Flip flops are one of those items that many people like to wear, but know that it is a faux-pas, so they avoid wearing them on a daily basis out and about at any cost. But are flip flops indeed such a no-go zone when it comes to fashion?
We would argue they are not. It’s all about the flip flops and the context in which you wear them.
Context
The context is probably the most important factor when it comes to wearing flip flops as casual shoes, it is even more important than the style of flip flops. The reason for this is because flip flops are extremely casual shoes, or, better said, they are clearly associated with certain contexts. Usually, flip flops are meant to be worn either around the house or on the beach or near a pool. While these are all good places to wear flip flops, they’re not the only places where you can wear them.
Flip flops can be worn on a casual, day-to-day basis but only under the condition that you keep it casually. They are great for going shopping, taking a walk and so on, but they won’t go in many other cases.
Here are some settings in which flip flops don’t really work:
- A nice restaurant
- Public transportation
- The outdoors (as something might run into them or you might run into something and hurt yourself)
- A club or fancy bar (as they might have a dress code and because people can easily step on your flip flops and break them)
- At work, unless you work on the beach, as a lifeguard or something that allows it
- In any place where you can easily get dirty – think of any place where you might use a public restroom, etc.
As we said, flip flops are not necessarily a no-no, but there really aren’t many contexts where you can wear them.
Flip flop styles
The style of your flip flops is also very important, if you want to keep your style and sartorial dignity. Crocs should be out of the question for anyone who wants to look good. Otherwise, there are many types of flip flops to choose from.
Simple, plastic or fabric flip flops are usually more casual and should be worn with t-shirts, tracksuits, sports pants and so on.
Leather flip flops or any other type of dressier flip flop can be worn with dress shorts and even a nice polo or casual dress shirt.
Watch your grooming
When you are wearing flip flops, it is essential that you remember your grooming. As a man, it is not necessarily obligatory that you shave or trim the hairs on your legs’ fingers, but it is mandatory that you keep your nails in shape if you are going to show them. This rule also applies to wearing sandals.
Additional information
When you are wearing flip flops, you should probably not wear them with socks. While we encourage you to break the rules, make your own and sport anything with confidence, we believe that flip flops with socks simply does not make for a good look. The reason is because flip flops are meant to give you freedom and allow your legs to breath, and socks do pretty much the opposite, so the two don’t really go together.
Also, it is not recommended to wear flip flops if you might get dirty easily. If you live in a town where the streets are remarkably filthy or dusty, it’s better to keep your feet protected and inside a pair of shoes rather than have them be filled with dust and dirt at the end of the day.
If worn right, flip flops can be a great item of casual wear. Make sure you are impeccably clean, that you choose your context and flip flops style wisely and you are all set to go. Not necessarily to the beach.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What you make of wearing flip flops as casual shoes? How do you wear flip flops? Where do you wear them? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!