I Wish I Could Gatekeep—This Fashion-Insider Brand Makes Summer's Chicest Sandals

As a fashion editor, nothing excites me more than discovering pieces that I know are going to be a big hit amongst the style set. And what makes the feeling just that little bit sweeter is spotting said treasures just before everyone else catches on. So when I started to notice A.Emery Jalen Leather Sandals (£180) on the feet of multiple trendsetters and minimalistic style icons after I had been wearing them for a little while by this point, it just confirmed what I already knew: This is the summer shoe brand to invest in.

And the Jalen style isn't the only pair I noticed cropping up. Be it the tie-up leather Shel style with a cute bow at the back or the brand's elevated take on the humble flip-flop with its Kinto thong sandal, it's certain that A.Emery does chic, simple and designer sandals like no other.

What is A.Emery?

A.Emery is a minimalist ready-to-wear and accessories brand from Melbourne. Born in 2017, the brand focuses on truly timeless pieces. As much as I love basically every pair on offer from this Australian brand, my heart belongs to the Jalen style. There's just something about the minimalist design that speaks to my pared-back personal style like no other. Crafted from supple leather and boasting a sleek shape with a square toe and thick straps, these sandals give off an effortlessly polished vibe that I love.

I wore them on repeat when I was living in L.A. last summer. Whether navigating the bustling streets of Melrose Avenue, enjoying a day at the beach or working at the Who What Wear U.S. office, I found myself reaching for them every morning during those warm months.

Which A.Emery Design is the Most Popular Sandal Style?

This is something that A.Emery's founder and designer Anna McLaren knows first-hand. When speaking to my colleague, SEO writer Ava Gilchrist, McLaren said that practicality and everyday wear were paramount when designing the style.

"I designed the Jalen with a utilitarian mindset. I wanted to create a sandal that felt considered yet uncomplicated, something people could wear with comfort and ease, day in and day out," McLaren said. "A true staple that moves effortlessly between relaxed and refined settings."

This, in part, makes them the most popular and recognisable design the brand has. But other leading styles include the Mantei—an elevated flip-flop with ruchhed fabric that folds along the foot and similar wrap-around finish–and the Mila, which features thinner straps and a cross detail around the big toe.

Now that summer is here, we're all probably choosing which pieces to add to our wardrobes, with many of us scrolling through our socials, keeping our eyes peeled for the next 'It' shoe, most-wanted accessory or the perfect pair of go-with-everything sunglasses.

Although we may all confess to being a little swayed by seasonal trends, rest assured that the sandals at the top of every editor's wish list will still be working hard for your wardrobe by September. Invest in them now and I promise you'll love them just as much next summer, and the summer after that.

Are A.Emery Sandals Worth It?

Like McLaren told us herself—versatility is embedded into the very fibre of each A.Emery sandal, making them worth the investment simply because of how effortless they are and easily paired with your existing wardrobe pieces.

Fashion influencers like Marianne Smyth and Lois Sterling (both pictured above) have been spotted showcasing their own take on styling the Jalen. Sterling makes hers feel a little French by wearing them with a flowing, black maxi dress and oversized sunglasses, while Gilchrist, who also owns a pair, has worn her beloved A.Emery suede sandals with everything from an sleek LBD from Rue Sophie to a St. Agni mini dress. Needless to say, these sandals have garnered quite the fan club, and hopefully, you can now see why.

Though I would love to keep this brand close to my chest, I know I'd be doing a disservice to the Who What Wear UK community by gatekeeping it. In light of this, I've collated all my favourite pairs for you below. But when you start spotting them everywhere, just remember that you heard it here first!

Shop A.Emery Sandals:

Shop A.Emery Sandals: