By now we are smack dab in the middle of peak summer temperatures, and with our mani-pedi game in full force, it's no surprise that we're on the hunt for effortlessly chic sandals to show off our freshly painted pedicures.
In these prime months, it can be tempting to fall into a flip-flop rut, but when it comes to sandals at the office, we look to best dressed celebs like Emmy Rossum, Ali Larter, Hanneli Mustaparta and Minka Kelly for instant inspiration.
To help us walk the line when selecting office-appropriate footwear, we've enlisted E! Style Collective whiz and sandal enthusiast Lindsay Albanese.
Flip-flops: When it comes to classic flips-flops in the workplace, "the only way that you get a pass is if you are wearing a maxi dress," a perfectly cubicle-worthy option for summer, said Lindsay. To dress up a maxi for meetings, pair it with a lightweight, structured blazer. If you're sticking with the classic thong, just make sure you pick a leather (or faux leather) pair for a more polished look.
TKEES Liners Flip Flop, $50; Rebecca Minkoff Alejandra Silk Maxi Dress, $378; Topshop 'Poppy' Double Collar Blazer, $95; Loeffler Randall Open Tote, $395; Dolce & Gabbana The Lipgloss Intense Colour in Deep Berry Magenta, $32
Flat pointed-toe mules: If you're ready to venture into unchartered sandal territory but are still intimated by the trendiest of styles, Lindsay pointed to a pointed-toe mule, which she said "has the look of a flat but is a more breathable choice for summer, because it's backless." This sleek option goes with just about anything you already have in your closet, so mix it up with a bold printed cropped trouser pant that shows just the right amount of ankle. This Madison Harding pair is daring in white, with just a touch of fringe.
Madison Harding Natalie Mule, $142; Elizabeth and James Trenton Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Culottes, $325; Tibi Silk Faille Cropped Top, $298; Vince Modern V Saddle Bag, $445; Givenchy Rose Perfecto Lipstick, $36
Two strap slides: Another go-with-everything flip-flop swap? The two strap slide. We like the way Emmy Rossum styles a longer hemline with a nude shoe—very professional. While Lindsay is wild about a white shoe year round, she is equally enthused about nude picks, sharing that "when it comes to footwear, white and nude are pretty interchangeable and can be worn all year with pretty much anything."
Joie Sable Two-Tone Leather Slide Sandals, $125; T by Alexander Wang Merino Stripe Dress, $395; Clare V. Supreme Haircalf Fold Over Clutch, $275; Nars Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey, $27
Lace-up sandal: Lindsay recommended skipping the Kardashian-coveted thigh-high gladiators during work hours, and instead endorses a less aggressive lace-up version for around coworkers. For an easy I-just-threw-this-on combo, wear these or other likeminded ankle-height gladiators with a feminine midi dress for a fresh summer vibe.
Raye Sadie Gladiator Sandal, $145; Saloni Tilly Printed Silk Dress, $440; See by Chloe Backpack, $625; Urban Decay Lipstick in Sheer Revolution, $22
Sneaker-espadrille hybrid: For "an athletic take on a specifically '70s style, opt for a sneaker-espadrille hybrid in the place of rubber-soled sneakers or sandals." These half-breed shoes are interchangeable and again, a good mix-in-with-what-you-have option.
Soludos Wren Platform Smoking Slipper, $85; Jennifer Kate Suede Mini Skirt, $280; Rag & Bone ‘Maude' Sleeveless Silk Shirt, $325; Dries Van Noten Snake-Stamped Large Shoulder Bag, $920; Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Lush, $28