It's our latest instalment of Fashion People Wear the Weirdest Things, and this week, it's a good one. It might be freezing outside and Christmas might have been just a week ago, but the cool crowd have been adorning their feet with a pair of chunky black Chanel sandals. Sandals? In winter? That's pretty groundbreaking.
Quilted, thick-strapped and very, um, orthopaedic-looking, Chanel has thrown the idea of the stiletto-clad fashion editor out of the window, and instead embraced this season's favourite ugly-chic aesthetic. As always, these tastemakers have pulled off the tricky trend with aplomb with a variety of enviable outfits. Sadly, the exact shoe is out of stock everywhere (we have the feeling they will come back due to their popularity in 2018), but there are plenty of similar styles to snap up.
So what's the secret to making this curveball trend work? (If you're daring enough to try it, that is.) It might surprise you to hear that they're actually pretty versatile. With their minimalist silhouette and black colourway, you can essentially approach these the same way you would any pair of simple flat shoes.
Some individuals have flouted the age-old fashion taboo and gone to town with the socks-with-sandals look, whilst other brave souls have forgone socks but have made up for it with cosy tonal separates. To help you on your way, we've rounded up a few of our favourite sandals-in-winter outfit ideas and found the best Chanel alternatives to buy now.
Style Notes: When paired with an all-white ensemble (feat. a seriously chic knit) and chandelier earrings, Tamu McPherson somehow manages to make her Chanel sandals look elegant. Our takeaway from this? Matching the tone of outfit to the sandal's minimalist aesthetic is a genius move.
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Style Notes: Instead of a pair of sneakers or chunky boots, go Monikh Dale style and use your sandals to add an edge to an animal-print dress. A black blazer will keep things smart, and if you're really chilly, we reckon you could make a pair of tights work with this look.
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Style Notes: Hannah MW is a layering pro from head to toe. Sandals over socks, dresses over jeans and blazers over jumpers… You can't say she doesn't commit to a theme. We commend her careful balancing act of casual pieces with more dressy items, such as an elegant handbag.
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Style Notes: If you craving a slightly more colourful approach, take your cues from this vibrant yellow street styler. Get the look for less with this ASOS checked suit and style with a white roll-neck and Zara's sporty slides.
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Shop Other Strappy Sandals
Up Next: The 10 Lesser-Known High-Street Brands I'm Shopping Instead of Zara Right Now
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