A very stylish friend of mine emailed asking my advice as to whether or not flip flops would be appropriate to wear to a style show luncheon. The event was to be held in a back yard garden.
Knowing my friend as I do, I realized when she said ‘flip flops,’ she was referring to the posh, bejeweled variety. 
Not the thin, cheap, rubber slides that are often mistaken by your dog for a chew toy.
I don’t profess to be a style expert, but her question got me thinking: When is it, and when is it not, appropriate to wear flip flops?
Perhaps you can get away with wearing flip flops if you are young. You might remember the kerfuffle a few years ago when the Northwestern University girls’ lacrosse team was invited to the White House after winning their national championship. If you forgot, here’s a photo.
It doesn’t seem like then-president George W. Bush minded the girls showing up at the White House practically bare-footed. In fact, he probably never even looked at their feet. But what were the girls’ moms thinking? Hmmm.
The condition of your feet may also be a factor in your decision. If your toes are perfectly pedicured, why not show them off in flip flops?
I won’t show an image of “bad feet in flip flops.” I assure you, when I Googled it, it was not a pretty sight.
What, precisely, is the definition of a flip flop? Are sandals considered flip flops? Are flip flops considered sandals?
Is a flip flop simply a backless sandal? Just a flat piece of rubber with a thong?
Years ago, we referred to flip flops as thongs–or shower shoes. Now a days, thong has a completely different connotation.
According to an article by Justin Fenner, in GQ Magazine–mind you, this is for men–the image on the left can only be called a ‘sandal,’ while the image on the right is technically termed “flip flop,” because of the thong (not the one above) separating your big toe from the rest of your toes.
Flip Flops with Flair
I definitely think you can wear flip flops with flair.
The Answer to my friend’s question is: There is no answer. It’s up to you.
There is certainly a taste factor and an appropriateness factor involved with your decision to go with flip-flops.
Some places I probably wouldn’t wear flip flops:
- a funeral
- an interview
- a black tie event
- Buckingham Palace
I might include a wedding. But on the other hand, my son-in-law wore flip flops to his own wedding–when he married my daughter.
Flip flops do have a ‘casual’ connotation. If that is your intention, then go for it. But it is important to note that not every occasion is casual.
As always, I would love to hear YOUR opinion on this issue. Please comment below.
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10 Comments
Sharon, that was such a great article! And yes, I was the one who wondered if it would be appropriate to wear wedge JEWELED flip flops to a lovely garden style show/luncheon. I don’t think I would have wondered about it if I hadn’t been wearing a dressy white and black straw hat!! After trying on many choices, in the end, I did wear the jeweled flip flop! And I was fine with my choice! Hilde
Hilde,
I have no doubt you looked amazing, and chic as always…Quintessential Hilde.
You are my style icon!
I remember reading that the mother of one of those lacrosse players was embarrassed that the girls wore flip flops to the White House. I cannot remember her daughter’s exact reply, but the gist of it was that it was acceptable to wear nice flip flops. I, myself, would not have done it. I do wear flip flops almost everyday at home during the summer.
Briana,
When you look at the group photo, you can see that the girls who are wearing even a slight kitten heel have a much more poised stance than the ones wearing flip flops. Flip flops have an effect on our posture, whether we realize it or not. I wonder what those girls think now (12 years later) when they see that photo. (Good blog subject, don’t you think?)
I wear good quality, good foot support flip flops daily in warm weather months. I wear them around the house/garden, running a quick errand or to a picnic/concert in the park – those kinds of activities. Otherwise, nicer sandals are my go to.
Great article! (I remember always calling my flip flops “thongs” growing up. Boy, how things have changed. haha)
Judy
Judy,
I know. I have two daughters and if I happen to say ‘thong’ instead of flip flop, I either get a gasp of “Ewwwww” or a snicker. Sheesh.
I consider the summer footwear that I wear to be “sandals” even though they have a piece of leather between the toes and no back strap. I feel like if you pay more than $20-25 they are sandals not flip flops. I think every person under the age of 40 wears flip flops more than regular shoes. I think anyone going in to the medical field should consider podiatry. These “youngsters” will have lots of foot problems as they age. I cringe when I see them walking down hiking trails in rubber “flip-flops”. So you can add hiking trails on your list of places NOT to wear flip-flops.
Janet,
I remember writing an article about the dangers of wearing flip flops. If you consider that you have to clench your toes together in order to keep your FF on, it’s easy to see how that affects your gait and puts a lot of strain on other foot muscles.
Living in Australia, flip flops are worn nationally. The weather and relaxed nature of the colonies I guess. But I agree there is a time and a place, flip flops as you say aren’t only the rubber toy variety and you can even get orthotic type brands. Still I would love to see the team photo re-imaged to show the difference a nice sandal or heel would make.
Janet,
Yes, where you live–climate and location–plays a huge role when considering footwear. That is why one answer doesn’t ‘fit all.’
Thanks for writing…all the way from Australia!