The Look for Less - Sporty Sandals for Spring and Summer

Last spring I dipped my toes into the sporty sandals trend with some Prada-inspired DIY jeweled Teva sandals and some gold Aldo sandals. 

Shop Teva sandals for a sporty look.

After months of wearing boots and sneakers, spring has arrived, and I'm more than ready for sandal season. This year, I'm still incorporating the sporty sandals trend into my spring lineup with everything from cropped denim and day dresses to printed shorts and culottes. 

How to wear sporty sandals? The trick to pulling off the trend without looking like you're heading to or from the gym is to inject dressier elements into your look such as fluid blazers, silk blouses, cropped trousers, midi skirts, or city shorts. The contrast of dressy with sporty/casual is both glamorous and unexpected. The best part about this trend is the high comfort factor. Who knows...you might even find yourself putting those heels away and hitting the streets for long walks.

While designer versions abound in styles ranging from slides and cleated soles to wedges and flatforms, there are myriad styles if you want the look for less. Below are my top twelve picks under $150.

Get the look for less:

1. United Nude, $95 (also in black, white, blossom, yellow, and red)
2. Steve Madden, $99.95 
3. Topshop silver sandals, $70
4. Topshop velcro sandals, $65
5. Teva flatforms, $59.95 
6. Report Signature sandal, $59.95 
7. Steve Madden, $79.95 
8. Aldo gold glitter sandals, $70 
9. Aldo studded sandals, $70 
10. Splendid leather slides, $68
11. Steve Madden, $139.95 
12. Kate Spade leather slides, $98

April 24, 2020 update - Shop sporty sandals for summer:

Wear them with:

See more budget friendly versions:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

The Look for Less - Chloé Knee High Gladiator Sandal Dupes

This spring, I've embraced a new kind of shoe - the tall lace-up gladiator sandals that Clare Waight Keller sent down the spring 2015 runways at Chloé. They come in flat, wedge, or even ankle length versions, but my favorite is the knee-high style. They are glamorous, grown-up, and ideal for the winter-to-spring transition, when boots get tucked away and sandals come out to play. For maximum 1970's vibes, take your style cues from the Chloé and Valentino runways, and pair your gladiators with everything from white lace dresses and double denim to rompers and printed gowns. If Chloé and Valentino aren't in your budget, you can still get the look for less with a multitude of tall lace-up gladiator sandals priced under $300. 

May 26, 2018 update - Shop Chloé wedge gladiator sandals on sale:

photos above via style.com
model image below via Forever21.com

Get the look for less:

1. Topshop 'Figtree', $40. Shop vegan version in 3 colors for under $25.
2. Chloé suede sandals, $1370 
3. Free People 'Rae' sandal, $298 (similar style in black for $148)
4. Free People 'Decibel', $128 
5. Breckelle's sandal, $28.45 (similar style under $25 by Bamboo)
6. Free People 'Cypress' sandal, $128 
7. Jeffrey Campbell 'Olympus', $132 on sale for spring 2017

See more lace-up styles in my spring and fall 2016 footwear trend report.

March 23, 2019 update - Shop these styles under $45:

Wear them with:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop more gladiator styles:

The Look for Less - Chloé Susanna Boot Dupes

The Chloé Suzanna (a.k.a. Susanna) boots have been around for several years and although they cost a small fortune, they're street style favorites. What's not to love about the triple buckle design, walkable heel, and gorgeous micro studs? They channel a nonchalant rock 'n' roll vibe and instantly elevate any outfit. I love them because they're versatile enough to wear with all kinds of denim, dresses, trousers, or jumpsuits. 

March 19, 2020 update - Shop pre-loved Chloé Susanna boots:

March 18, 2020 update - See top selling Chloé Susanna styles:

October 29, 2018 update - Love the Chloé Rylee boots? See how to get the Chloé Rylee boot look for less.

The Chloé Susanna boots add instant edge and attitude to any outfit, and with their Western-meets-rock 'n' roll vibes, they make the ideal complement to distressed denim and a killer jacket, as shown below. Shop many colors and styles here.

photos via Pinterest

Shop Chloé Susanna boots:

The Look for Less

So you can't swing the over $1200 price tag? No worries. It's quite an investment. There are many options that won't clear out your bank account. Below are some of my favorite Chloé Susanna boot look alikes (plus options if you want to treat yourself to the real thing). 

1. Jessica Buurman boots, $129 
2. Aldo 'Bugiano' leather boots, $75 

3. Bumper studded boots, $32 and under 

4. Chloé Suzanna boots, $1345 (see more colors and styles here)

5. Ash 'Joyce' boots (sold out), $99.50 

6. New Look studded boots (sold out), $30.77 

7. Bumper studded boots, $18.49 

January 15, 2024 update - Shop studded boots for less!

September 29, 2021 update - Shop studded boots under $120:

September 20, 2021 update - Shop studded boots under $100:

November 11, 2020 update - Shop these studded boots for less:

October 20, 2020 update - Get the Susanna boot look for less:

October 4, 2020 - Shop cute studded boots:

March 18, 2020 update - Shop studded boots under $90:

November 14, 2019 update - Shop this studded style in three colors under $230. Get it in black right here.

April 28, 2019 update - Shop the studded boots pictured below in many colors under $75.
Shop them in black, white, gray, red, blue, and more.

October 13, 2017 update - For more studded boot styles, see my post on how to get the Givenchy 'Elegant' studded boots look for less.


March 22, 2016 update - I got these leather Marc by Marc Jacobs boots pictured below on sale. You can also buy them here in black or white with international shipping. They run small (I ordered one size up and they fit me perfectly), are super comfortable, and are very well made. I get compliments on them each time I wear them. Most of all, I love how they work just as well with my casual denim as with fancier floral dresses.

Splurge on the real deal (they run true to size, have great arch support, and are impeccably made):

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop Chloé boots:

Shop more studded boots:

The Look for Less - Stella McCartney Elyse Platform Oxford Dupes

Stella McCartney's Elyse platform oxfords didn't immediately strike my fancy this fall, but the more I see them on bloggers and celebrities (including the designer herself), the more they're growing on me. I'd definitely describe them as shoes that your boyfriend or husband is highly unlikely to love. On the bright side, they offer a boost of height without the pain of heels. So what's the appeal? Perhaps the mix of a sporty sole, sustainable wood platform wedge, and lace-up oxford upper is both nerdy and unexpected. Snag them right here or shop newer styles and colors for 2019 here if you're up to the designer splurge. 

February 17, 2022 update - Shop Stella McCartney Elyse shoes:

April 29, 2020 update - Shop new styles by Stella McCartney:

photos via Pinterest

October 21, 2019 update - Shop Stella McCartney Elyse shoes:

While Stella's shoes are priced near $1000, there are many options for $300 and under. 

The Look for Less

If the designer version isn't within budget, there are many Stella McCartney Elyse dupes and replicas for all budgets. Here are some of my favorite options to get the look for less.

August 23, 2024 update - Shop platforms on a budget:

February 21, 2024 update - Shop platforms for less:

March 21, 2023 update - Shop platforms for less:

Here's how to get more of the look for less.

1. Jeffrey Campbell 'Berliner' $174.95 (or get them here in black or camel). Also see the Jeffrey Campbell 'Digby' leather platforms on sale (also available in black or camel on sale for $75.97) or the Jeffrey Campbell Rockwood platforms. Shop a similar style under $40. 

2. Sixty Seven 'Harper' leather oxfords (sold out)

3. Mango platform oxfords, $39.99 (sold out, shop similar in black or red patent under $40)

4. Stella McCartney 'Britt' platform oxfords, $995 (in orange and tan). See more styles and colors.

5. Jeffrey Campbell 'Munk' leather platform, $175  (sold out)

6. Jeffrey Campbell 'Berliner' in white leather, $180 (sold out) 

7. Topshop 'Kisser, $85  (sold out, shop similar style under $50)

8. Opening Ceremony 'Grunge', $300 (shop similar in black or white under $100 by Nine West or this style under $50 in black or nude)

August 2024 update - More options under $60:

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop more platform oxford styles:

The Look for Less - Cookie Lyon on Empire

It's Wednesday, and that means I'm looking forward to watching Empire tonight. From the moment Cookie Lyon (played by Taraji P. Henson) appeared on screen in Fox's hit drama about a music mogul's family, I knew Cookie would be a TV style icon. Sure, Empire is brimming with drama and betrayal, and the music is amazing, but sometimes I get fixated on Cookie's ostentatious style. It's hard not to. With her over-the-top furs, statement jewelry, curve-hugging animal print dresses, and killer heels, she steals each scene. She commands attention with her take-charge attitude and she's refreshingly unapologetic when it comes to her flamboyant style. 

March 22, 2018 update - Shop Cookie's style:

March 19, 2018 update - Get inspired by Cookie's style:

December 14, 2017 update - Steal Cookie's style:

September 28, 2017 update - Get ready for the new season with some Cookie Lyon style inspiration:

Below, a look at some of Cookie's standout outfits.

photos via Pinterest

Costume designer Rita McGhee, who was mentored by Ruth Carter, works with a budget of $15,000 to $20,000 for each episode. You'll often see Cookie wearing Gucci dresses, Balmain gowns, Louboutin heels, Chanel jewelry, and vintage furs. But it's not all high end. In fact, I recently spotted Cookie wearing an Altuzarra for Target dress in a recent episode - under a fur coat, of course. McGhee shops a mix of high and low fashion for the show, and borrows pieces from stylish women, including Empire music producer Timbaland's wife. 



If you love Cookie's style but don't have the budget for designer labels, you can get her look for less with these pieces I've curated below. How to dress like Cookie Lyon? Think animal prints (like this leopard print dress under $20), luxe textures (like this silver snake print sheath dress under $35), bodycon dresses (see these budget friendly styles), high shine, furry fabrics (a cozy faux fur vest), and vertiginous heels (steal her Valentino Rockstud style for less with these budget-friendly studded heels or score the real deal on sale in 7 colors).

photos via Fox

Get her look for less (under $150):

1. Floral midi bodycon dress, $26, pink faux fur jacket, $64, or faux fur vest in mauve or brown, $57.90
2. Quilted faux leather trench coat, $75.60, sequin snake embossed clutch, $45
3. Geometric print peplum top, $44.25, layered chain statement necklace, $19, faux leather leggings, $28, and faux snakeskin heeled ankle boots, $69.99
4. Snake print blazer, $112.11 
5. Snake print bodycon dress, $24
6. Geo print bodycon dress, $32.90, studded strappy heels (in black, red, or pink), $60
7. Collarless cape blazer, $100 (or in taupe, $138), lace print bodycon dress, $49.80, reptile print heels, $70

What would Cookie wear? See how to dress like Cookie Lyon with two head-turning looks for less that Cookie Lyon might wear to watch her sons perform at the club or record at the studio. Naturally, I've included some of her signature pieces: furry textures, statement jewelry, bodycon dresses, animal prints, glamorous lip and nail colors, and notice-me-heels. The best part? Each piece is under $150.


Shop the pieces above:
1. Rich and famous earrings, $65
2. Floppy felt hat, $52 (similar style under $20)
3. Chain bib necklace, $16.50 (similar style with multi-chain details under $30)
4. YSL lipstick (other colors available), $35
5. Scalloped bodycon mini dress, $68
6. Ombré faux fur coat, $140
7. Lace bodycon dress, $90 (similar style in black under $50)
8. Snake embossed clutch (also in silver), $78
9. Leopard print handbag, $42 (love this style under $50)
10. Suede platforms, $135, or similar style in black, leopard, or taupe for under $30
11. Dior nail laquer, $27
12. Suede fringe heels (also in rust and mushroom colors), $149.95 (or similar style in blue or beige under $100)

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Get her footwear looks:

Sept 14, 2015 update - In anticipation of the season 2 premiere of Empire, Saks Fifth Avenue has curated an ultra glam Lyon family-inspired collection that would make Cookie and Lucious proud. See the entire "Empire State of Mind" collection, including clothing and accessories for men and women.



October 8, 2015 update - See Cookie's Empire season 2 style and get her latest looks for less.

P.S. Follow me on Twitter and use #Empire during and after the show to see how to score some of Cookie's pieces on a budget. 

More from the Saks collection:

Shop Cookie's glam style: