Ease into the Trend: Gladiator Sandals

The Snarktress may have said no to the Gladiator sandal look a days ago, but, I am going to have to disagree with her–to a degree. Some people, like Fergie, need to learn how accessorize with their sandals. Others need to just keep on keepin’ on by embracing the trend that is gladiator sandals.

If you want to try a trend, but don’t want to go for a luxurious look, like these Stuart Weitman Tiajuana style Gladiator sandals from Zappos.com,  take a few steps to decide whether the shoes are your style.

Try a pair of less expensive sandals for a while. Try something from Target, Ross, or TJ-Maxx. Then work your way to Neiman’s Last Call or Nordstrom’s The Rack. If you successfully move up to the Last Call/The Rack level..congratulations, you’re ready to take the plunge! Buy a pair of awesome Gladiator sandals, run, don’t walk, don’t use dial-up, use a LAN line to order your expensive shoes!

Accessorize. Don’t just put on a pair of Gladiator sandals and expect them to look good with your regular dress, skirt, or jeans. You may have to buy some new jewelry, a scarf or headband so the shoes don’t wear you. There’s nothing worse to see then a girl walking down the street who you know just bought something super trendy and threw it on with her normal clothes not even thinking about her current wardrobe.   (Ciao Bella By BC Footwear -$$56)

Think about where you’re going to wear them. Wearing them to the office may be okay if they are flats, and if it is summer. But don’t wear them if your office doesn’t do the business casual Friday thing or if your boss warned you against wearing open toed shoes because it was an “OSHA” issue (true story!)

Finally, if after you try the shoes on once and they just don’t work don’t worry. Every trend isn’t for everyone. That’s why it is called a trend. Not everyone is going to wear the shoes and not everyone has to embrace the look. And in the end, come twenty years from now you can look at pictures on Facebook and MySpace and laugh at your friends who wore the big Gladiator sandals while you wore cute little ballet flats next to them.  (Photo to the left: Marc by Marc Jacobs)

Photos from: Zappos.com