Fashion

Wedge Sandals Are Back: How to Wear this Nostalgic Style in 2024

It's official: wedges are the shoe of the summer season.

Front row at Chloé Fall/Winter 2024 show. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Front row at Chloé Fall/Winter 2024 show. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

While the front row of fashion shows is commonly known to host the most influential names in fashion that dazzle the audience with their bold outfit choices season after season, Chloé’s Fall/Winter 2024 front row assignment really changed the rules of the game for the upcoming seasons, making a crutial statement when it comes to footwear. After seeing Sienna Miller, Kiernan Shipka, Georgia May Jagger, and Jerry Hall sitting side by side wearing matching wedge sandals, we all knew there were going to be repercussions. With a chunky wooden platform and criss-crossed leather straps, Chloé’s genius wedges front row moment announced the comeback of the boho-chic wedges for women—and we can’t be any more excited about it.

Dating back to ancient Greece, when these shoes symbolized status and importance, wedges really became a fashion symbol in the 1930s. As outdoor activities and cruise holidays rose in popularity, platform shoes were embraced as the ultimate beach footwear for women. Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo is believed to have created one of the first fashionable wedge shoes using cork and wood instead of the classic leather and rubber compositions due to a shortage in the footwear market. Despite being initially criticized by his elite clientele and the general crowd, wedge sandals slowly began to take over further social occasions outside outdoor recreation until becoming one of the most popular styles from the ‘40s. Although wedges lost popularity after World War II as the fashion industry stopped experiencing rubber shortages, wedge sandals strongly re-emerged during the ‘70s. Featuring striking colors and outrageous designs, their bold appearance was embraced by women and men alike. Briefly re-gaining popularity throughout the 90s, wedges for women really made their powerful comeback in the summer of 2006, when platforms made of cork and wrapped in rope were spotted everywhere from local markets to red carpets.

Characterized by their chunky look and comfortable fit, wedges are the ideal footwear for women on the go. Suitable for a relaxing summer stroll or a long day at the office, there's endless wedge sandals styles to choose from. If you're still feeling uncertain about this trend, scroll down and discover how your favorite celebrities have embraced different types of wedges throughout the years and get inspired to bring back this nostalgic style in 2024.

Wooden Platforms

From Christy Turlington pairing her chic wedges with a ruffled skirt and a playful tie at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2006 to the fashionable guests at Chloé's Fall/Winter show giving a demonstration of how to wear wedge sandals in 2024, wooden platforms never fail to make a statement. Offering extreme heights and a striking look, wooden heels are one of the most popular styles when it comes to wedges for women.

eos1dmkii-233268 upswept hair up swept hair up do up dos up doo up doos updo updos updoo updoos ponytail pony tail gold fabric material silk look looks military style styles masculine chinos women's ladies tailored shirt tailored blouse gathers gathered ruffles ruffled footwear straps strappy cork heels wedge heel wedges wedgies wedge heels wedgie shoes 70s retro new york lady person adult female woman shoe male man coat high heel
Christy Turlington. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
bestof topix paris accessories bag handbag coat adult female person woman fur shoe
paris clothing coat footwear shoe handbag blazer person overcoat lady face
paris shoe coat adult female person woman pedestrian jacket high heel lady
paris handbag shoe adult female person woman high heel purse coat man
paris clothing coat jacket footwear shoe adult female person woman high heel
paris clothing coat jacket adult female person woman handbag face shoe
Pat Cleveland, Eva Danino, Kiernan Shipka, Liya Kebede, Sienna Miller, Georgia May Jagger. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Rope Wedges

From Kim Kardashian rocking wedge espadrilles to a red carpet premiere in the early aughts to Jennifer Lopez casually pairing her wedge sandals with her colorful Christian Dior bag while running errands in Los Angeles, rope platforms not only add height but also texture to any summertime outfit. And although celebrities of all ages have seen rocking this look, no one does rope wedges like Kate Middleton. Ideal for beach attires and vacation ensembles, rope wedge sandals are characterized by their unique comfort and effortless allure, as proven endless times by the Princess of Wales.

los angeles bag handbag pedestrian person shoe purse dress high heel wheel car
los angeles fashion adult female person woman premiere sandal face dress shoe
Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
hopkins clothing dress adult female person woman beachwear footwear shoe high heel
london dress lady person formal wear evening dress adult female woman photography portrait
wokingham dress person photography portrait grass people adult female woman formal wear
barry lady person coat adult male man dress jeans shoe face
Kate Middleton. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Monochrome Heel

For a more elevated look, wedges with monochrome heels guarantee a stylized and timeless feel. Available in different heights, colors, and finishes, these sleek styles can be carried from day to night with extreme ease. As seen on fashion icons Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, this wedge sandals style promises to be one of the standout ways to wear wedges in 2024.

london accessories bag handbag purse shoe pants lady walking formal wear suit
london clothing pants jeans scarf footwear shoe
Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Cork Soles

Offering ultimate summertime allure and promising an effortless yet stylized look no matter the occasion, cork wedge sandals have been a statement footwear option since Salvatore Ferragamo's first wedge creations back in the 1930s. The perfect footwear option for a beach getaway in 2024, cork wedge sandals can be paired with casual shorts and evening dresses alike. In towering heights, cork sandals guarantee firmness with every step, without the extra heaviness found in the equally-popular wooden styles.

63e festival des cannes cannes lady person footwear shoe adult female woman male man high heel
Michelle Williams. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Modern Wedges

As wedges make their nostalgic comeback, designers have found endless ways of reinterpreting this old-school style. From Miu Miu's Spring/Summer 2020 embellished platforms to sculptural curved heels, modern wedges are bound to dominate 2024's hottest months. From Jada Pinkett Smith's urban monochrome outfit to Behati Prinsloo's sparkling red carpet look, get ready to see all your favorite celebrities embracing the wedge sandal trend very soon.

style cold elegant outfit ready-to-wear rtw fashion blogger woman dark hair pink nails coperni outfit paris clothing skirt miniskirt footwear shoe high heel blouse
new york lady person pedestrian clothing formal wear suit coat standing shoe walking
paris adult female person woman coat handbag pedestrian shoe pants man
bestof topix beverly hills footwear shoe high heel sandal adult female person woman skirt dress
Tamara Kalinic, Jada Pinkett Smith, Blanca Miro, Behati Prinsloo. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Tags

Recommended posts for you