Quelle horreur! You've somehow catastrophically misjudged your need for a pedicure and now anything open-toed is completely out of the question.
There's absolutely nothing worse than being caught short with toes NSFPV (Not Suitable For Public Viewing – you heard it here first), but luckily there is a solution in the form of one particular footwear trend.
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Closed-toe sandals present a chic alternative to styles that more overtly scream "summer". Don't get us wrong, padded flip flops and monogram mules are great for beside the pool, but they sadly leave a lot to be desired, practicality-wise. If you've learned this the hard way (e.g. by misjudging quite how much walking is involved in a "walking tour"), our heart goes out to you.
How we chose the pairs:
We've scoured the internet's top fashion sites, taking into account price, quality and style, for closed-toe sandals that will revolutionise your summer footwear game. While they vary in design, from raffia mules to utilitarian leather, these pairs are united by the fact that they will protect your toes and stylishly mask the absence of a pedicure. This season we're lusting after chunky fisherman styles by the likes of Prada and The Row, as well as daintier, more rustic designs by Russell & Bromley.
Hello! Fashion shares our favourite closed-toe sandals this season:
Woven Raffia Pointed Mules
Fabiana Filippi
Fabiana Filippi's woven mules are the unfussy footwear fan's idea of heaven. This pair has a chic, clean line, and we adore the earthy tone of the raffia. Style yours with frayed crop jeans and an airy blouse.
Juliet Mary Jane Mules
Mary Janes are bang on trend for SS23, but you needn't restrict the style to a glossy black finish. Russell & Bromley's raffia slip-on mules are neutral and versatile, and the embellished buckle adds a hint of holiday glamour.
Grained-leather Fisherman Sandals
The Row
Crafted from a creamy, grained leather, The Row's fisherman sandals are giving utilitarian luxe. Team yours with a white waistcoat, relaxed-fit straight leg trousers and a punchy red lip.
Grana Flat Raffia Shoes
Castañer
Every fashion editor's favourite Spanish espadrille label has come through with a pair of flats that will see you through this summer and beyond. With a distinctly rustic feel and an elegant almond toe shape, pair yours with airy, wide-leg white trousers.
Monolith-sole Caged Sandals
Prada
Chunky and high impact, Prada's Monolith-sole sandals in a muted pink hue feel super 90s. Crafted from rubber, these would not only make for a functional footwear packing list addition, they also have a playful edge. Team with a puff-sleeve tiered babydoll mini and a vibrant bucket hat.
Embellished Woven Leather and Raffia Slingback pumps
Valentino
These woven slingbacks by Valentino epitomise retro-inspired refinement. The low heel is modernised by the gold logo adornment - team yours with a classic A-line midaxi.
Pesca Cutout Leather Sandals
Hereu
Handmade in Spain by artisans, Hereu's Pesca sandals have a traditional, refined feel. Crafted from buffed, locally-sourced leather, this white pair would look great alongside a pinstripe shirt-and-shorts co-ord.
Gaia Organic White Espadrilles
Stella McCartney
You can always rely on the Stella McCartney brand for a touch of personality, and these saw-edge sole espadrilles are super statement. Style yours with a dark denim boiler suit zipped down to the navel.
T-buckle Woven-leather Sandals
Tod's
Chic shoe purveyor Tod's has really smashed it out of the park with this Italian-crafted pair. The sleek leather looks super luxe, and the subtle 'T'-shaped gold accent is a nice touch.
Fringe Detail Flat Espadrilles
Playful and punchy, these raffia Boden flats are unexpectedly cool. The bright fringing adds a hit of colour and we reckon these would look amazing alongside a similarly-hued vibrant print.
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