Let's talk flip-flops - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Let's talk flip-flops

MsMary

Veteran

Hi, all,

I've been lurking for a while but finally decided to figure out how to log in and post! You all are too fab!!

Here's my thing: I take it that around here it is considered a horrible fashion crime to wear flip-flops out of the house. And yet, here I am in sunny So Cal, where everybody, and I do mean EVERYBODY, wears flip-flops all summer and most of the winter, as well. I have several pair of flip-flops in fun colors and patterns that I coordinate with my shorts and capris, and I think I look, uh, fab running around town thusly shod. Here's an example: http://www.dsw.com/shoe/tommy+.....Ref=SEARCH

Am I hopeless? Does geography mitigate what might be a fashion felony elsewhere? Any thoughts?

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from MsMary

Maya

Veteran

I think geography has a profound effect on style and what is acceptable, but I don't think it provides an excuse for sloppy dressing...which I am sorry to say, I think encompasses rubber flip flops.

Just because everyone does something doesn't mean you have to. In fact, it can be a lot of fun to go against the norm.

These are both nicer options that still have the same spirit and vibe:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30......d790bK9fg
http://www.endless.com/Stuart-.....B002MD0OHC

Anonymous

Here's my take on flip flops: if they look as though they could be worn in a shower or at a water park, they should stay in the closet. However, there are plenty of thong styles that are made of soft leather and are just a cut above the rubber stuff. For example:

http://www.zappos.com/born-water-lily-bianco-lamb

http://www.zappos.com/born-cha.....u-metallic

In addition to looking better, they're better for your feet, hips and back than ordinary flip flops.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I have to agree with the other ladies- and I am a Southern Cali native, and live in the So Cal desert. Yes, there are a lot of flip flops worn here- and a lot of boxy tees, short shorts, and leggings as pants. It doesn't mean that I am going to join the crowd. There's nothing wrong with a nice leather thong sandal, but rubber flip flops are a type of gear IMO. Wear them to the beach, to yoga class, or to the camp ground shower- not as everyday shoes.

marianna

Veteran

I'm also a native California girl and I do not wear flip flops. I wore them up until the age of 16 or so, and then I moved on to real sandals. Flip flops don't feel like real shoes to me.

How about something like this: http://www.zappos.com/sam-edelman-gigi

Same concept, but more chic and stylish.

Louise

Veteran

I totally echo what the girls have already said bin the plastic flip flops and go for some stylish thong sandals x

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Although the ones you showed are cute for flip-flops, the fact remains they are....flip flops. Save them for yard work and treat yourself to some lovely sandals! They will bring up your style instantly! Im very glad you decided to stop lurking and join in...welcome!

Traci

Veteran

I've been sitting here trying to come up with a post in defense of flip flops, because I own quite a few, yet the more I think about it, I realize that I really do only bring them out in the situations others mentioned. Beach, pool, yard work, etc. I guess I treat them almost like gear.

I do like a great pair of casual sandals in the summer. They still give that relaxed feeling to an outfit, but have just a bit more style. I usually get one pair at the beginning of summer and wear them to death.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I'm going to defend the "flip flop" you posted as being almost in the thong sandal camp. I can see them with a cute shorts outfit.
However, the sandals the ladies have all linked to are a cut above and I think would add more style to an outfit.
I'm a native CA girl too. Northern at the moment...and yes, everyone and their dog runs around in flip flops.
So, what are you thinking now that we have all cast our opinions?

Edit.. Mary, I just peeked at your profile and see if you had your birth date listed. I'm going to encourage you to up your summer footwear collection away from the standard flip flops

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Both of the thong sandals that Maya posted are in the YLF store. Was that intentional, Maya.

I cannot condone the rubber flip flop in any way other than for beachwear, house wear, pool wear, shower wear or when you're camping I guess. They are also fine to pop on your feet straight after a pedicure. So I am one thousand percent with Louise, Khris, Maya and Biscuitsmom. Onto something better! Your feet deserve it.

Maya

Veteran

Yes, it was Angie. I meant to link to the YLF store page, actually. Oops.

Oh, now I remember why I didn't: For the SW sandals, they are no longer available on Zappos.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Got it. Thanks for remembering the styles in the YLF store.

Kristine

Veteran

I'll sometimes cheat and run out to the grocery store in them, but mostly I only wear flip flops around the house. I think of flip flops like Uggs, they're comfortable but they really don't look fab. Your style is listed as modern classic, so maybe try lightweight ballet flats or dressy sandals instead.

MsMary

Veteran

Wow! What fun to find all these replies waiting for me!

Queenie, yes, I have been telling myself that my Tommy's are "almost in the thong sandal category" despite their rubber soles.

So... the issue is the rubber soles, rather than the thong style? If the ones I posted had a leather sole, for example, that would make them a "thong sandal," and thus not offensive? (That came out sort of snarky, but it's a real question!) I have a whole bunch of what I consider "flip flops" with no rubber content whatsoever -- in fact, I have a red pair and a bronze pair that are quite similar to the two that Maya posted, even down to the red leather flowers! So maybe I'm not quite as hopeless as I thought.

Maya

Veteran

Mary, I think what you are describing sounds okay. Think about the difference between a fleece zip up sweater and a fine gauge merino cardigan. They're both basically the same design but the details and materials set them apart.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Mary-
I just got back from Trader Joe's where I paid very close attention to everyone's footwear. I have to say that thong sandals really did add polish and style to an outfit. The ladies (and there were many) wearing just regular flip flops just didn't seem to look quite as put together. One gal had on a simple cute green dress and a white cropped cardi.. but then had on black flip flops . While her outfit was pulled together, it would have been so much more fab with a stylish pair of sandals.
But then there was the lady in the checkout line with a really cute pair of beaded thong sandals.... but her feet were hanging over the edges. Not so fab.

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, I am a fit fanatic!! No worries about errant edge-hanging feet here!