Each print issue of Harper’s Bazaar features “In the Market,” a column highlighting the best new items of the season, shot behind the scenes in the Bazaar fashion closet. For the height of summer, senior fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen gives us an up-close look at the season’s best black sandals.
If there’s one item you can always find in Bazaar’s fashion closet, it’s black sandals. We’ll pair them with summer looks, of course, but they also come in handy for fall, not to mention evening events throughout the year. With the season’s best options rotating through our office during our recent spring and summer shoots, I had a chance to curate 15 of my favorite pairs.
Chanel’s flip-flops, for example, feel so luxurious in velvet. Khaite’s Marion wedge takes the ’90s style to new heights. And the Row’s house slipper in silk jacquard is heaven. Read on for the best black sandals across five key categories, from my wish-list investments to the ones I’m already wearing.
Thong Sandals
Just when you thought this was one of the least chic sandal styles to exist, Chanel makes a pair in velvet, and somehow thong sandals are back. I also love the Madewell options with a slight kitten heel: Throw on a pair of straight-leg jeans, a simple white T-shirt, and a brown heritage-style bag and voilà—an effortless happy hour look! When it comes to looking put-together while traveling or just running around, Birkenstocks are always a good idea.
Chanel Black Velvet Thong
Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials Eva
Madewell Irene Thong Sandal
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Slip-On Sandals
The perfect shoes to wear with your favorite swimwear for a poolside lunch, or with your best summer dress, these offer a “less is more” minimal style (no hands required!). I love how the Row styled its house slippers with oversize tailored separates for a laid-back yet sophisticated look.
The Row Frances Open-Toe Slipper
Strappy Sandals
This statement-making style looks best with a sweet circle skirt, one of summer’s biggest trends, and will feel just as chic in fall. I love how these sandals are sleek yet sexy and bohemian at the same time.
Sporty Sandals
Between WNBA tunnel style and all the fashion at the Olympics, I can’t help but be inspired by athletic looks right now. I love how designers have been taking sport sandals and making them elegant. Prada used a velvet material to dress up its slides, while Jimmy Choo’s gold details offer a nice pop of shine. I would wear these with a slipdress for the summer, or my favorite wide-leg trousers and Breton stripe top for the fall.
Giorgio Armani Padded Nappa-Leather Flat Sandals
Evening Sandals
Wedges are another nostalgic trend that has been making a comeback, and Khaite’s effortless version might be the coolest ones yet. These would be the perfect shoes to elevate one of summer’s biggest trends, capri pants. I would wear them with a white flowy babydoll blouse to balance the sleekness of the bottom. Then there are the shoes you want to wear with a long gown to dance all night at evening events: strappy, minimal, block-heel sandals. These are truly the perfect investment if you want to be comfortable and enjoy your evening out.
Michael Kors Bridgette Patent Leather Sandal
Khaite Marion Wedge Sandal
Christian Louboutin Sweet Jane Sandal
Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen is Harper’s Bazaar’s Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor. Outside of the office she can be found downtown with her twin sister, figure skating somewhere or on the hunt for the perfect striped top. Follow her on Instagram @jaclynalexandra
