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It’s hard for Australians to believe anyone would associate thongs with high fashion. Better known as the sartorial equivalent of a Chiko roll, thongs—or flip flops—are the shoe you throw on when you’re going somewhere clothes really (truly!) don’t matter.
However, as proven by the style set at Copenhagen Fashion Week, thongs have a place in fashionable circles.
Whether you’re donning them at work, or sitting on the Front Row, thongs—even rubber ones—are now as chic as they are practical.
The fashionable turn towards flip flops could arguably be traced back to the Olsen Twins. As far back as 2018, The Row founders could be seen trotting around NYC in their curious blend of bohemian minimalism, sporting a simple pair of black, rubber thongs.
Since then, the trend has exploded across runways, high streets and even red carpets. But nowhere are they more visible than Copenhagen Fashion Week.
This year, women were wearing flip flops with shorts, jeans, trousers, slip skirts and harem pants. Name an item of clothing, and it was worn with thongs.
It’s Scandi knack for styling that allows us to see thongs’ potential as a stylish wardrobe staple. If you’re wondering how to wear a pair of rubber thongs to the office as well as out to a bar, look to these fashion week regulars.
Still need a style guide? Allow us to assist…
How To Style Thongs For Brunch
For a summery brunch date, wear your thongs with a casually elegant outfit, like loose-fitting trousers and a simple white t-shirt. Warm-weather whites are a nice match for black flip-flops and other black accessories, like sunglasses and bags. If you’re running errands afterwards, we at marie claire are loving Archies rubber thongs, which look like classic flip-flops, but come with additional orthopaedic arch support for a leisurely stroll!
ARCHIES
Arch Support Thongs
COS
Elasticated Barrel-Leg Trousers
AERE
Celia Crew T-Shirt
HEAVEN MAYHEM
Julia Long Necklace
How To Style Thongs For Work
Elevating thongs for the office simply requires you to stick to your regular corporate wardrobe—blazers, trousers, pencil skirts. If you don’t typically wear suiting to the office (and we suspect this is the case if you’re wearing flip-flops to work at all!), ensure you incorporate these formal items into the look to balance casual and professional clothing. While the woman pictured above at Copenhagen Fashion Week wears a gorgeous pair of cropped trousers with fringing, a pair of suit trousers to obscure the feet might be better for a work environment.
A.EMERY
The Kinto Sandal
ST AGNI
Organic Cotton Ballerina Top
CAMILLA AND MARC
Helix Pant
AESTHER EKME
Black Phantom Tote
How To Wear Thongs Out For Dinner
If wearing thongs out for dinner or to after-work drinks, choose a fabrication or finish that is more appropriate for this occasion: like leather, animal print or pony hair. While Copenhagen Fashion Week attendees have proven rubber thongs are still appropriate for special events, it’s trickier justifying your Havaianas at a nice restaurant on a regular day. I love how this woman has styled her thongs with intricate sheer harem pants by Zimmermann and a blazer. Lace, satin and other elegant materials should comprise the rest of your look.
WITCHERY
Franca Micro Heels
HARRIS TAPPER
Park Top
ZIMMERMANN
Roselight Harem Pant
REFORMATION
Regin Jacket
How To Style Thongs With Jeans
Jeans and thongs are both casual clothing items, so the rest of your look needs to feel polished if you want to look put-together. Keep your denim slim-fitting, opting for classic, straight-leg jeans. If you’re off to work or a restaurant, wear a more formal top, like a lace camisole, and a blazer for added elegance. Instead of carrying a relaxed, boho bag, opt for a sophisticated leather tote or shoulder bag.
HAVAIANAS
Slim Square Toe Thongs
COUNTRY ROAD
Australian Cotton High Neck Tank
AGOLDE
90’s Pinch Waist Straight-leg Jeans
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Alena Coated Bomber Jacket
What To Wear With Clear Thongs
Translucent or clear rubber thongs can be worn with anything, but they are perfect complements for an outfit that features a ‘loud’ colour or pattern elsewhere in the look. These barely-there shoes won’t overwhelm the look, evening-out the balance when there’s a lot going on elsewhere. An extension of the jelly shoe trend, clear thongs have proved more enduring than expected. Australian designer Christopher Esber has been a huge leader of this trend commercially, with a broad selection of both clear rubber thongs and thong-heels.
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Jo Flip Flops
ST AGNI
Fine Jersey Off Shoulder Top
GANNI
Shorts in Printed Nylon
BALENCIAGA
Le City Bag
What To Wear With Red Thongs
Red flip-flops are best worn with other neutral colours—black, white, brown and navy. The ‘pop of red’ colour trend is one that continues into 2027 due to its compatibility with this classic palette. However, as one guest at Copenhagen Fashion Week proved, red thongs can also be styled with contrasting colours—like shades of blue. Aqua and turquoise hues are going to be popular across SS27, and contrasting primary colours tend to work well if you want a bolder approach.
HAVAIANAS
Ruby Red Thongs
MINIMA ESENCIALES
Aisla Lace Midi Skirt
UNIQLO
Cotton Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt
ST AGNI
Fawn Slim Bateau Tote
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