When summer comes around, you start asking yourself how to wear slides. They’re comfortable and airy, and you can pair them with different outfits. During this time you’re genuinely trying to match them, however, something just seems off.
This is exactly why you may need some fashion advice. You shouldn’t just give up on your desire to wear slides this season. All you need is someone to point you in the right direction.
So, how to wear slides when summer comes around?
What are slides, anyway?
It’s weird to even address this, but maybe it’s needed to actually understand what shoes you’re styling and if these are the right shoes for your needs.
Slides are a type of shoe that has open toes and is completely backless. They can have one or multiple straps. Something similar to slides are mules, but you should never confuse them, because mules have a closed front.
Slides have been around for such a long time that they’re probably one of the oldest types of shoes out there. However, they truly gained popularity during the 1960s.
People pair them with many different styles, and they always find new and innovative ways to incorporate them into their outfits.
How to wear slides: 8 styling tips
1. Slides with flowy pants
The quickest answer to how to wear slides is that they look best with flowy pants. During summer, there are times when wearing shorts isn’t appropriate, but it’s too hot for jeans, so you opt for flowy pants.
Slides look amazing when combined with flowy pants that constantly let the unique slides peek through. You can wear some neutral-colored pants and then intense-colored slides to give that stark contrast.
For example, black flowy pants would look amazing with hot-pink slides. Pairing this with a tank top or an equally flowy blouse will complete your outfit.
2. Slides with long dresses
If you’re the girl who asks how to wear slides because she wants to embrace her hippie look, then you’re at the right place.
How about pairing your cork-bottom slides with a long dress?
Dresses that have a flower pattern or earthy tones will make you look like a genuine lover of nature. Also, this style is great for a nice dinner and no one will bat an eye at the fact that you came in wearing slides.
Another great thing is that you can wear is high-heeled ones. For example, kitten heels are great for a midsummer date night. You can even pair a cocktail dress with them to important events!
High-heel slides are getting more and more popular because women want to look classy yet also feel comfortable. So, slides and dresses are the perfect combo – you’ll look put together without much effort.
3. Slides with jeans
How to wear slides with jeans, you ask? Would these two contrast each other too much? Definitely not!
You can combine jeans with absolutely any type of shoe that you like. It doesn’t matter if you choose skinny jeans or wide-legged jeans. Even mom jeans or boyfriend jeans would look great with any slides.
If you want a more casual look, you can wear sporty, rubber slides. However, if you want something that gives off “effortlessly fancy” vibes, then you should go for high-heeled or platform slides.
On some days, you just want to be comfortable while running errands or going to brunch with your friends. If that’s the case, you can pair your cork-lined slides with a simple outfit.
Depending on the occasion, just decide which type of blouse or shirt you want to pair with it. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from.
4. Slides with jumpsuits
Jumpsuits aren’t really a fan favorite when it comes to summer outfits. However, many people choose to wear them because they seem stylish without putting any effort into the outfit.
You can easily pair your slides with jumpsuits. If you choose a floral jumpsuit or a more casual one, you can wear your cork-bottom slides with them. The most popular right now is Birkenstocks.
On the other hand, jumpsuits are made out of different materials these days. You can even find them made out of silk, which gives you the opportunity to wear high-heeled slides.
The good thing about jumpsuits is that they usually have long and wide legs. So, you don’t have to worry about people staring at the slides on your feet. That said, if you want your slides to be the star of your outfit, then you may want to choose slides that are a bright color or a cropped jumpsuit.
5. Slides with sweatpants
How to wear slides when you’re just running errands? You don’t want an outfit that makes it impossible to walk around. You want comfort above anything, so you opt for your sweatpants. Can you wear your slides with them, though?
Of course, you can!
One of the most popular slides is the Adidas Adilette, which is the perfect companion to your sweatpants. Everyone and their mother is obsessed with these slides, especially when it comes to loungewear or sportswear.
Wearing slides with your sweats will make it obvious that you care about your comfort above anything else, but it’ll also look good! Without too much trouble, you’ll be able to check off your long to-do list, be productive, and still enjoy it.
6. Slides with skirts
Mini skirts and midi skirts are definitely leaving many with the question of how to wear slides with them. You know that you want to pair your short skirt with your cute slides because it’s so freaking hot outside.
My advice is to wear kitten heel slides for a more elevated look. However, if you want to look more laid back and relaxed, then cork-bottom slides are your best friend.
Even long and flowy skirts would look amazing when you pair them with your favorite pair of slides. You shouldn’t just put these styling options aside because you don’t see many people wearing them.
In Europe, this is a very popular styling trend, so don’t limit your choices. Slides with skirts look amazing, plus they elongate your legs.
7. Slides with shorts
Shorts are a summer staple. Combining them with slides gives you so many different variations that you’ll never run out of them.
Pairing your Birkenstocks with a well-tailored pair of shorts will make you look elegant, but also give you the comfort that you’re looking for. It’s an easy styling choice that you can try out.
Also, if you’re a sporty girl, simple slides and oversized shorts will give you a relaxed look without much effort.
8. Slides with socks
How to wear slides with socks? Do people even do that anymore?
It’s quite a heated topic, actually. You’ll mostly see people in the US wearing this combination, while people in Europe approve less of this styling choice.
Nonetheless, you can wear whatever you choose to!
This is the perfect combo if you want warmer feet when the temperature isn’t that high. Wool socks that have some type of pattern on them will give you a more cottage-like aesthetic. They will give your hippie soul sheer satisfaction.
Striped socks, or simple white ankle socks, are made for my sporty girls. If you’re wondering how to wear slides with this combination, you don’t need to overthink this. Just put them on if that’s what makes you feel comfortable!
Bonus tip: Always keep your feet clean and pedicured
While it’s important to always keep your feet pretty, clean, and pedicured, it’s especially important to do that if you want to wear slides. There’s hardly any point in asking how to wear slides when your feet aren’t well-kept as they will only make you uncomfortable and insecure.
Slides showcase your entire foot. From toes and nails to ankles and heels. There’s nothing you can hide when you’re wearing them. The entirety of your feet are visible, so you have to take good care of them.
This includes short nails that are nicely filed with a pretty nail color. But you don’t have to pay a bunch of money just for a pedi – you can do everything you need at home!
At the end of the day, do you wear slides when your feet don’t look appealing at all? Well, we wouldn’t even reach for them in that situation. You and your entire outfit will probably look awkward. And none of us want that to happen, do we?
