I first started thinking about Tevas four summers ago when a friend teased me for wearing them.
Joke’s on my friend: The sandals were Birkenstocks, not Tevas, and they were at the height of their so-ugly-they’re-perfect lifecycle. But I am happy to report, especially after seeing them on the runway and in the streets during New York Fashion Week, that now Teva-style sandals are well on their way to that exact same peak: not yet a mainstream trend, but not not next summer’s “it” sandal.
I began considering Tevas for my own wear after I saw them trot along the streets of men’s fashion weeks and on the runways of Marni, Louis Vuitton and Prada. However, it was the feet of Tyler the Creator, as well as Suicoke’s fashion week collaboration with Cecilie Bahnsen (Suicoke is a footwear brand that makes velcro-strap sandals — they actually did a collaboration with Tyler the Creator, too), that truly inspired me. And then when I saw Sandy Liang and Collina Strada use them in their shows this September during New York Fashion Week, I knew I had to take the plunge and start styling for this fall, immediately.
Below, three outfits to try with strappy velcro sandals in the event you’d like to join me on the Teva train.
When It’s Still Warm Enough to Have Bare Legs
Every year I experience the same dilemma wherein I don’t want to let go of summer, but can’t wait to start wearing sweaters. I blame it on the weather: warm during the day, breezy at night. (Ignore the fact that it’s been raining non-stop this week.) This outfit’s an easy solve: an extra-long-sleeved dress with a high neck, a sweater to keep around your waist or pull over your head whenever, and bare legs to pair with your sandals. I’m wearing a Cecilie Bahnsen tunic here, but this one from ASOS and this one from Pixie Market are strong runners-up. As for my sandals: I found them via Instagram on @fur_delux. DM the account on Instagram to inquire about a pair; they range from 95 to 110 euros depending on the colors you choose.
When You’re Just Starting to Notice It’s Getting Chilly(ish)
No transitional fall outfit — or wardrobe for that matter — is complete without an army green jacket thrown in. It’s my go-to autumn styling piece, and the perfect thing to carry silky summer dresses like this one into October. The yellow utility chord is just for fun (don’t ask me why, but today I woke up in the mood to use it as a belt). Finally, it’s the Tevas, classic black, ready to add a white sock when you are, that take the dress/jacket combo to a whole other level.
When You Finally Accept That It’s Fall — But You’re Not Ready for Close-Toed Shoes
The next best thing after sweater-and-bare-leg weather is bundled-up-with-sandals-weather. It is the ultimate overlap in all the things I love, and the last stop before succumbing to full winter wears. Because oversize sweaters and wide-leg pants can sometimes make me feel sloppy, I’ve aimed for a monochrome pairing to help elevate the look. Tailored pants — not just wide legs — are also key. (I highly recommend these from Raey; they’ve been my go-tos for the last six months.) A vintage scarf-as-belt in in the same colors scheme adds something different than a belt, but it’s subtle.
Finally, I left alllll the outfit joojing up to these Roger Vivier sandals that are nothing short of amazing. I want to wear them all the time — with my yoga clothes, a dress, bike shorts, overalls, a suit. I’m convinced they work with everything. But you know what else would swap in seamlessly? Tevas.
So, are you sold yet or what? Tell me in the comments.
Photos by Emily Malan.
