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I Went To Europe And Everyone Was Wearing This Aussie Shoe Staple

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Cast your mind back just a few years, and flip flops – or thongs, as we call them here in Australia – were likely the daggiest thing in most wardrobes.

Once reserved for dashing across boiling hot sand in the summer, taking the bins out in the evening, or perhaps even braving public showers, the rubber sandal – popularised by Brazilian brand Havaianas – was the symbol of affordable, practical footwear. Or so I thought.

Like many Aussies, I recently made the pilgrimage to Europe in an attempt Sydney’s winter chill. And while I was greeted with the expected European classics of crystal clear water, rich culture, and delectable food, there was one sartorial surprise that nothing could prepare me for: a Havaianas renaissance. 

Image: @thesetters

From the effortlessly cool women of Copenhagen to the goddesses of Croatia, everywhere I visited, style-savvy Europeans were reclaiming this once-bogan accessory. And they weren’t just reserved for the beach. City slickers cycled to work in the humble rubber thong, while fancy restaurants saw diners sitting pretty in maxi dresses and — you guessed it — flip flops.

Image: @matildadjerf

As an Australian who’s used to this kind of footwear faux pas falling short of the dress code in most respectable bars and restaurants, I have to admit, I found the trend pretty jarring at first. But after a few months spent in the Southern hemisphere, I’m a certified convert.

As it turns out, these fashion-forward Europeans aren’t not alone in their flip flop adoration. Celebs like Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence have co-signed the unconventional sandal in recent months, while designers like Chanel, Miu Miu, and Bottega Veneta have deemed the humble flip flop a Spring/Summer 2024 must-have.

Flip flops reigned supreme on the Chanel Spring.Summer 2024 runway. Image: Getty

I’ll admit, like most aughties relics that have been brought back into the fashionable fold, there’s a difference in the way the style set are styling the thongs of today. Bermuda shorts, baggy denim, floaty dresses, and thigh-grazing mini skirts have all proven the perfect pairing to the sandal du jour. And it’s not just Havaianas that have found their way onto some of the world’s most fashionable feet. There are plenty iterations of the humble thong on the market, courtesy of the most in-demand brands, from Christopher Esber’s retro-inspired PVC creation, to A Emery’s sleek leather variety.

Interest piqued? Keep reading for the thongs you’re guaranteed to be wearing when Australian summer rolls around.

2024’s top thongs:

  1. Havaianas Slim Basic Thongs, $40, The Iconic (here’s why)
  2. Christopher Esber Jo Flip Flop, $400, Christopher Esber (here’s why)
  3. Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly PVC Flip Flops, $200, Net-a-Porter (here’s why)

The Best Thongs To Shop In 2024

01

Havaianas Slim Basic Thongs

from $40 at The Iconic

Nothing can quite trump this classic. Tried-and-tested in comfortable, wearable leather, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for the OG Havaiana in black.

Sizes: 35/36 – 41/42

Colours: Retro Black

Materials: Rubber

Key features:

  • Slim straps
  • Slips on
  • Textured sole for grip

02

Christopher Esber Jo Flip Flop

$400 at Christopher Esber

Minimalism meets fun in this upgrade on the classic thong by Australian designer, Christopher Esber. Play it safe with the clear colourway, or inject some life into your summer wardrobe with crisp green.

Sizes: IT 35 – 41

Colours: Black Clear, Cola, Verde Clear, Clear Crystal

Materials: 100% PVC

Key features:

  • Water resistant
  • Slip-on style
  • IT sizing

03

Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly PVC Flip Flops

$200 at Net-A-Porter

Ancient Greek Sandals are combining two of this year’s biggest trends: the pop of red and thongs. Pair yours with a cherry red pedicure for a the ultimate summer combination.

Sizes: IT 36 – 41

Colours: Red, Clear

Materials: Leather, PVC

Key features:

150-300 word description of this product.

  • Fits small to size
  • Slight heel
  • IT sizing
  • Slips on

04

Tkees Glosses Flip Flop

$98 at Revolve

If you like the idea of a thong, but can’t quite commit to the rubber of it all, dip your toes into this patent leather creation by Tkees. A sartorial compromise, if you will.

Sizes: 6 – 11

Colours: Licorice

Materials: Patent leather upper; rubber sole.

Key features:

  • Made in Brazil
  • Slip-on style
  • Leather footbed and lining

The post I Went To Europe And Everyone Was Wearing This Aussie Shoe Staple appeared first on ELLE.

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