Is it socially acceptable to wear flip flops to work?
Flip flops get a bad rap. Usually reserved for beaches and pools only, flip flops are generally frowned upon in most formal contexts. Restaurants? Borderline. Office? Ultimate faux pas. Well, maybe not anymore.
The ‘90s thong sandal got a fashionable makeover a few years back at Copenhagen Fashion Week when Danish It-girls (and masters of making practical looks posh) began styling them with floaty dresses and dapper suits. They showed us that maybe there's nothing inherently wrong with the flip flop—it's just about how to style them.
Then on the spring/summer 2025 runways, fashion designers began embracing the humble sandal too. From Sportmax to Alaia, luxury brands have put an elegant spin on flip flop, mostly by giving them a tiny heel or reimagining them in elegant fabrics, but the way they're styled on the catwalk follows the same rules as the Scandi style set.
For when you want to be comfortable without going fully flat.
Given the ultra-casual nature of the shoe, the way to make them corporate or cocktail appropriate is to overcompensate in the rest of the look. That means wearing your flip flops with crisp suits, bold dresses or satin skirts. Ultimately, the appeal of the thong sandals lies in their minimalism, making them the perfect barely-there shoe to go with an OTT outfit, so you can lean into maximalism for the rest of your look.
Accessories also play a huge role here. What earrings or bags would you wear with a cocktail dress? Go for those. Just as a slip dress can easily be transformed with the right accessories (giant gold earrings and an architectural clutch, for example), so can a pair of flip flops.
Of course we know not every office has the same dress code (please respect your office's policies on appropriate workwear) but in more flexible environments, with the help of some creativity the inspo below, these flip flop 'fits could be your answer to heat wave work dressing.
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesWearing a bright, bold dress (and a matching bag) draws the attention to the outfit so keeping your shoe choice minimal is not only acceptable, it's sartorially sound.
Christian Vierig/Getty ImagesLove your oversized shirts and culottes from COS? Put them together over your flip flops and watch them balance out each other.
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesSometimes an artistic skirt can feel a little too formal with a pair of pumps, so thong sandals are a great way to make the look more city, less ballroom.
Claudio Lavenia/Getty ImagesOne way to make your autumn/winter pieces like a faux leather dress work for spring/summer? Pair it with the summeriest sandal out there.
Jade Tillman Belmes/Getty ImagesProbably one of the chicest minimalist summer looks is a white dress with black flip flops. But try not to wear a spaghetti strap dress or something you might wear on holiday if you still want to keep things city-appropriate.
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesSculptural shapes can be overwhelming on the body so the best way to balance out an artistic 'fit is with something laidback like flip flops.
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesYes you can wear a blazer with flip flops! Try it with a sheer dress or skirt underneath and a bag with a solid shape. Oh and keep to neutral tones for that ultra-chic touch.
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesThe best way to add a hint of formality to a look is through textures and a satin skirt is a great compromise. With shorts or cotton trousers this look could still feel too casual, but with a sleek pearlescent skirt, it immediately feels more elevated.
Edward Berthelot/Getty ImagesLet your flip flops add some whimsy to your outfit in a fun hue like slime (or should we say Brat?) green or cherry red that could perk up even a simple all-white look.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, she earned her journalism degree in America and spent time at GLAMOUR US and People Magazine. She then returned to Hong Kong and became Tatler Asia's fashion director, where she ... Read More
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