How to Wear Chunky Sandals

Co-authored by Lana Blanc and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 26, 2021 References

Large, chunky sandals have been around since the 90s, and they give off a nostalgic fashionista vibe. While runway models can always rock them, it can be a little intimidating to pair chunky sandals with pieces from your own closet. We’ve compiled some of the best chunky sandals outfits so you can get inspiration and look fabulous every time you leave the house.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Add pops of color and pattern to black sandals.

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You can wear almost anything with black chunky sandals. Try a bright neon outfit to play off your black footwear, or add some fun patterns with stripes, florals, or polka dots.^{[1]
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- You could even try mixing and matching prints and patterns, like pairing a striped skirt with a plaid shirt.
- Use fun socks to add color to plain sandals, too.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Use colored sandals as an accent piece.

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Brighten up a monochromatic outfit with your colored sandals. Put on an all-white or all-black outfit, then add red, pink, blue, or white sandals as a fun pop of color.^{[2]
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- To make your sandals stand out even more, put on a pair of black socks.
- Try matching your sandals to another accessory piece in your outfit, like your scarf or handbag, for a cohesive look.

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Balance your chunky footwear with a tight shirt or jacket.

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Form-fitting tops will create perfect proportions in your outfit. Go for skin-tight tank tops, fitted T-shirts, and bodysuits as you put together outfits with your chunky sandals.^{[3]
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- When you’re picking out jackets, stick to fitted denim jackets, fitted blazers, and cropped hoodies.
- Be sure your bottoms fit a little looser so the shoes don't look disproportionate!^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Lana Blanc
  Personal & Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.}
- Fashion “rules” are all just guidelines, so don’t be afraid to play around with different proportions and fits!
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Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Show off your sandals with cropped pants.

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You can draw attention to your footwear while looking cool and casual. Put on a pair of loose-fitting cropped jeans or trousers and pair them with an oversized T-shirt.^{[5]
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- Try wearing a band or graphic T-shirt for a fun accent to your outfit.
- Accessorize with a few chain necklaces and some hoop earrings.

Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Keep it simple with a pair of shorts.

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Your slim silhouette will mesh perfectly with your chunky sandals. Tuck your shirt into the waistband of your shorts for a fresh, modern outfit.^{[6]
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- Go for a more sophisticated look with khaki shorts.
- Try pairing a white button-down shirt with denim cut-off shorts for a classic outfit.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Lana Blanc
  Personal & Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.}
- If you want to make your look a little more streetwear, pop a blazer on top of your outfit.
- Finish your look with a small handbag and some simple stud earrings.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Mix styles with a flowy dress.

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The combination of chunky sandals and a flirty dress is fun and funky. Put on a dress that flows out from your waist, then add your sandals as a nice accent piece.^{[8]
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- You can go for a patterned dress to make a statement or keep it more casual with a solid-colored one.
- Pair your look with some large sunglasses and a small handbag.

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Go for wide legged jeans to match the chunky sandals.

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These 2 pieces complement each other, so they’ll always look great. Put on a pair of high-waisted, wide-legged jeans, then throw your sandals on for a fun, flirty fit.^{[9]
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- Stick to a more fitted top to make sure your outfit looks really balanced.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Lana Blanc
  Personal & Fashion Stylist
  Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.}
- Throw a tube top or a crop top on to let your bottom half shine.
- Put on a pair of stud earrings and a few flashy rings to finish off this look.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Try a maxi skirt for a chic, sophisticated look.

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Push fashion boundaries with a longer silhouette. Put on a maxi skirt that reaches down to your ankles, then add your chunky sandals for a pop of color and edge.^{[11]
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- You can pair your skirt with a T-shirt for a more casual outfit, or go with a button-down or blouse for a little glamour.
- Draw attention to your feet by accessorizing with a small anklet.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Dress up with a pair of trousers.

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If you’re heading out to eat on a warm day, this look is for you. Put on a pair of slim-fit pants and pop your sandals on for a fun, cool outfit.^{[12]
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- Pair your look with a flowy tank top or a strappy bralette on top.
- Add a pair of sunglasses and a small purse to round out your outfit.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Show some skin with a mini skirt.

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Going out for date night just got a little more fashionable. Pop on a skirt that hits at about mid-thigh, then throw on your chunky sandals to show off your long legs.^{[13]
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- Pair your outfit with a loose-fitting T-shirt and a boxy blazer to match the style of your chunky sandals.
- Add a pair of dangly earrings and a few bracelets to complete this look.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Accessorize with thin, delicate jewelry.

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Since your sandals are chunky, you can contrast them with simple pieces. Chain necklaces, small studs, and thin rings all look great paired with larger footwear.^{[14]
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- Delicate anklets and toe rings also draw attention to your sandals while looking cute and casual.
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Community Q&A

Question

What do you wear with sandals?

Lana Blanc
Personal & Fashion Stylist
Lana Blanc is a Personal and Fashion Stylist and the Founder of The Blanc House, a full-service styling company based in New York, New York. With over ten years of experience in fashion and retail, she specializes in helping others look and feel their best through activities such as editing closets and personal shopping. She has also been featured in multiple publications, including InStyle and Elle. Lana holds a BBA in International Marketing from Pace University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Fashion Management from LIM College.

Lana Blanc

Personal & Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

Denim shorts and button-downs are a great pairing for chunky sandals. They also look great with straight leg jeans and a cool t-shirt.
Question

Are chunky sandals still in style?

Lana Blanc
Personal & Fashion Stylist
Lana Blanc is a Personal and Fashion Stylist and the Founder of The Blanc House, a full-service styling company based in New York, New York. With over ten years of experience in fashion and retail, she specializes in helping others look and feel their best through activities such as editing closets and personal shopping. She has also been featured in multiple publications, including InStyle and Elle. Lana holds a BBA in International Marketing from Pace University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Fashion Management from LIM College.

Lana Blanc

Personal & Fashion Stylist

Expert Answer

Yes! You just need to be careful to make your look proportionate. If you wear a really tight top and bottom, for example, you'll draw attention to the shoes, making them look even chunkier than they are. The same can be said about oversized clothes, which will make your whole look frumpy.