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