The one pair of shoes you need to add to your wardrobe this spring.

September 7, 2024

Just a heads up: you're about to see people wearing Havaianas again like it's 2005.

The humble thong (or flip-flop, for those playing overseas) is set to become the shoe of summer. And we did NOT see this coming.

Psst: Here's why adding the "wrong shoe" will transform your outfit. Post continues below.

Video via Mamamia

But you're going to have to trust us. Because in 2024, thongs have had a rebrand. Seriously. They're chic now. All the celebrities and influencers are wearing them with their fancy outfits.

Kendall Jenner recently wore a pair of very boujie thongs by The Row out in New York, and Zoe Kravitz was pictured in a streamlined pair of black flip-flops.

Melbourne influencer Rozalia Russian has been into the trend for a few months now, and showed off several pairs on her recent trip to Europe.

Image: Instagram/@rozalia_russian

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In a Q&A with her audience on Instagram, when asked what shoe she was coveting at the moment, she answered with this pair of cola-coloured jelly-strap thongs by Australian designer Christopher Esber.

Traditional slimline thongs are trending hard with the overseas fashion crowd, too. Here's some evidence from the Scandinavian street style scene:

Street style from Copenhagen Fashion Week. Images: Getty.

As you'll see, thongs aren't just for the beach anymore. They can do polished. They can do eveningwear. They can even do business-casual. How's that for versatile?

We're convinced they're the only shoe you'll need this summer. And it's ironic, because back in the day they literally were the only shoe you needed all summer.

But somewhere along the way, chunky sandals and fashionable slides stepped in and took over. Suddenly we had so many options! And the thong took a back seat.

But now they're officially cool again. Just this week, popular Spanish influencer Vicky Montanari posted a video showing how she's styling her basic brown thongs, with the caption, "Havaianas are a fashion statement".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vicky Montanari (@vicmontanari)

You can put the renewed popularity of the flip-flop down to the 'wrong shoe theory'.

It's a term coined by author and fashion consultant Allison Bornstein, and it's all about choosing the least expected shoe to offset your outfit, rather than complimenting it. By opting for a less "suitable" option, you add an interesting detail to your look that just reads as more stylish overall. A track pant with a heel, for example, or a lace dress with sneakers.

Wearing thongs with evening wear is the epitome of the wrong shoe. But it works! Yes, the thongs look a little off — but that's the point. They're entirely unexpected, and that's what makes them look so cool.

If this isn't getting you across the line, you might just need to see some shoes.

Here are 1o pairs we love for every budget.