Credit: Getty images / Paris Fashion Week
Fashion
Cord sandals are the style of the summer thanks to Miu Miu – here’s why you need a pair
By Kitty McGee
7 months ago
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3 min read
Miu Miu’s playful but fashion-forward Riviere cord sandals are the ultimate wear-with-everything summer shoe. The style has captivated fashion insiders, who are wearing them with Bermuda shorts and polo shirts, but they will truly work with everything in your wardrobe – from maxi dresses to denim.
Brand of the moment Miu Miu has been responsible for some of the most hyped accessories we’ve seen in recent seasons. We don’t need to cast our minds back far to the label’s sell-out colourful crochet bag or its camel sneakers collaboration with New Balance, not to mention the brand’s major 90s-inspired sunglasses and logo-embossed retro leather bowling bags.
Currently claiming the top spot as the most influential brand of 2024 according to Lyst, which credits the brand’s “playful, unique styling and must-have viral products” for helping it cement its place at the top of the table.
Credit: Getty
Chunky sandals have been leading the summer footwear charge in recent years, from Chanel’s boy sandals to Prada’s two-strap Velcro leather flats. Even A.Emery’s much-imitated minimal leather sandals have a heft to them. But it’s Miu Miu’s Riviere rope sandals that have broken the cycle to become the style of the summer.
Understated but playful, these of-the-moment sandals feature colourful cord straps in a trending palette that includes tobacco, red and black. You can even buy anklets in the same cord for a similar effect without the full investment.
While Miu Miu’s Riviere sandals are certainly an investment, there are a few cord-style sandals available elsewhere. Our favourite more budget-friendly options are Free People’s Island Hopping Wrap Sandals, £88, and the Marla Rope Sandals, £140.
Known for its zeitgeist-grabbing summer collections, Free People’s bohemian, free-spirited fashion pieces have a fan club that includes stylist Angie Smith and content creator Lucy Williams. Its sandals come in a palette of effortless shades, including blue and brown; navy and black; chocolate brown; and flame red – all perfect for your summer silhouettes.
Elsewhere, Desigual’s flatform sandals come with bright neon rope detail. Bershka offers a more elegant option with a gold-tone buckle and subtle orange rope detail, while Havaianas Una Açaí sandals feature two thicker, cylindrical straps tied at the back and at the front that come in four bright, contrasting colourways, making them a great choice for a casual beach holiday.
Six of the best cord sandals
Miu Miu Rivere sandals
The original inspiration for this summer’s cord sandals, Miu Miu’s chic but timeless style comes in red, tobacco and black and looks great with everything from lightweight summer separates to elegant maxi dresses.
Free People Island Hopping Sandals
These casual rope sandals are perfect holiday fodder – wear them for the beach or a city break with a swimsuit and shorts.
Desigual cord flatform sandals
These flatform sandals are great for semi-smart occasions. Wear them with oversized linen tailoring.
Bershka Rope Sandals
These simple but elegant sandals are great with crisp cotton shirt dresses or satin pyjama-style trousers and oversized T-shirts.
Havaianas Una Acai sandals
A great option for the beach or pool, these Havaianas sandals look best with lightweight separates. Think crepe, cotton and linen pieces – whether that’s in a neutral, monochrome or clashing palette.
Free People Marla Sandals
These chunky rope sandals make a statement, so keep the rest of your look minimal. Wear with wide-leg linen or crepe trousers. Or denim Bermuda shorts and a vest.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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