Strappy heels and sandals are often referred to as gladiator shoes due to their distinctive strap design. This style of footwear comes in a wide range of forms, from subtle ankle straps to more dramatic knee-high designs. When styled correctly, they can bring an air of sophistication to any outfit. As I’ll soon demonstrate, there are several ways to wear these elegant strappy shoes and still look fabulous.
Strappy Heels with Black Leather Jacket & Midi Skirt
Instead of exuding an air of darkness and coldness, all-black ensembles can be elevated by incorporating feminine touches. A great example of this is pairing black strappy heels with a black leather jacket and a split midi skirt. This combination strikes the perfect balance between cool and ladylike, showcasing that even the most minimalist of outfits can be effortlessly chic.
Wear with Black Shift Dress
Wearing strappy heels offers numerous benefits, one of which is the ability to elevate even the simplest of outfits. The intricate design elements on these heels allow them to be easily paired with a straightforward ensemble, resulting in a polished and put-together look. For instance, a basic black shirt dress can be taken from casual to chic when paired with strappy heels featuring straps that reach up to the mid-calf area.
Black Mini Dress & Strappy Heels
Another ensemble that pairs beautifully is a simple yet sophisticated combination of a black mini dress and ankle-strap high heels. The latter adds a level of refinement to the overall look, elevating it from a standard pairing with sandals or typical heels. The strappy design creates a striking visual harmony between the dress and shoes, making for an outfit that exudes understated glamour.
Gladiator Sandals with Long Sleeve Tee & Denim Shorts
While formal outfits are often associated with strappy styles, these shoes can also elevate a casual ensemble. Take a typical summer or spring outfit consisting of a long sleeve t-shirt and denim shorts for example. By pairing it with nude strappy sandals, you can instantly add a touch of sophistication to the overall look. In contrast, white sneakers would result in a more relaxed and laid-back vibe.
The versatility of strappy sandals is evident when you consider how they can transform an outfit from casual to chic.
Strappy Sandals with White Tee & Green Mini Skirt
For a radiant appearance, consider pairing lightweight sandals with your attire. These strappy flip flops are perfect for casual gatherings. To maintain a light and airy vibe, pair the sandals with a crisp white T-shirt and a vibrant green mini skirt. This ensemble exudes comfort and is ideal for laid-back social events.
Heels with Black and White Striped T Shirt & Pencil Skirt
Elevate your work attire by pairing black strappy heels with a chic black-and-white ensemble. A classic combination is to team the shoes with a long-sleeved striped tee and a flowy midi pencil skirt, creating a stylish business-casual look that’s perfect for the office.
Blue Strappy Heels with White Vest Top & Floral Skort
Strappy heels are often available in timeless shades like black, white, and nude. However, when you want to make a bold statement, why not try pairing them with a vibrant hue? In this outfit, the royal blue heels add a pop of color that can be easily balanced by sticking to a simple color palette featuring blues and whites. To create a cohesive look, consider building your outfit around these calming tones.
For example, you could pair the strappy heels with a crisp white vest top and a flowy skort adorned with subtle blue florals.
White Blouse and Cream Flare Skirt
To achieve a stylish yet professional look for the workplace, consider pairing the strappy heels with other feminine pieces. A crisp white shirt and a flowy cream-colored skirt make for a stunning combination that exudes elegance while still being suitable for a corporate setting. This outfit perfectly balances sophistication and femininity, making it an ideal choice for those who want to make a polished impression at work.
White Off The Shoulder Blouse & Skinny Jeans
The alluring white off-the-shoulder blouse exudes effortless sophistication, making it nearly impossible to ignore. When paired with sleek skinny jeans and striking black strappy heels, the overall ensemble takes on a refined air, harmoniously complementing the blouse’s off-the-shoulder design.
Strappy Heels with Black and Pink Backless Halter Dress
When it comes to dressing for a cocktail party, you want to strike the perfect balance between sophistication and glamour. One key piece to get right is the strappy heels – a staple of many a cocktail party wardrobe. To make the most of these stylish shoes, pair them with something that exudes femininity and sensuality. A backless floral halter dress could be an excellent choice, its flowing design and delicate blooms creating a striking contrast to the bold, strappy heels.
By combining these two fashion elements, you’ll create a look that’s both elegant and alluring – perfect for making a memorable impression at your next cocktail party.
Black and White Striped Dress & Denim Jacket
While I’ve waxed poetic about the versatility of the black and white striped dress in a previous blog post, it’s worth reiterating why I’m so smitten. For one, this dress has a unique ability to effortlessly blend into a casual street ensemble, unlike many other dresses that can quickly veer into overdressed territory. If you’re interested in exploring more of my thoughts on the subject, feel free to peruse my previous blog post on the topic here.
As for this particular outfit, I recommend pairing the striped dress with an oversized denim jacket and black strappy sandals for a look that’s equal parts laid-back and polished.
Off The Shoulder Boho Blouse & Denim Shorts
For bohemian fashion enthusiasts, this outfit combination is a must-watch. Pair a flowy white off-the-shoulder blouse with distressed denim shorts for a chic summer look. To complete the ensemble, slip into knee-high gladiator sandals that echo the free-spirited vibe of the top. This effortless yet elegant combination will keep you cool and stylish on the beach.
Red Strappy Shoes with White Shirt & Skinny Jeans
Add a dash of excitement to the classic white top and blue jeans combo by experimenting with statement-making strappy heels. This simple yet effective styling trick can instantly elevate your overall look. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of my go-to ways to style these shoes: try pairing them with your existing wardrobe staples to see how they work together.
And don’t be afraid to get creative – pop into a local store and have fun trying on different combinations to find the perfect match.
