How to Wear the Hottest Sandal of the Season?

What's up with gladiator shoes? What do you suggest wearing with them?
—Ashley, Tuscon, Arizona

Not everyone is impressed with gladiator sandals, sweetums. In fact, don't even bother in Texas, where, I'm told, buyers at high-end department stores like Stanley Korshak aren't stocking them for summer. "Gladiators are probably more popular in LA and Miami," Dallas-based stylist Viron Roe tells me. "But Southern women prefer to walk in a more feminine fashion than gladiators allow you to walk."

Well smack me sideways and spike my mint julep! Anyway, where was I? Oh. Right. Gladiators. They're ragingly trendy pretty much everywhere else, and fashionistas tell me they’re going to stay that way through the summer. For what to wear with those chariot hoppers, click Read More.

For low sandals, Beiter likes a longer, flowing tunic over straight legged jeans or cropped pants. "It's a sophisticated take on the trend," she notes. And the sandals don't have to be horrifically expensive.

Darcy Camden, a stylist out of Seattle, has found a terrific pair for about $90. My own favorite pair of the season rang in at $58.

"Gladiator sandals are a detail-oriented look, with all those straps and buckles," notes Arizona-based stylist Jeane Beiter. "So keep the rest of your outfit simple and cleaner in lines and more neutral colors." Some suggestions: "Pair a knee-high pair of gladiators with a cute A-line mini dress," Beiter suggests. Or, Camden says, try something a little floatier, more feminine, a "delicate chiffon or satin." (Think Gwyneth Paltrow at Cannes this year.)

As for gladiator heels, many stylists call them the "must haves" of the summer. Yes, it is, in fact, featured in the upcoming Sex and the City movie, which proves my point exactly. (Please don't pay Dior prices. Not when you can, as the wonderful Camden has learned, buy a similar pair for a fraction of the price!)

And now you have all the weapons you need. Go forth and conquer. Or at least win that chariot race.

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