Insights from a Washington DC personal stylist
Buckle sandals are everywhere right now, but the right pair can work far beyond one trend cycle.
They are casual, comfortable, and easy to wear, but they still need to be chosen carefully. The goal is not just to buy the trend. The goal is to choose a pair that works with your wardrobe, your lifestyle, and the way you actually dress.
Are buckle sandals still in style?
Yes. Buckle sandals are very current right now, but the classic versions are not only a trend.
The exaggerated versions may come and go, but simple one-strap or double-strap buckle sandals have been part of casual summer wardrobes for years. They stay relevant because they are comfortable, practical, and connected to a more relaxed way of dressing.
That makes them more of a lifestyle piece than a short-term trend.
Where should you wear buckle sandals?
Buckle sandals are casual.
They can look polished, but they are not formal. I would not wear them anywhere with a dress code, and I would not try to force them into a formal or smart casual outfit.
They work best for relaxed summer dressing, casual weekends, errands, travel days, vacations, and easy everyday outfits.
If your workplace is very flexible and open-toe flat sandals are acceptable, you may be able to wear them there. But if the setting is formal, conservative, or dress-code driven, buckle sandals are not the right choice.
Choose a neutral color first
Because buckle sandals already have a strong design, color matters.
If you want them to feel more versatile and easier to style, start with a neutral color. Black, beige, ivory, camel, tan, brown, or white can all work, depending on your wardrobe.
Look at the colors you already wear most in summer.
If you wear a lot of black, black sandals may make sense. If your summer wardrobe is full of linen, ivory, beige, and lighter colors, then a softer neutral may be more useful. If your wardrobe has a mix of tones, beige or tan can be one of the easiest options.
The stronger the sandal design, the more helpful it is to keep the color calm.
Pay attention to your version of nude
Nude is not one color.
A sandal described as nude online may not actually be nude for your skin tone. For some people, nude may look pinker or lighter. For others, it may need to be warmer, deeper, more olive, or more golden.
If you want the sandals to feel subtle and elongating, choose a shade that blends with your own skin tone, not just the shade the brand labels as nude.
Watch the size of the buckle
If you are new to buckle sandals or usually prefer more feminine or minimal shoes, start with a smaller buckle.
Large buckles can be stylish, but they can also feel heavy, especially on narrow or smaller feet. A smaller buckle, or a buckle that matches the scale of the sandal, gives you a more refined and wearable version of the trend.
If you have wider feet or want more support, a stronger strap may work better. In that case, choosing a buckle in the same color family as the sandal can keep the look balanced.
Avoid overly exaggerated versions
Right now, because buckle sandals are trending, you will see exaggerated versions everywhere: oversized buckles, multiple buckles, bold colors, unusual shapes, and very trend-driven designs.
Those can be fun, but they may not last as long in your wardrobe.
If you want a pair you can wear for years, choose something simpler. The cleaner the design, the easier it will be to style beyond one summer.
How to style buckle sandals
The easiest way to style buckle sandals is to respect what they are: casual, relaxed, and practical.
They work well with summer dresses, linen pants, relaxed denim, wide-leg trousers, shorts, casual skirts, and easy vacation outfits. They can make an outfit feel effortless when the rest of the look is intentional.
The key is not to make them formal. The key is to make the whole outfit feel relaxed but still considered.
Final thought
Buckle sandals can be a great summer wardrobe piece if you choose the right pair.
Look for a color that works with your wardrobe, a buckle size that suits your foot, and a design that feels current without being too exaggerated. That way, the sandals can feel stylish now and still useful beyond the trend cycle.
If you want a wardrobe that feels more refined, easier to use, and more aligned with your lifestyle, WBB Personal Styling offers personalized styling support for clients who want clarity, strategy, and a more elevated way to get dressed.