Step it up with chunky sandals

The chunky sandal or, as some would call it, the ugly-pretty trend from last year, seems to not only be holding strong but also evolving. Heidi Klum, Mary Kate, Ashley Olsen and Rita Ora are a few international celebrities seen sporting this style.

In the past, this style was all about playing with contrasts—the purpose was to take something that was dubbed a style pariah (orthopedic shoes) and pair it with a gorgeous dress or an intricate mini. The contrast was interesting and showed playfulness towards fashion.

But now, the chunky sandal has slowly changed to a sleeker, more minimal-inspired shape where it still boasts its heavy and clunky characteristics but in a more intentional way.

There are multiple styles within this trend like the Flatforms and Platforms. They can be seen in metallic, pastel and monochrome colours, largely in leather and synthetic materials, mostly in a double strap or crisscross pattern that make for the classic profile of a go-to slide sandal. This trend is becoming highly popular in today’s context. Wear it with a short tent dress as you walk through the market, or with a pair of denim shorts for a casual day out.

Keep the look simple with a free flowing one-piece ethnic print maxi, kaftan or ankle-length cotton kurta for a casual-chic look. If you’re looking to spice it up, team your chunky sandals with an embellished heavy ethnic top and team it with a light washed pair of denims for a bohemian twist.

The writer is a trend analyst at Clarks, India