Subtle and strappy or solid and bold, the gladiator sandal is not only versatile but also fabulously stylish, making it the ‘must-have’ for feet this season. Whatever your preference, when you’re looking to create gladiator sandals outfits you’ve a multitude of options. So which styles are available and how do you go about deciding what to wear with gladiator sandals?
As their name suggests, this trend is modelled on the historic sandals worn by the Roman gladiators. These sandals are known for their signature straps, which can consist of a simple cross-over arrangement cradling the foot and hugging the ankle, but can extend to ornate designs which incorporate panels or motifs and extend above the knee. Heels can be flat, mid-height, or high.
How To Wear Gladiator Sandals
When choosing how to wear gladiator sandals, keep in mind your physique first – flat sandals are less flattering to shorter frames and better suited to tall figures with long legs. To make your sandals the centre of attention, opt for a more embellished style in a strong colour, such as black or a vibrant hue, that stands out against your skin tone. Subtle tones, like nude or sand, can give your legs subtle emphasis without looking too overpowering.
Gladiator Sandals And Short Skirts
Gladiator sandals look superb with short skirts and dresses as they let you show off your legs. A simple faded denim mini-dress with off-the-shoulder ruffle looks wonderful teamed with mid-height knee-length sandals in delicate tan. Flaunt a little feminine style with a floaty polka-dot mini-dress featuring elasticated leg-of-mutton sleeves and pretty skirt ruffle, teamed with a pair of nude cuban-heeled Gladiator sandals stretching to the knees. Or keep things straightforward navy shirtdress and hooped gladiator sandals for uncluttered elegance.
Gladiator Sandals And Longer Skirts
Longer lengths look just as good with gladiator sandals. Skirts reaching to the knee look equally as stylish with long or short lacings – a smart striped summer dress which stops just above the knee is gorgeous when matched with tooled leather calf-length sandals. However, longer skirts tend to favour ankle gladiator designs, such as a nude voluminous maxi worn with loose vest top and nude sandals.
Gladiator Sandals And Shorts
There’s no better way to accent your legs than a pair of little shorts worn with glorious gladiator sandals. Classic distressed denim shorts with a plain black polo knit and flat tan gladiator sandals with knee-length straps makes a fantastic outfit, whilst loose black shorts and delicate floral vest top look outstanding when worn with heeled black sandals.
Gladiator Sandals And Jeans
Ankle-length gladiator sandals make the perfect foil for skinny jeans, worn with a stretch tee, sloppy-joe top or even a svelte crop-top. Flats are great for casual appeal or try heels for a more up-market approach. You can even style loose gladiator sandals over skinny jeans for a different take, matching them with boyfriend shirt and light jacket, or vest top and sleeveless gilet.
The featured photo: The blue off-the-shoulder denim dress and the brown suede bag and gladiator sandals gives a very balanced feel to this outfit. Via Leonie Sophie
Dress/Bag: Zara, Sandals: Uterque. How To Wear Gladiator Sandals
Knee high gladiator sandals are an absolute winner! Silvia Garcia is wearing this pair with a super cute royal navy dress, creating an overall sophisticated but casual style which is ideal for summer nights!
Dress: H&M, Sandals: Zara.
Don’t be afraid to wear a pair of calf high gladiator sandals! Jessica R. shows us just how effective strappy sandals can be, pairing these with a classic little black dress for a cute and edgy spring style.
Dress: Urban Outfitters, Bag: Coach, Sandals: Marc Fisher.
Gladiator sandals will always look good worn with a maxi dress; especially in white! This dress brings out the true rustic style of the sandals, and paired with a suede jacket looks ultra bohemian. Via Pam Hetlinger.
Jacket: Aritzia, Sandals: Marc Fisher, Dress: Shopbop, Bag:Chloé.
Dare to wear a pair of thigh high gladiator sandals to steal Natasha Oakley’s ultra bohemian, alternative style! Paired with a cute white dress and a suede jacket, this look is perfect for summer wear.
Outfit: Guess.
A pair of strappy gladiator sandals are a must have if you want to achieve a simple rustic style like this one, worn by Paola Alberdi. These authentic sandals look great paired with a blush pink ruffle dress, and together they create an awesome summer style!
Blouse/Skirt: Misa Los Angeles, Sandals: ASOS.
A flowy light white blouse, button front denim skirt and gladiator sandals. What could be more summery than that? Via Aimee Song
Blouse/Skirt: Zara Sandals: Cornetti x Calypso St. Barths, Bag: Chloe Faye Handbag. Gladiator Sandals Outfits
A modern take on the 70′s style combined with the vertical striped and gladiator sandals trend of this year. Via Silvia Garcia
Dress: Object, Sandals: Isabel Marant, Bag: Chloè, Hat: Raceu
Sarah Butler is looking stunning in this polka dotted ruffle dress – topped off perfectly with these gladiator heels!
Dress: Lulu, Sandals: Aldo
We reckon that gladiator sands look extra good when paired with a blue off the shoulder shirt dress! Via Blair Eadie
Dress: Intermix, Sandals: Laurence Dacade
Love how this outfit is accessorized and the simple gladiator sandals. Via Kat Tanita.
Dress: Jen’s Pirate Booty, Bag: Meli Melo, Sandals: K. Jacques.
If you’re looking for something to wear with gladiator sandals, a loose red dress will do just the trick! Via Christine Andrew
Dress: Macy’s, Shoes: Revolve
High slit maxi dress with lots of boho jewellery and finished off to perfection with a lovely pair of gladiator sandals. Via Nina-Victoria Suess
Dress: asos, Bag: skagen, Shoes: Zara. Gladiator Sandal Outfits
Stripes will forever be a favourite – especially when you combine them with cute gladiator sandals like Brittany Xavier!
Dress: Tularosa, Sandals: Pixie Market
Does the gladiator sandals go with a long dress? Yes, of course they do. Via Nina-Victoria Suess
Dare to wear knee length gladiator sandals with cropped denim shorts this September. Via Camille Callen.
Shops: Tank: Mango, Sandals: Dada.
Gladiator sandals will look utterly chic with a black shorts and plain tee. Via Lisa D Cahue
Tee: Acne Studios, Shorts: Joie, Sandals: Stuart Weitzman
We love the way Beatrice Gutu has paired these gladiator sandals with a contrasting black shorts and a white blouse!
Blouse: Edited, Shorts: Zara, Sandals: Mango
It is all about the gladiator wedges in this outfit, isn’t it? Via Lydia Lise Millen
Gilet: Lookagain, Blouse: Zara, Shorts: H&M, Shoes: Chloe, Bag: Mulberry, Sunglasses: Celine. Gladiator Wedge Outfits
We think that Larisa Costea is pulling off the gladiator sandal trend perfectly – just pair them with acid washed shorts and a white shirt!
Blouse: Romwe, Shorts: Romwe, Sandals: Choies
You can easily pair your gladiator sandals with a bohemian style outfit. The patterned bell sleeve top and burgundy hat off sets the otherwise dominating gladiators perfectly. Via Louise Ebel
Top: Pablo, Shorts: H&M, Sandals: Chloé, Hat: Tand3m
It is a simply outfit, but it works. Black turtleneck, denim cut-offs and gladiator sandals. Via Ioana Chisiu
Knee high gladiator sandals paired with distressed denim shorts and a white blouse are definitely a great look! Via Aida Domenech
Blouse: Styleclothing, Shorts: Levi’s, Shoes: Aurevoircinderella
Emilee Anne is looking fresh and unique in these dungarees, stripy high necked tank and gladiator sandals!
Shops: Not Specified
