Strappy Sandals: The Best Accessories to Wear With Them

The simplest way to accessorize strappy sandals: match the metal of your jewelry to the buckles on the shoes, match the weight of your accessories to the weight of the straps, and let one piece (the shoes or the bag) be the loudest thing in the outfit.

Thin straps leave a lot of bare foot showing, so the shoes read as light and quiet. That makes them an easy base for almost any bag or jewelry, as long as the proportions agree.

Section 01

What are the basic rules for accessorizing strappy sandals?

Three habits cover most outfits.

• Match the metals. If the buckle is gold, wear gold hoops or a gold bangle. Mixed metals can work, but the buckle is the detail the eye compares first.
• Match the weight. Slim, delicate straps sit well with thin chains and small studs. Chunkier straps or a block heel can carry a wide cuff or large earrings.
• Pick one focal point. Bright red sandals plus a bright bag plus statement earrings is three competing voices. Choose one.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd treat the sandal as a texture and color decision first. Leather, suede and satin straps reflect light differently, and your bag and jewelry will look more coordinated when the surfaces echo one another, even if the colors are not identical.

Section 02

How do you pick accessories for the color of your sandals?

Neutral sandals (tan, beige, white, black)

These are the easiest to work with, so you can bring in color or texture elsewhere. Tan leather with a woven straw bag and small gold hoops gives a relaxed, earthy look. White sandals suit a nude or tan crossbody and a thin bangle.

Metallic sandals (gold, silver, rose gold)

Metallics behave like neutrals in most outfits. Repeat the metal in earrings or a clutch and keep everything else plain. Silver sandals with a silver clutch and crystal drop earrings is a clear evening formula.

Bold sandals (red, blue, green)

Let the shoes be the statement. A black or neutral mini bag and a simple gold bangle keep attention on the color at your feet.

Beaded, embroidered or embellished sandals

The shoes already have detail, so keep the rest quiet. A straw tote and a linen scarf work with beaded styles, and you can skip an anklet entirely.

Section 03

What accessories suit each style of outfit?

Casual and easygoing

Flat tan or white sandals go with a canvas tote, sunglasses, a straw hat and a simple pendant. Keep fabrics relaxed. If you want shoe ideas for the beach, see sandals with strappy details for hot beach days.

Dressy and evening

Heeled sandals in gold, silver or rose gold look best with a satin or metallic clutch and one jewelry statement, either chandelier earrings or a cuff, not both. For a midi skirt, this guide to pairing strappy sandals with midi skirts covers the proportions.

Bohemian

Layer natural textures: a fringe or macramé bag, beaded bracelets, turquoise pieces and a wide-brimmed hat. Brown or beaded flat sandals fit this look well.

Modern and edgy

Black leather sandals with a chunky chain necklace and a structured black bag feel sharp. Silver heels, hoops and a studded clutch push it toward rocker.

Minimalist

Keep to two or three quiet pieces: gold studs, a thin bangle, a sleek watch and a neat crossbody or bucket bag. For the shoes themselves, slim cross-strap sandals suit this approach.

Section 04

Which accessories work best with strappy sandals right now?

Several pieces keep showing up with this shoe, and none of them is new for the sake of it.

• Ankle chains in thin gold or silver echo the straps. They work best with sandals that have little ankle detail, since a chain over an ankle strap gets busy.
• Raffia and straw bags suit flat sandals in warm weather.
• Small crossbody and mini bags keep the outfit streamlined.
• Pearl earrings or bracelets add a classic note to simple outfits.
• A lightweight scarf tied to a bag handle adds a bit of color to neutral sandals.

If your outfit already has a loud print, the same restraint applies to accessories. This post on matching accessories with bold prints goes deeper.

Section 05

Do flat or heeled strappy sandals suit formal events?

Both can. For a wedding or formal dinner, strappy sandals in metallic or embellished versions look dressed up even when flat. Add a clutch and pearl or crystal jewelry. For work, an ankle strap block heel in a neutral or metallic finish pairs well with a structured tote, stud earrings and a tailored blazer.

If you will be on your feet for hours, think about comfort before accessories. Harvard Health notes that the most comfortable shoes for women are low-heeled but not necessarily flat, no higher than three-quarters of an inch. A strappy sandal with a low heel and a cushioned footbed is a sensible choice for a long event. Another source, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, points out that the higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the ball of the foot.

Section 06

How do you keep the outfit comfortable?

Accessories affect comfort more than you might expect. A heavy bag on one shoulder and a pair of thin-strapped sandals is a bad combination for a long walk, so choose a light crossbody or small tote.

For the shoes, Harvard Health recommends at least a quarter- to a half inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Podiatrist Gina Hild, DPM, says that "Footwear that offers cushioning plus heel and arch support can help you relieve and manage symptoms". She also notes that "Shoes typically only last about six months or so depending on the activity level of the individual." If you have foot pain, check with your doctor or podiatrist before choosing a pair.

For hot days and long walks, adjustable sandals let you change the fit as your feet swell. When you want more outfit ideas for the season, strappy sandals for warm weather days has plenty.

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