This summer has seen many footwear trends dominating street style, from the mesh ballet split to the fisherman’s sandal. But if neither of these are for you, fear not – you can’t go wrong with summer’s all-time favorite shoe – the flat white sandal.
It was Jackie Kennedy who first made them a wardrobe staple of the jet, when she brought home a pair of white sandals with whipstitch details from Capri, asking her cobbler Jack Rogers to recreate them for her. Sure enough, her entire international circle was soon emulating the look.
It’s easy to see the appeal. White is known for looking great with sun-kissed skin, which most of us aim for in the summer months. They’re also a great neutral accessory, working especially well with the season’s color palette, whether you’re in the pastel or bright camp. And they look so chic with cropped trousers or floaty dresses, or even simply a swimsuit.
As with most white clothing, white sandals are undeniably “monied”, as it is assumed that they are unlikely to get dirty. “White sandals aren’t for walking, they’re meant to look pretty with a cocktail in your hand,” says Vogue luxury editor Milena Lazazzera. “They need to be kept in a bag and worn only at the right time and in the right place – especially if they are leather and Hermès.”
But that doesn’t mean you can’t make them your everyday shoe, whether you’re on the beach or in the city. After all, the style is versatile enough that it works for office wear just as well as holiday wear, and can be particularly smart when paired with trousers and cropped shirts. A word of caution, though: as Lazazzera says, white sandals aren’t really meant for climbing your 10,000 steps, thanks to their tendency to show dirt, but if you need to pound the trails, try a sturdier pair and more sporty, à la Katie Holmes in her Chloé x Tevas, which will not only be more comfortable but also easier to clean.
The secret to keeping them clean
The real danger of wearing your white sandals in the city – and the UK – however, is the weather. And while you can check the forecast before you head out, you can’t guarantee you won’t be caught in a sudden downpour. If you find yourself ankle-deep in rainwater or bus-splattered spray, then don’t despair – there are many ways to resurrect your favorite pair, and many of the products you use to decorate your home cleaning working as a beet.
“I mix Vanish Oxi Action Crystal White powder [£3.50 for 470g at Asda) with a little water to make a paste and then use a toothbrush to clean,” shares fashion editor Gemma Louise Deeks. “An all-purpose cleaner that you spray on and wipe off after wearing will keep them looking good as new,” adds Cat Anderson, stylist and owner of boutique store, Treen. “Good old baking soda and vinegar mixed into a paste should lift any marks and stains on white sandals, and keep them cleaner after applying. And you can’t go wrong with toothpaste – particularly on white soles. Rub the white of the toothpaste on, leave for 10 minutes then wipe off. Ta-da!”
Extra care has to be taken with suede shoes, which can be trickier to keep clean, and easier to inadvertently ruin. “Cleaning suede footwear requires special care to avoid damaging the delicate material and keep them looking their very best,” explains Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of the Norfolk accessories brand Fairfax & Favor.
“Start by brushing off any surface debris before utilising a suede cleaner in gentle circular motions to spot clean any light marks. If you’re dealing with any oily stains, sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder onto the stain and leave overnight for the powder to absorb the oil. In the morning, simply brush off the powder with a soft brush and the mark should be gone.”
And a final word of caution: “Remember, we want gentle and light cleaning only. Don’t go submerging your sandals in water as that can lead to irreversible damage.”
Of course, many of these white sandal styles are timelessly chic, so if you’re hoping to wear the same pair year-in, year-out, then it’s worth considering how you store them during the winter months, too. “If you regularly leave your favourite pair of white sandals in pride of place in direct sunlight, you may actually be contributing to fading and deterioration of the material, especially with leather shoes,” shares Fairfax Fountaine. “In the winter months, we would suggest investing in storing your footwear in a dedicated shoe storage cabinet or keeping pairs of sandals in individual boxes in a cool, dark space to prevent light and heat from damaging the material – storing footwear this way also ensures you can select your shoes with ease every time.”
Five of the best pairs to buy
Leather slingbacks, £295, Camilla Elphick
Leather sandals, £170, A. Emery
Leather Mary Janes, £350, ATP Atelier
Leather fisherman sandals, £140, Camper
Leather heeled sandals, £69, Marks & Spencer