Who knew that the go-to shoes for toddlers (and dads) would become the next big thing in fashion? Velcro sandals are now in vogue after luxury brands such as CHANEL and Prada released their high-fashion take on the functional footwear design in recent months.
With many folks turning to comfortable loungewear pieces in light of the health pandemic, velcro sandals quickly became the must-have shoe for the season and have already been spotted on the feet of Scandi streetstyle icon Pernille Teisbaek, Victoria’s Secret Angel Elsa Hosk and other fashion tastemakers. Hop onto this unexpected footwear trend with us, as we round up five different velcro sandal designs and show you how you can rock them stylishly.
Jet-black wonder
London-based fashion blogger Belle opts for a monochrome pair from Italian brand Prada, which features graphic black speckle detailing and the brand’s logo. She styles her high-fashion leather sandals with slouchy charcoal jeans and a fresh pedicure.
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(Left) Ksubi ‘Chlo Wasted’ distressed jeans, USD108.24 (Photo from: Net-A-Porter.com). (Right) Butter London ‘Wicked’ Nail Lacquer, SGD26/~USD18 (Photo from: sephora.sg)
Before sliding into your classic black velcros, slip into Ksubi’s ‘Chlo Wasted’ distressed straight-leg jeans which bear a grungy, '90s-inspired vibe. Go full-on grunge with an old band tee and a leather jacket, or keep it casual with an off-white tunic blouse and classic jewellery during your weekend dates. With your toes on display, be sure to flaunt them with a dark nail colour, such as this ‘Wicked’ shade by Butter London. This long-wearing shade is chip- and fade-resistant and is designed to deliver shine with up to 10 days of wear.
All white, all right
Not a fan of dark and moody shades? Head to the other end of the spectrum with a clean, white pair of velcro sandals if that is what your heart desires. Here, San Francisco-based fashion influencer Abby looks superbly comfortable yet on-trend in her ivory pair from American footwear brand Teva. She completes her #stayhome get-up with a bright turquoise suit and purple flower socks. Two thumbs up for this cosy fit!
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(Left) Daisy Street relaxed sweatshirt, SGD37.99/~USD27 (Photo from: asos.com). (Right) Suicoke x Corgi tie-dye socks, SGD110/~USD78 (Photo from: matchesfashion.com)
You won’t need to cop yourself a full matching set in order to re-create this look; simply reach for your brighter-coloured loungewear pieces and you’re all good to go. Sit back and relax in the blue Daisy Street cropped sweatshirt, which boasts an adorable dolphin print, and deck your feet in these fun tie-dye cotton socks by Suicoke x Corgi.
Gingham goddess
London-based fashion designer Mira Mikati is famed for her cheery and ever-so-colourful creations, and according to this shot which she recently shared on her Instagram, it’s apparent that velcro sandals are a fun and fashionable must-have for the summer. The designer snapped a laid-back photo of her in Arizona Love’s gingham patterned sandals, which are perfect for those who aren’t afraid to embrace the rainbow in their daily ensembles.
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(Left) Mira Mitaki gingham dress, SGD977/~USD701 (Photo from: farfetch.com). (Right) Loewe Paula’s Ibiza seashell pouch, SGD850/~USD609 (Photo from: loewe.com)
Gingham is one of the most exciting prints to wear for the season, so treat yourself to Mira Mitaki’s tiered colour block dress. This blue, turquoise and yellow cotton number acts as a stylish cover-up after a quick dip in the pool and can also be worn on its own when the weather’s hot and humid. Ready to dial up the fun factor? Check out Loewe’s orange seashell necklace bag from its fourth capsule collection with Ibizan boutique Paula’s. This tiny piece is designed with Loewe’s signature anagram at the back, and functions as a bag charm, a key ring or as a coin purse.
Blue jean baby
One of the pioneers of Scandi-chic style, Pernille Teisbaek, shared an effortlessly chic shot of her highly coveted denim velcro sandals by CHANEL, which she matched with a pair of light blue jeans. Aside from this unique denim iteration by the brand, CHANEL’s take on this trending footwear design also comes in a few other colourways, such as black, mint green and light fuchsia. Add them to your fashion wishlist, stat.
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(Left) Wasted Paris T-shirt, SGD74/~USD53 (Photo from: sg.urbanoutfitters.com). (Right) Pomelo Smiley ripped high waist jeans, SGD59/~USD42 (Photo from: pomelofashion.com)
As you’re hunting down for your very own pair of denim velcro babies, ensure that your cosy luxe wardrobe basics are sorted so that you can easily re-create this casual-cool ensemble. We recommend Wasted Paris’s Le Monde Est A Nous t-shirt, as its light blue graphic font will subtly match your sandals. Level up your denim game while you’re at it with a pair of faded blue jeans from Pomelo Fashion’s second collection with The Smiley Company, which features a cheeky smiley motif on the right back pocket.
Sporty style icon
Love a little fluorescent action? These eye-catching Puma ‘RS’ velcro sandals as modelled above by South Korean singer Sunmi might just be what you’re looking for. These sporty sandals feature highlighter green details and also offer a pop of purple at the heel of the shoes, making them a great alternative to our staple sneakers.
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(Left) Irene Is Good pink track jacket, EUR275/~USD313 (Photo from: ireneisgood.com). (Right) Puma classics woven pants, SGD99/~USD71 (Photo from: sg.puma.com)
With your athleisure-inspired velcro sandals in tow, it’s time to complete the ensemble with other stylish activewear basics, such as this pink nylon track jacket from Irene Is Good. Unzip this outerwear piece and style it with a sports bra if you don’t mind showing a little skin. Then, reach for a pair of trusty joggers; we’re fans of these classic woven utility pants by Puma, which are designed with cuffed ankles and oversized cargo pockets.
What is your go-to footwear at the moment?
(Cover photos from: @honeybelleworld, @clothesandpizza and @miramikati)
Looking to switch up your hairdo for the summer? Check out these short and chic hairstyles that are sported by some of our favourite Korean celebrities.
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