How to Style Slides: 5 Tips and 50 Outfit Ideas for Women
Slides are a summer essential that offer both comfort and style. These backless sandals can be easily paired with various outfits, whether you’re going for a casual look or dressing up for a night out. In this post, I’ll show you how to style slides for different occasions, from laid-back days to more refined outfits. I’ll provide you with key tips on how to wear slides with everything from dresses to jeans, along with some outfit inspiration.
What Are Slides?
Slides are open-toe, backless shoes with one or multiple straps across the foot. Available in a range of styles, from flat to heeled, slides are versatile and comfortable. Some of the most popular styles include sporty rubber slides, cork-bottom sandals like Birkenstocks, and platform slides. Whether you’re lounging at home or out and about, slides offer a relaxed yet stylish footwear option.
5 Tips for Wearing Slides
Slides are incredibly easy to style, but here are some tips to help you make the most of your slides outfits:
1. Pair Them with Casual, Easy Pieces
Slides are ideal for casual wear, such as running errands or relaxing at home. For a laid-back look, pair flat slides with simple, comfortable clothing. A few great options to wear with slides include:
- Jeans and denim dresses: Rubber slides work well for ultra-casual days, while leather slides can elevate the look slightly.
- Lounge pants: Joggers and sweatpants are perfect with sporty rubber slides or fluffy slides for a relaxed vibe.
- Leggings: Simple black leggings pair well with all kinds of slides. Add a fun pattern, like animal print slides, for extra style.
- T-shirt dress: A structured leather slide and a matching purse can take this casual look to the next level.
2. Dress Up with Heeled Slides
Heeled slides, whether they have a block heel, kitten heel, or higher heel, can add sophistication to any outfit. Perfect for a dressier occasion, these slides will elevate even the simplest outfits. Pair them with a shirt dress or tailored suit for a chic look. Metallic, clear, or bejeweled slides are particularly great for a night out or a special event.
3. Choose Cork-Bottom Slides for a Boho Look
For a relaxed, bohemian vibe, cork-bottom slides like Birkenstocks are a perfect match. These sandals exude a laid-back, earthy aesthetic, and are great for pairing with casual, flowing outfits. Think maxi dresses, wide-leg pants, or loose shorts and tight tanks. If you’re feeling adventurous, try wearing your Birkenstocks with socks for a cozy, in-between season look.
4. Keep Your Feet Neat and Groomed
Since slides are minimal sandals that expose your feet, it’s important to keep them looking polished. Make sure your toes and heels are clean, filed, and moisturized. Colorful nail polish is a bonus! If your feet aren’t in tip-top shape, consider wearing socks or avoiding slides altogether until your feet are ready for the spotlight.
5. Match Slides with Different Outfits
Slides are versatile enough to be styled with various outfits. Here’s how you can wear slides with different clothing:
- Slides with Dresses: Whether it’s a sporty, minimalist, or platform style, slides work perfectly with dresses. Pair them with shirt dresses, maxi dresses, or even sweater dresses for an easy summer look.
- Slides with Jeans: Slides can also complement jeans, especially cropped or ankle-length ones. Keep the look chic with leather slides, or make a statement with colorful or patterned slides. Avoid wearing slides with longer, wider jeans to prevent tripping or catching the hem in your shoes.
- Slides with Jumpsuits and Rompers: Jumpsuits and rompers are easy to pair with slides. Opt for Birkenstocks with casual jumpsuits, or add a high-heeled slide to dress up a more structured jumpsuit. When wearing slides with rompers, stick to flat or kitten heels for a balanced look.
- Slides with Joggers and Sweatsuits: Slides, especially with a chunky or puffy upper, pair effortlessly with joggers or sweatsuits. For a sporty, casual look, opt for athletic slides; for a more stylish twist, try platform slides.
- Slides with Shorts: Slides are perfect for pairing with shorts in the summer. For a laid-back look, pair Birkenstocks with distressed denim shorts. For a more polished vibe, opt for tailored shorts and sleek heeled slides.
50 Outfit Ideas for Slides
Slides are incredibly versatile, and they can be styled with a wide range of outfits. Here are some ideas to inspire your next look:
- Slides with Skirts: Whether you’re wearing a denim mini, a leather skirt, or a flowy maxi, slides can complement any skirt style. For tighter skirts, go for minimal, single-sole slides. For wider skirts, experiment with larger proportions, like platform slides.
- Slides with Dress Pants: Pair slides with dress pants for a relaxed yet sophisticated look. Kitten-heeled slides can work for work or evening outings, while chunky slides pair perfectly with wide-legged trousers for a more casual vibe.
- Slides with Leggings: Slides work great with leggings, whether you’re going for a sporty look with athletic slides or a dressier vibe with a pair of heeled slides. If you want a more rugged look, pair leggings with Birkenstocks and a tank top layered with a sweater or oversized shirt.
- Slides with Rompers: For a beachy, casual outfit, wear slides with a loose, tropical-print romper. Opt for flat or kitten-heeled slides to keep it relaxed, or go for high-heeled slides with a structured romper for a more elegant look.
- Slides with Jumpsuits: Pair slides with a jumpsuit for an easy, stylish ensemble. For casual jumpsuits, opt for Birkenstock slides, or choose a heeled version to dress up a more formal jumpsuit.
Conclusion
Slides are a staple in many women’s wardrobes due to their versatility and comfort. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping things casual, slides are the perfect footwear choice for a variety of outfits. Follow these tips for styling slides, and experiment with different looks to find your ideal combination. From dresses to denim, slides can elevate any outfit with ease!