20 Sandals That Make Every Outfit Look Expensive
Finding the right sandals can transform your entire wardrobe, making even basic outfits look like designer ensembles. I’ve spent years obsessing over footwear that delivers that expensive look without necessarily emptying your wallet.
From my experience, certain sandal styles have that magical quality of elevating everything from casual jeans to summer dresses.
Here’s my personally curated list of sandals that consistently make outfits look more luxurious and thoughtfully put together.
1. Strappy Leather Sandals
Delicate leather straps arranged in geometric patterns create an architectural masterpiece for your feet. The thin, precisely-cut leather strips signal quality craftsmanship that casual observers immediately recognize as high-end.
Nothing says ‘I have a stylist on speed dial’ quite like neutral-toned leather that matches your skin tone, creating that leg-lengthening effect models swear by. The minimal hardware—usually just tiny buckles or hidden elastics—keeps the focus on the leather quality. I’ve found these pair beautifully with everything from cropped jeans to midi skirts, making them truly versatile without screaming ‘look at me.’
The subtle sophistication speaks volumes.
2. Minimalist Thong Sandals
Sophistication lives in simplicity with these refined flip-flop alternatives. Unlike their casual beach cousins, these elevated thongs feature buttery-soft leather, immaculate stitching, and the subtlest brand detailing—if any at all.
The magic happens in the proportions: slim soles that don’t look chunky and straps that hit the foot at exactly the right spots. I particularly love the ones with slightly padded footbeds that mold to your feet after a few wears, signaling that custom-made feeling.
They’re my summer secret weapon with linen pants or flowy dresses. The lack of bells and whistles actually draws attention to their perfect execution and quality materials.
3. Quilted Slide Sandals
Channel fashion house vibes with these plush beauties that nod to designer handbags. The quilted pattern—whether diagonal, diamond, or square—immediately references luxury accessories from iconic European brands.
The padding creates dimension that catches the light beautifully, especially in neutral tones like cream, black, or camel. Most feature a single wide strap across the foot, though some versions offer two narrower bands for added interest.
I’ve noticed how these elevate even the simplest outfit combinations. Pairing them with solid colors creates a particularly striking effect, as the textural contrast makes everything look more intentional and expensive. The comfort factor is just a bonus to their luxe appearance.
4. Heeled Mules
The backless silhouette of a well-crafted mule creates that effortless elegance that wealthy women seem to exude naturally. The absence of an ankle strap or back coverage means these demand quality construction to stay properly on the foot—a detail that signals expense.
A moderate heel height of 2-3 inches hits the sweet spot between sophistication and wearability. The most expensive-looking versions feature architectural heels that taper slightly or have unexpected shapes rather than plain blocks or stilettos.
My favorite styling trick involves pairing these with ankle-length everything—jeans, trousers, or dresses—to showcase their refined profile. The peek of skin at the heel adds an understated sensuality that feels very high-end.
5. Braided Strap Sandals
Hand-braided leather techniques have long been the hallmark of artisanal European shoemaking. These intricate weaves require skilled craftsmanship that machine manufacturing simply cannot replicate, which is why they instantly communicate luxury.
The texture created by the braiding catches light differently across the foot, creating dimension that flat straps lack. Look for versions where the braiding appears tight and uniform, with clean finishes at the edges where the straps meet the sole.
For maximum expensive vibes, I reach for braided sandals in rich cognac, deep olive, or burnished bronze tones. These colors develop a gorgeous patina over time, telling the story of quality materials that improve rather than deteriorate with age.
6. Square-Toe Sandals
Modern luxury often speaks through clean, architectural lines, and nothing says ‘current season designer’ quite like a crisp square toe. This contemporary silhouette offers a sophisticated alternative to rounded shapes, creating visual interest through geometric precision.
The sharp angles frame the foot beautifully, especially in minimal designs with few straps. I’ve found the most expensive-looking versions feature a slightly softened square—not aggressively angular—in supple materials that don’t appear stiff or uncomfortable.
These pair remarkably well with other square elements in an outfit, like structured bags or angular sunglasses. The cohesive geometry creates that coordinated look that suggests thoughtful curation rather than random assembly—a hallmark of luxury dressing.
7. Metallic Flat Sandals
Gold, silver, and bronze sandals have an uncanny ability to make outfits look intentional rather than thrown together. Unlike loud metallic finishes, the expensive-looking versions feature subtle sheen—think gently burnished rather than mirror-like reflection.
The hardware on truly luxurious metallic sandals matches the strap color precisely, creating a seamless look. I’m particularly drawn to styles with minimal ornamentation that let the metallic leather itself be the star, rather than competing with crystals or other embellishments.
My styling secret is treating these as neutrals rather than statement pieces. Wearing them casually with everyday outfits—rather than saving them for special occasions—paradoxically makes your entire wardrobe look more elevated, as if metallics are simply your standard.
8. Barely-There Ankle Strap Sandals
The finest sandals often follow the ‘less is more‘ philosophy, with whisper-thin straps that appear to float on the foot. These minimal designs require premium materials and precise construction to support the foot properly, which is why cheap versions never quite achieve the same effect.
Look for straps no wider than a pencil, with nearly invisible stitching and hardware. The ankle closure should sit at exactly the right point—too high looks clunky, too low looks unstable. When properly fitted, these create that custom-made impression that’s the hallmark of luxury footwear.
I find these are most striking in skin-tone shades that create an almost barefoot illusion, lengthening the leg dramatically. The visual lightness makes even simple outfits appear more refined and intentionally styled.
9. Satin Wrap Sandals
Luminous satin elevates any sandal design with its gentle sheen and rich texture that catches light beautifully. The fabric requires expert handling during manufacturing—any mistake in cutting or stitching shows immediately, which is why well-made satin sandals signal quality craftsmanship.
Wrap styles that feature long ribbons to tie around the ankle create that custom-fit look associated with high-end footwear. The material drapes differently on each wearer, creating a personalized effect that mass-produced shoes rarely achieve.
My favorite styling approach pairs these with contrasting textures like crisp cotton or raw linen to create textural interest. The juxtaposition of matte and lustrous surfaces creates depth that makes outfits look thoughtfully composed rather than randomly assembled.
10. Suede Block Heel Sandals
Rich suede has a depth and dimension that smooth leathers can’t match, creating an immediate impression of quality. The napped texture absorbs and reflects light differently across the foot, lending a sophisticated softness to any outfit.
Pairing this luxurious material with a substantial block heel creates that perfect balance of stability and elegance. The most expensive-looking versions feature heels covered in the same suede as the upper, creating a cohesive design rather than contrasting materials.
I’ve found these work hardest in my wardrobe in versatile neutrals like taupe, olive, or navy—colors that read as sophisticated alternatives to basic black. The slightly unexpected color choices suggest a curated wardrobe rather than following obvious trends.
11. Gold Chain-Detail Sandals
Metal chain embellishments reference heritage jewelry techniques from storied fashion houses. When incorporated into sandal design, these elements add weight and substance that casual styles lack.
The quality of the metal components matters enormously—look for chains with substantial links that have a satisfying weight and proper plating that won’t quickly tarnish. The attachment points where chains meet leather should appear seamless, with no visible glue or awkward transitions.
I find these work best when the chains are integrated into the design rather than appearing as an afterthought. My favorite styling approach treats these as neutral footwear despite their decorative elements—the unexpected pairing with casual clothes creates that high-low mix that wealthy fashion lovers have perfected.
12. Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals
When executed with precision, gladiator styles convey a timeless sophistication that transcends trends. The key to their expensive appearance lies in the evenness of the straps and the quality of the lacing system.
Premium versions feature leather that’s thin enough to be comfortable but substantial enough to maintain its shape around the ankle and calf. The laces themselves should tie smoothly without bunching, usually achieved through flat rather than round cords.
Height matters tremendously with these—ankle-height versions look most current and sophisticated, while knee-high styles can sometimes appear costumey. I particularly love neutral-toned versions that blend with skin, creating the illusion of endlessly long legs when paired with shorts or short skirts.
13. Croc-Embossed Sandals
The distinctive pattern of crocodile embossing references exotic materials used in heritage luxury goods. Even when everyone knows it’s embossed rather than genuine exotic skin, the visual texture communicates luxury through its association with traditionally expensive materials.
The embossing quality varies dramatically between price points—premium versions feature realistic scale patterns with natural-looking variation in depth and size. Colors like chocolate brown, deep burgundy, and forest green showcase the texture most effectively, creating rich dimension.
My styling preference treats these as sophisticated neutrals rather than statement pieces. Pairing them with simple, solid-colored clothing allows the textural interest of the footwear to stand out subtly, creating that understated luxury appearance that never seems to be trying too hard.
14. Woven Leather Slides
Basket-weave leather techniques showcase artisanal craftsmanship that machine production simply cannot replicate. The interlocking strips create dimensional texture that catches light beautifully, adding visual interest even to the simplest slide designs.
The hallmark of expensive versions is tight, even weaving with no gaps or irregular spacing between the leather strips. Edges should be perfectly finished with no fraying or loose ends visible where the woven section meets the sole.
Natural tan and cognac leathers display the weaving detail most effectively, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship. I’ve found these pair beautifully with other natural materials like linen and cotton, creating a cohesive natural-luxury aesthetic that looks thoughtfully curated rather than randomly assembled.
15. Platform Espadrille Sandals
Mediterranean-inspired espadrilles gain luxury status when crafted with premium materials and refined proportions. The jute platform provides natural texture while leather or suede uppers add sophistication that canvas versions lack.
The junction between the natural fiber sole and the upper material reveals quality craftsmanship—premium versions feature tight, even stitching with no visible glue or gaps. The platform itself should taper slightly rather than appear completely block-like, creating a more elegant profile.
My favorite styling approach pairs these with clothing that echoes their sophisticated-yet-relaxed nature—think linen trousers or silk midi dresses. The height boost without the formality of a proper heel makes these particularly versatile for elevating casual outfits without looking overdressed.
16. Sculptural Heel Sandals
Architectural heel shapes transform functional footwear into wearable art. These unexpected forms—whether curved, angular, or asymmetrical—signal design-forward thinking typically associated with luxury fashion houses.
The construction quality must be impeccable, as any structural weakness would be immediately visible in these statement-making shapes. The most sophisticated versions maintain clean lines with minimal ornamentation, letting the unusual heel shape be the focal point without competing elements.
Balance is crucial with these bold designs—I prefer versions where the upper remains relatively simple to offset the creative heel. The most expensive-looking sculptural heels appear intentionally designed rather than gimmicky, with forms that reference architecture, sculpture, or geometric principles rather than novelty shapes.
17. Pearl-Embellished Sandals
Pearl detailing references classical jewelry traditions while adding luminous dimension to footwear. Unlike crystal embellishments that can sometimes look flashy, pearls (even faux ones) maintain an inherent elegance and restraint associated with old-money aesthetics.
The placement of the pearls separates sophisticated designs from overwrought ones—look for asymmetrical arrangements or strategic clustering rather than uniform rows. The pearls themselves should vary slightly in size for a more organic, natural appearance rather than identical factory-perfect spheres.
My styling approach treats these as an unexpected neutral despite their decorative nature. Wearing them with simple basics creates that high-low mix that suggests a carefully curated wardrobe rather than slavish trend-following, making even casual outfits look deliberately styled.
18. Monochrome Sandal Heels
Head-to-toe color matching creates that intentional, coordinated appearance associated with luxury dressing. Sandals where every component—straps, soles, heels, and even stitching—comes in the exact same shade demonstrate attention to detail that mass-market footwear rarely achieves.
The color saturation should be rich and even across different materials, indicating quality dyeing processes. Unexpected colors like burgundy, forest green, or navy make a stronger luxury statement than basic black, suggesting confidence in personal style rather than safe choices.
I’ve found these serve as powerful outfit anchors when matched closely to another element in your outfit, creating a cohesive color story. The coordination suggests purposeful dressing rather than random assembly—a subtle but significant difference that makes outfits look more expensive.
19. Sleek Slingback Sandals
The slingback construction creates elegant negative space around the heel that instantly elevates any sandal design. This strategic skin exposure elongates the leg while maintaining a secure fit—a combination that signals thoughtful design focused on both aesthetics and function.
Premium versions feature elastic that’s perfectly concealed within the leather rather than visible as a separate component. The angle and placement of the slingback strap should hit at the ideal point on the heel—too high looks awkward, too low feels insecure.
My favorite versions combine a pointed or almond-shaped toe with the slingback detail for maximum leg-lengthening effect. This subtle shaping makes everything from cropped pants to midi skirts look more sophisticated, creating that expensive silhouette that makes entire outfits appear more considered.
20. Raffia Accent Sandals
Natural materials like raffia bring organic texture and artisanal appeal to sandal design. When combined with leather elements, this contrast creates dimensional interest that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly stylish.
Quality versions feature tightly woven raffia that doesn’t shed or fray, with precise edges where it meets other materials. The natural fiber should appear as an intentional design element rather than a cost-saving substitute for leather, often highlighted through thoughtful placement on straps or heels.
My styling approach treats these as warm-weather alternatives to woven leather, pairing beautifully with other natural materials. The textural interest creates depth in simple outfits, making basic combinations of jeans and t-shirts look deliberately styled rather than merely casual.