Once “Cheap-Looking”, White Flip-Flops Now Look So Elegant

Comfortable, easy and practical? Yes. But elegant? Not always the first word that springs to mind when we’re talking about flip-flops. If this is your stance, I get it. I felt the same, until I suddenly started seeing them in a different light, and it’s all down to this specific colour trend.

While I used to feel that white flip-flops veered on the cheap side, as one generally expects from white plastic, this season’s iteration feels decidedly elegant. Composed of chic leathers or trending jelly-like materials, and styled with grown-up neutrals that take the shoe trend down an elegant path, I’ve come to appreciate that white flip flops offer a fresh, bright alternative to the black and red pairs.

Influencer poses outside wearing a white high-neck minidress with a brown disk belt around the waist. She accessorised with a small black handbag and white flip-flops with her look.

Less harsh against a light summer outfit than other deep colours, this light neutral remains just as easy to style. A wardrobe chameleon, white flip-flops pair just as well with linen or cotton shorts as their black counterparts would, but also look all the more elevated with some of the more formal items in your collection, including tailored trousers and swishy dresses.

Influencer stands outside wearing white flip-flops with black wide-leg trousers and a white cotton shirt styled partially unbuttoned and untucked.

Now, naturally, the chicness of white flip-flops lies in your ability to keep them clean and scuff-free. As such, I recommend reserving these for fair-weather days. If, however, you do happen to blemish them, a quick wipe-down with a leather cleaner should help restore the shine.

Influencer stands outside wearing white flip-flops with a black sole. She styled her shoes with a grey melange jumper, blue straight-leg jeans and a longline pendant necklace.

With fashion’s embrace of flip-flops, brands have been quick to serve up white pairs this season. Naturally, H&M’s heeled style has caught my eye, but if you’re interested in a flat-footed option, then Ancient Greek Sandals, Mint Velvet and Anthropologie have chic options, too.