Gladiator Glam: 4 Ways to Wear Spring's Sexiest Sandal

Spring's sexiest shoe is undoubtedly the knee-high gladiator.  With a boho-meets-bondage aesthetic, these strappy sandals feel so modern that it is hard to believe their original roots date back thousands of years.  It can be a struggle to style such a statement shoe, so I am presenting four very different ways to wear it that cover ground from casual to cocktail.  

Casual Chic

Wear for: lunch with girlfriends, a low-key meeting, an outdoor BBQ

Gladiators: Chloe, Dress: Zara, Bracelet: MeiraT, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bag: Saint Laurent, Ear Jackets: Katie Diamond Jewelry

Cocktail

Wear for: a charity event, an engagement party, a rehearsal dinner

Gladiators: Sergio Rossi, Dress: Ports 1961, Cuff: Chanel via TheRealReal, Earrings: Syna Mogul, Bag: Charlotte Olympia

Boho Babe

Wear for: a day at the beach, a music festival, a chic afternoon in the park

Gladiators: Steve Madden, Dress: Mango, Bag: Nancy Gonzalez, Hat: Abercrombie & Fitch, Sunglasses: Miu Miu, Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane

Night Out

Wear for: date night, dinner and drinks with friends, a sexy spring soiree 

Gladiators: Paul Andrew, Dress: Motel, Clutch: Cristophe Sauvat Collection, Earrings: Oscar de la Renta, Ring: Jennifer Zeuner

Going Dutch

For a laid-back spring shoe that has a leg up on flat-footed sandals, look no further than the clog.  I could't be happier for all of the pin-thin, tall girls and their hippie Birkenstocks, but some of us are petite gals or ladies who simply enjoy a little height with our denim and easy slip dresses.  At first glance, that wooden platform may appear heavy, unsteady, or uncomfortable.  Au contraire!  Wooden clogs were initially conceptualized centuries ago for fieldwork and dancing.  This is a shoe you should be able to move in! Although the clog is clunky, and certainly not elegant, there is something subtly sexy about an exposed ankle peeking out beneath a cropped pant.  Pair them with an airy mini dress to play up the contrast of a heavy shoe with a light dress or keep it comfy in cuffed boyfriend jeans.  Shop my picks below. 

Gucci via AMUZE.com $245

MICHAEL Michael Kors $175

Giuseppe Zanotti $845

Jessica Simpson $110

Michael Kors, $650

Steve Madden $130

Disco Feet

What's one excessive essential you need to be wearing as we move forth into warmer days? It's time to channel your inner rockstar groupie with the disco platform sandal.  As seen on Hedi Slimane's spring Saint Laurent runway, this statement shoe will take you to great heights. Pair them with bellbottoms, a jumpsuit, or a button-front mini skirt for a retro-chic moment.  The chunky heel is a fantastic alternative to the stiletto because it is actually easy to walk and/or dance in! I can only assume that comfort played a part in making the platform Bianca Jagger's iconic shoe of choice for Rolling Stones tours and Studio 54 table-dancing. Fashion always serves its purpose... 

Shop my platform picks below:

SCHUTZ, $220

Sophia Webster, $595

Saint Laurent, $1495

Bottega Veneta via AMUZE, $185

SCHUTZ, $225

Gucci, $2186

Jeffrey Campbell, $81 

Far Out

Like most New Yorkers, I am ready to come out of a winter hibernation filled with binge watching and binge eating to rediscover all the places I love in this city.  A wonderful way to welcome warmer days is to head downtown for an afternoon in SoHo.  I love the European feel of the cobblestone on Wooster Street.  

In case you couldn't tell, I now think I am a cast member of That 70's Show and have zero plans to dress in any way that could not be described as "groovy." I am grateful for the return of the chunky-heeled platform, because these streets aren't exactly stiletto-friendly.  A turtleneck is a great tool for layering on a breezy spring day that doesn't quite call for a jacket.  I love the way a black or white turtleneck looks under almost anything from a chambray shirt to a slip dress or as seen here, with a retro crochet vest.  Because your legs are arguably spring's most important accessory, make sure to invest in some self-tanner (I am a fan of Jergens Natural Glow) as those stems make their return to public.

This particular day was the last day of my rental period with this gorgeous, satin, embellished Chanel bag from Fashion Curated.  I made sure to get a ton of mileage out of those special, 7 days, wearing the bag with just about every outfit throughout the week.  I think it is a misconception that an "evening bag" should only be worn in the evening.  Pairing a glamorous bag with a casual, day look makes a chic statement! Added bonus? You don't have to keep switching your wallet, keys, and lipstick back and forth to different purses if you're only using one! Get $25 off when you reserve a Chanel bag on Fashion Curated now through April 30th by using the promo code Excessories$25 at checkout.  You can make your reservation up to 6 months ahead, so make sure to include something gorgeous from the Fashion Curated gallery when you plan your looks for your summer getaway. 

Bag: Chanel via Fashion Curated, Top: Glamorous Crochet Knitted Vest, Turtleneck: Junee, Skirt: ASOS Suede A-Line Skirt, Bracelet: Stanmore Maya Ball Cuff, Hat: ASOS Felt Fedora with Sun and Moon Trim, Boots: H by Halston (from the archives of my closet), Earrings: Marlyn Schiff Drop Fringe Earring

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