8 chic and comfortable summer sandals you can wear to work

The recent much-hyped-about launch of Cult Gaia’s first ever shoe collection has thrown us in a frenzy to kickstart our summer sandal wardrobe pronto. Building upon the instantly recognisable aesthetic of the brand’s ‘Ark” bag that dominated the Summer of 2016, the shoe collection echoes Cult Gaia’s signature architectural approach to design.

Unsurprisingly, many are already pining and raving about the shoes from the collection — and we’re calling it right now: these summer vacation-themed shoes are set to be the hottest trending thing in the fashion world this season.

Consider the practical appeal of the summer sandal as well; with the onset of warm(er) weather in Singapore, why would we want to be caught dead in a pair of unbreathable boots or blister-inducing pumps? We’ve sought out the best and most chic pairs of sandals to own right now — and because we don’t find ourselves having the luxury of always going on vacations, these shoes are perfect for the office as well.

Taking after the famed Ark bag’s woven raffia design, this pair of mules employ strips of smooth beige, yellow and baby-pink leather to create a gorgeous straw-like design with pretty sorbet hues. The grooved gold heel adds a touch of refined elegance to this casual number, allowing you to wear it for both formal occasions and casual weekends.

US$375.36 (S$502.51), at Net-a-porter

Trust us when we say: you’ll soon see these sandals all over your Instagram feed. Made in a gorgeous summer-appropropriate shade of marigold, these mules are crafted from smooth leather and set on trendy sculptural heels for a modern and contemporary finish. Slip this on next to a relaxed white dress and a matching wicker bag.

US$375.36, at Net-a-porter

For those who prefer an edgier aesthetic with a refined twist, these cutting-edge platform sandals should be considered. It’s essentially Louis Vuitton’s iconic Laureate desert boot, but reinterpreted as a platform sandal. Featuring the brand’s patent Monogram canvas, rock’n’roll studs and a chunky heel, these versatile kicks will practically go well with any outfit of choice.

£770.00 (S$1,397.63), from Louis Vuitton

The iconic Fendi Zucca pattern (also known as the double-F monogram) that has become a house signature for Fendi adorns the strap of this pristine and sophisticated pair of mules. Crafted from smooth white leather, these mules feature the Zucca logo in plush black velvet— a subtle touch of luxe that pushes these mules in a contemporary direction.

US$888, at Net-a-porter

True to Marni’s tongue-in-cheek aesthetic and love for colour blocking, these multicoloured cotton leather bow embellished sandals feature rich textures and equally rich colours to add a little pizzazz to your everyday outfit. The massive statement bow is what bought us over, really. We love the contrast of the earthy terracotta shade against the choice of pastels, and how contemporary the entire number looks.

$974, at Farfetch

Crafted from blue, white, black and yellow striped cotton, these flat-heeled slip-ons from Prada feature an open back, a branded leather insole and an open-toe for maximum comfort and ease of wear. With its summery colour scheme and bold prints, this pair of sandals establishes itself as an absolute key item to complete your arsenal of footwear for the season.

$1,300, from Farfetch

Adding a sense of quirkiness and playfulness to warm-weather dressing, these sandals uses contrast stitching in mahogany-brown and white to create fun patterns and details. They’re crafted with an eye-catching olive-green leather strap and woven canvas front straps to complement the insoles and heels. Sure to add an artisanal kick to your ensemble, these sandals are practically a must-have for the season.

$396, at Matches Fashion

Part of See by Chloe’s SS18 collection, these tan-brown flatforms are set on stacked brown soles – a nod to the season’s trending chunky shoe silhouettes – with interwoven leather and suede crossover straps. Evoking a certain Parisian elegance and laidback sensibility, these fuss-free sandals are great to be paired with a denim skirt and a staple white blouse.

$243, at Matches Fashion