Ah, to go out again and socialize…no doubt you’ve been spending inordinate amounts of time in slippers lately, but is it really time to reach for the True Fashionista Louboutins for a socially-distanced night out? If and WHEN its that time to reach for footwear and venture out, it’s a summer heel you’ll be wearing, so here is a good primer for that moment.

Perhaps you live locally and a walk on the beach or world-famous Naples Pier is part of your evening.  Well then, you’ll want comfortable, flat sandals that still feel special to wear out. Go simple and try a sleek square-toe slide in black with a single strap or a pair that elegantly laces up your ankle.

There are so many fans of the slide sandal, in fact, that Vogue argues that the flat slide sandal is the “hero shoe of the warm weather season.” Its simple, comfortable, stylish design also makes it the perfect WFH shoe. Easily worn both inside and out, they go with just about everything, including (!!) socks. Steve Madden’s Signal Slide Sandal also has the square toe and True Fashionista pink color. Another entry to the slide possibilities has to be Sam Edelman’s Ariane Slides, with its uber-cushioning for comfort and slight platform for height. Porte & Paire’s knotted leather slides will bring on the relaxation, as will M. Gemi’s the Alessa sandals or MM6 Maison Margiela pink slippers. They’re so soft and squishy and comfortable, careful you don’t just fall asleep wearing them!

As heeled platforms go, ATP Atelier’s white Melitto leather flatform sandals also give you height without compromising comfort. Aaaand they have a square toe! If your platform sandal dreams soar ever higher, check out Clergerie Alda or Paloma Barcelo Daila sandals for some major yet refined chunk to your footwear. Brother Vellies Abbi flatform slides may just be, however, the ultimate reach to the skies with some serious height. We’re talking a good two inches of platform here.

When we think espadrilles why do we automatically get visions of past generations of moms lazily sipping iced tea and smoking Kools on the porch? Maybe because these shoes have been around a loooong time. Yet just like a fine wine, they constantly evolve to match your yearly summer wardrobe. Espadrilles are lightweight and work just about anywhere that’s outside in the summer. We’ll just snap into reality here because espadrilles are now available in platforms and slides, like Simon Miller’s mud raffia version or Loew Gate Leather espadrille platforms. Manebi’s striped slip-ons will have you hunting for the hammock. Guanabana’s version has suede in it and are handmade in Spain for maximum authenticity.

Good Housekeeping did some testing for quality walking shoes that also happen to be stylish and cute for your socially distanced jaunts, and discovered that J. Rene’s Brietta Bow Slingback sandal with its classic checkered blue and white design and totes adorbs bow and strap will have you planning the picnic just so you can show them off. Topping their list, however, is the Kirra Backstrap Sandal by Vionic, which feature a lovely soft microfiber wrapped footbed and rubber outsole with leather upper for all-day comfort.

How about showing your rugged side with a rope-adorned sandal? Gabriela Hearst’s Zephyr rope strap sandals feature a brightly colored rope strap, while Valentino Garavani’s rope ankle-tie leather sandals incorporate the roping (Is that even a word?) into the sole as well. Isabel Marant’s Loreco rope sandals integrate the rope into the whole strap that wraps round your ankle.

Get comfy in the backyard, there’s still plenty of summer left. Swing by the True Fashionistas Resale store or shop online for an always-updated collection of summer sandals.

Jennifer Johnson