The Search For a Cute Neutral Sandal (Plus One Rainbow Pair!)

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Neutral sandals are probably the most versatile styles of shoes you can have in your wardrobe. I love the combo of a taupe, tan or brown sandal with just about any outfit, and I feel like every year I search for the perfect pair.

For dressing up a little bit, many of us adore the Sam Edelman Patti sandal (super-walkable and leg-lengthening), and this same style sandal that comes in a beautiful caramel brown shade. (Side note: It’s very frustrating that there are limited options in the range of skin tone shades in this particular style, but Kat did just find this brand that also offers a range in a higher and low heel dress shoes.)

Taupe, Beige & Brown: Neutral Sandals To Wear With Everything

When it comes to everyday though, I wanted to find a pair that are flat, yet more feminine than the rest of the sportier sandals in my closet. So, I ordered up (quite) a few to try myself in tan, taupe and brown shades (um, and one rainbow, because duh) in hopes I’d finally find that perfect pair.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

Lucky Brand Garston Sandal

at Amazon | at Zappos | at Nordstrom | at Lucky Brand

These are a solid find. I like the espadrille base for a summery vibe, and these were comfortable and fit well. They aren’t ‘cushiony,’ but they seem like they’d really be a fab wear summer to summer. Lucky Brand shoes are really well-made and break-in nicely. These actually do come in a few different neutral brown and tan shades to match different skin tones, for that leg-lengthening look. They are also offered in some great bright colors, too, if you’re looking for that versus a neutral.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

top (in solid colors) | shorts or at UO (28) | sandals (tts)


Seychelles Lofty Wedge Sandal

at Zappos | at Amazon

These are so, so comfy! They’re cushiony and have a bit of a wedge at the back, which is always flattering on your legs. The color was a little bit different than it looked online, but it’s a pretty camel shade in person. They offer a mahogany brown, a snake print and a black, too. This was one of the most comfortable pairs I tried.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

top (in solid colors) | shorts or at UO (28) | sandals (tts)


Madewell Samira Sandal

at Zappos

Oh, these sandals. I know they’re not actually neutral with the cute rainbow straps, but I think they’d go with SO much, actually. And they make me really happy. They’re comfortable with a lightly cushioned sole, and the upper doesn’t seem to rub anywhere. Yay! They seem to run just a touch long, but stay on well with the ankle strap. I’m a solid size 8, so if you’re between half sizes, I’d say go down. They’re going quickly, but are still in stock for now at Zappos. They do also come in a gorgeous brown, too.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

shorts or at UO (28) | blouse (s) | rainbow sandals (tts, but just slightly long)


Free People Bryn Marr Wrap Sandal

These are super-cute on, but seriously uncomfortable for my foot. I have a bit of a wide toe-box due to lovely hereditary bunions, so yeah — no. These didn’t work. I love the look of the ankle ties, though! If you have a narrow foot, these might work well for you. Granted, they are quite flat, too, but are made of handmade leather that would break-in well with wear. These are offered in this taupe and also black.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

top (in solid colors) | shorts or at UO (28) | sandals


Jeffrey Campbell Amarra Sandal

at Shopbop

These are gorgeous sandals…and a gorgeous color. They are quite flat, but somehow still very comfortable. They have a little bit of a heel for minimal support, plus good flexibility making them much more easy to wear than the Steven Greece sandal below. I love these, but sadly they’re going quickly. Jeffrey Campbell always makes really impressive shoes, and these are no exception!

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

shorts or at UO (28) | blouse (s) | sandals (tts)


Aerosoles Dover

at Zappos | at Aerosoles | at Amazon

OK, so these ARE comfy. VERY comfy. I adore these. Sadly, they’re one of the pricier pairs on my list, but so cute, feminine…and did I mention comfy? Aerosoles always does that so well. They kinda also have a vintage vibe to them, a la Saltwater sandals, but they have more support. I think they are just slightly too feminine for me or I’d definitely spend the bucks on them. The leather is buttery soft. They also come in dusty pink, gray, gold, black and white. The top strap is elasticated and so comfy, too. I’m going to have a hard time sending these back.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

top (in solid colors) | shorts or at UO (28) | sandals (tts)


Bueno Slide Sandal

at Nordstrom

This is a pair I’ve had for a year now, and while they don’t quite have the feminine vibe I was looking for this time around, they’re gorgeous, buttery soft and on sale, so I thought I’d include them. The sole is fairly flat, but there’s a bit more support in the heel and a slight bit in the arch. They’re so comfy. The slide comes back on your foot more keeping them on better. There’s also a woven version this year that looks ah-mazing.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

shorts or at UO (28) | blouse (s) | sandals


Steven Greece Sandal

at Zappos | at Macy’s

I have been eyeing these for a while, and still think they’re adorable but — whew. The sizing. I tried my normal 8s and then 8.5s, and neither fit me very well. I saw some reviews that you need to go up a full size, but I don’t think I’m up for another round. They look so much like the fancy Ancient Greek sandals though, that maybe they ARE worth another try? These are so much more reasonably priced than the Ancient Greek brand, though. The leather feels…not amazing, but it is fairly soft. I don’t know whether they’ll stretch with wear or not. They are cut quite narrow, so probably best for narrow feet.

Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).
Neutral sandals are a versatile shoe staple for the wardrobe. Taupe, tan, beige & brown sandals go with about any outfit. We found a bunch (+ a rainbow pair).

shorts or at UO (28) | blouse (s) | sandals (run very small)

Shop More Neutral Sandals

Thanks to Danielle on the Philly team, we were able to find this shoe company, Tkees, that offers some minimal style sandals in a variety of skin tone neutrals, if you’re going for that matching, leg-lengthening look (remember when Tiarra did that post a few years ago?). Ooh…and Kat just found the pair she wants for summer in a block heel style! GORGEOUS. Brother Vellies offers a beautiful array of shades, and is a Black-owned business, as well. Dear shoe companies, be more like them.

If you have run across a great go-with-everything style offered in a nice wide range of shades, please share! I wound up keeping the rainbow pair because they’re ahmazing, but I’m also eyeing those Aerosoles because they’re just darn cute and comfy. What’s your favorite neutral sandal for summer?

xo,

L

For down-to-earth talk with a side of not-too-serious, follow me over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle. Some days there will be dance parties, some days there will be recipe ideas, some days there will be fashion, and some days there will be none of that… just a Portland mom trying to raise her strong-willed gal to make the world better. All are welcome. xo

8 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve been eyeing the Tkees sandals for awhile now. I love how understated and simple they are. And now I’m obsessed with the Brother Vellies shoes! I saw the pair that Kat mentioned in her recent article, which I thought were cute, but they’re entire Nude selection is amazing!!! Love so many of the styles!!!

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