How to shop high/low for summer
June 10, 2021
Nina Rice
Shopping for summer can be overwhelming and at times, expensive. Knowing what’s worth the spend and where to save can be key in helping you keep your wardrobe minimalistic. This will be a regularly updated page where I will post budget friendly pieces I find, as well as those I think are essential wardrobe pieces that are worth the spend.
First up: summer shoes!
SAVE: Summer flops under $50
A rubber flop or slide is great for summer. They’re extremely lightweight, which makes them perfect for throwing in your weekender, and easy to wash off after the beach or walking around the city. I recommend a rubber sandal over a leather as leather sandals will stretch, and unless you take the time to treat them, tend to discolor with water. Usually these will only last you a season, or two if you’re lucky, regardless of brand (rubber just wears quickly), so keeping them under $50 is ideal. All of these styles are unisex and come in a variety of fun color ways, so you can switch it up every summer.
Birkenstock’s Rubber Arizona Essentials, $44.95
Havaianas Brazil Flip Flops, $24
Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides, $35
SPEND: Espadrilles
Nobody can deny an espadrille is a classic summer shoe. I recommend buying a quality pair of espadrilles as a well constructed one can last you multiple seasons before the weaving begins to fray. Espadrilles can be dressed up or down - men, you can wear these with chinos and a button down for dinner, or shorts and a tee for a beach day. Women, pair these wedge espadrille with jeans and a blouse for a night out, or with a colorful cocktail dress for weddings and baby showers. Stuart Weitzman is notorious for adding height without compromising comfort, so you’ll live in these this summer! Pair these Aquatalia flats with a white tee and cut-offs for an everyday look, or with a white cotton dress for brunch. Bonus points: they’re water resistant in case you get caught in a light afternoon sprinkle.
Stuart Weiztman Nudist Espadrille Wedge, $350
Tod’s Espadrille Sip-on, $495
Aquatalia Kailyn Water Resistant Espadrille Flat, %20 off at $206