Spring is finally in full swing! I’m partnering with DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse to share three outfits highlighting one of my favorite shoe trends for the season: the minimalist sandal. I love the clean, barely-there look of this style for wearing simply with jeans or dressed up as part of special occasion outfits. I combed through their large selection online and tried on a number of different styles – the three in today’s post are each lightweight and comfortable, plus available in small sizes starting at 5 or 5.5 (I found them all to fit true to size). As a bonus, they each also happen to be under $60!
Minimalist doesn’t necessarily mean subtle – here’s an example of the style in a bold, vibrant color! These are faux suede, and are at a good price point for a fun statement piece. I can see these styled with a colorful outfit, or with a muted white/neutral one that lets the shoes speak for themselves. I wanted to show it with just a casual pairing consisting of a button-down shirt and jeans, with the sandals as the accent piece.
The nude sandal is a closet MVP. I wear my strappy sky-high ones quite a bit, and these are a more manageable variation with a moderate 3″ heel and wider front band (which I find in general to be more comfortable than narrow front straps). These are faux leather with a smooth, matte finish.
Since wedding season is coming up, I also wanted to share these blue suede sandals with a comfortable block heel. If you’re going to be on your feet for a while and want to survive in heels for as long as possible, definitely go the more stable block heel route vs skinny stiletto. These are genuine suede, and the color is a beautiful soft powder blue.
Thank you to DSW for partnering on this post. Which look here was your favorite?
Hi Jean! I've been scouring the internet for "something blue" shoes for months. I did buy a pair of scallop block heels you recommended a while back but decided they were too high (4"). I've never worn Jessica Simpson heels – do you really think they are comfortable enough for a whole day?? Thanks 🙂
The yellow sandals give an interesting take on the easy casual outfit. I love your lip colour too. What lipstick are you wearing?
I love all of them, but I think the blue are my favourite! I prefer real suede to suedette as I feel they last longer. That being said, the yellow pair with jeans looks great too!
Ellie x
http://www.shoestringthreads.com
Hi there Gwen! You're so up date date on everything : ) I'm definitely excited for their first MA store, and it's right next to Eataly nonetheless. Let me know what you think about the Mimi vs Savannah! The Mimi's look a little higher than mine, but very similar indeed.
Hi Emma! I left the finance field a while back to join a startup, and now I work fully for myself. I did blog while working in the industry for many years, so definitely think it's possible to have a job like that and pursue your passions on the side!
Hi there – the sole on the madden girl sandals isn't flex…sorry!
Thank you, Corki! xx
Hi there! I'm not sure if I fully understand, but an alternative I can suggest is legging jeans, which are still on the fitted side and slimming, but are usually thinner and a lot stretchier than regular jeans so they allow more movement. With high waisted skirts, the ones with elasticized waists can be also very comfortable and non-restricting.
Thank you as always for your feedback! xx
I love these simple sandals! That blue dress is stunning.
Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture
Love your looks
new post:
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I LOVE the yellow ones!
-Chelsea
http://www.chelseacalifornia.com
Hi Jean! I am sure your eagle eyes have already spotted this, but how excited are you for M. Gemi to open at Copley? (I think I scared a woman coming out of Sephora with my gasp last week!) Speaking of neutral sandals.. in cognac/luggage tones… 3 options & 3 price-points I've been considering this week: M.Gemi Attorno ($248) of course sold out immediately, Talbots Mimi Ankle-Strap in pebbled Sepia ($139) (just out and twins for yours I think) and Sole Society's cognac Savannah ($79.95). I snagged the last pair of Savannahs in my size. I'm going to compare with Talbots. You really need to do a bag/footwear partnership with them! 🙂 Happy Tuesday Gwen K.
Omg this is amazing! Beautiful colors nice
How come you have time to work in finance and still take care of every detail regarding the posts at your website?! I'd love to be like you when "I grow up"!
Sorry Jean, I mistyped…
I prefer shoes with soft soles that flexes easily as I walk. What about MADDEN GIRL SANDALS, please?
Thank you!
I prefer shoes with soft sholes that flexes easily as I walk. What about MADDEN GIRL SANDALS, please?
Well Jean as usual u look good in them all but I really love the blue!
The minimalistic sandal is my favorite style! I love the yellow and blue ones 🙂
http://www.pennyanddash.com
WOW all the colors look so nice on you! I for one is into minimalism. I prefer solid colors to prints personally. So minimalistic sandals are my go-tos. I love em!
XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like 😉
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These chic sandals are the best! I love all of the colors and how you styled them!!
xoxo
Rachel
http://thetrendytomboy.com/
Such chic sandals! I love all of the pastel colors. Great looks 🙂
-Jessi
https://www.thedarlingdetail.com/
You often look very stylish in skinny jeans or mid/high-waisted skirts. Do you have any recommendations for petite women trying to achieve similar looks but who want to avoid tightness? I never wear skinny jeans and almost always avoid belts, but it seems your looks frequently depend on them…
Also, is there a good place to ask you anonymous style questions other than in the comments? 😛
Lovely outfits, Jean! They're so Spring-y and wonderful!
I hope you've had a lovely start to your week!
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
Love all these looks! You are always dresses to absolute perfection
Enclothed Cognition
I'm loving the pop of yellow in that first outfit!
http://alexisdezayas.wordpress.com
Love the yellow pair!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Always love your outfits! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
I love everything above! Especially the blue ruffle dress 🙂 Perfection!
xo, Katie
Willow and White
You always look amazing and your outfits are all on point! Love your style <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
Those yellow heels are my favorite! What a cute way to add a pop of color!
Polly
http://gemsandjoy.com
I love minimal sandals, so classy and cute.
xo
Pinksole
So pretty, babe!
Shall We Sasa
Simply beautiful styling looks! 🙂
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Hard to choose which look I prefer as they are all striking! I love these types of posts where you show us different ways of styling an item – very useful! The minimalist sandal is definitely a staple in the wardrobe!
Other restyling tips that are favorites of mine include wearing a long maxi skirt worn over a
1-piece bathing suit to give the illusion of a resort-style dress (so clever!) to repurposing a duster as a beach coverup!
All these tips are so helpful!
All these spring looks are different but very beautiful!
xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
My favourite are the yellow sandals. They bring about a pop to your outfit in such a beautiful, subtle way!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
For me, definitely the first look. I love having something simple to dress up a pretty casual outfit. Being comfortable is super important!
-Kirsten // pork & cookies