). Whatever you go with flats or heels, they’re sexy and cool but the gladiator’s boho-Mediterranean roots keep it from feeling too over the top.

If you’re looking to get in on the trend, here’s what to wear with tall gladiator sandals.