Introduction
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; or more appropriately, your eyes. I bring to you a debate of epic proportions – the gladiator sandal and its presence on our feet.
Men and women have adorned the gladiator sandal, in its simplest form, before records began. Notables such as Julius Caesar, Pythagoras and even Jesus himself sporting the trend – dapper fellas. Fast-forward 2000 years and the gladiator sandal has re-emerged, albeit undoubtedly more popular with the females then us warriors of the wardrobe.
As is the norm with many modern fashion trends, gladiator sandals transcended genders and appeared last summer in what can only be described as a ‘minor trend’. However, with the summer fast approaching this year could well be time for the gladiator sandal.
Gladiator Sandals Lookbook
How to Wear
- Leave the socks in their draw. Socks and sandals are almost always an incomprehensible mix – to a similar effect of badly coordinated double denim.
- Wear the garment and not the other way around. If you are self-conscious about donning something such as gladiator sandals, leave them on the shelf in the store. Your reservations will undoubtedly show up and draw attention to your discomfort in wearing them. You will do nothing but leave what was originally a well put-together outfit looking a former shadow of its once stylish self.
- No overgrown toenails or un-kept feet please. Grooming shouldn’t be too alien to most I’d hope. If your phalanges are going to be on show lets have them looking tip-top; that goes for the rest of your exposed foot as well. Moisturise, clip and even polish if you feel it’s needing; I’m talking clear gloss here not red, pink or black.
FashionBeans Lookbook
Basics dusted off, (but by no means re-shelved) we can look in to putting together the type of look that will carry you and your gladiator attire through SS11.
One of the key strong points of bringing gladiator sandals in to your wardrobe is their ability to tie in with the urban bohemia trend. The past-season success of this trend means a lot of your wardrobe will pair exceptionally well with your new foot attire. Think structured blazers, neckerchiefs, chambray, linen, stripes and floral.
Look 1
Literally tailor a look around your sandals. When in your figurative Rome, be on trend with the ‘soft tailoring’ look. Linen is an absolute essential with this trend.
Accessorise appropriately with a pocket square, satchel or holdall and belt.
Look 2
Make use of those denim shorts and create a more casual vibe. Pair with a graphic tee and accessorise with leather cuffs and a straw trilby for that relaxed leisure look. Alternatively, use a preppy fit polo or check shirt and most definitely don’t be afraid to throw in some colour!
Look 3
Get really fashion-forward with a set of modern flares or boot cuts. Turn them up ever so slightly to show off your gladiators. Match your belt to your sandals, tuck-in your shirt any which way you like and grab a new season holdall for those additional details; which we all know are so crucial.
Gladiator Sandals
Conclusion
During the warmer months you’d be hard pressed not to notice the number of flip-flops, sandals and other toe baring footwear that the male population embrace. Gladiator sandals have yet to join any such list of what would be classed as the norm, and are likely to be met with a few questioning glances. Fashion however is no stranger to controversy; in fact it embraces it and swallows it whole.
Have your Say
Gladiator sorts will not appeal to everyone’s taste. Hopefully you’ll all have an opinion and as always we’d love to hear it in the comments below.
- Would they be best left to our female counterparts? Or even more drastically back in year 0 and ancient Rome?
- Are you on the other side of the fence and already own a pair? Or possibly purchasing a pair?
- What looks would you suggest? Are there any other trends or looks that you think these would look great with?
Article source: http://www.fashionbeans.com/mens-fashion-trends/springsummer-footwear-trend-gladiator-sandals/
One of the key strong points of bringing gladiator sandals in to your wardrobe is their ability to tie in with the urban bohemia trend. The past-season success of this trend means a lot of your wardrobe will pair exceptionally well with your new foot attire. Think structured blazers, neckerchiefs, chambray, linen, stripes and floral.
