18 Cozy Scandinavian Decor Ideas You Need for Fall

Kelly Weimert
Oct 05, 2016

Simple, fresh and happy-making — there’s just so much to love about Scandinavian decor! Transitioning from breezy summer vibes into a busier and more hectic fall can be stressful, but integrating the minimalism so prevalent in Nordic culture works wonders to make your world more mellow and mindful. Bright, natural light will boost your mood while hidden storage solutions will eliminate clutter from your life (and your brain). Whether you choose to adopt all or just some of these 18 style tips, bringing any measure of the Scandinavian aesthetic into your home will let you breathe a little easier this season.

1. All White Everything: Simple and sleek is the name of the Scandi game. Building a white foundation and playing around with textures and styles demonstrates just how versatile a white backdrop can be. (via Kathy Kuo Home)

View this post on Instagram

@kamilleideer ser etter Norges finaste kosekrok, og utfordra oss til å vise fram en krok vi trivast i. Min kosekrok e uten tvil her. Aleine med en kaffekopp og et magasin, eller i skravlete selskap med ei god venninne. Sleng dej på du også! ☺️

A post shared by Wenche With (@with_designs) on

2. Natural Nature: The Nordic style calls for nature elements as much as it does minimalism. Natural prints and plants enliven the space without overwhelming it.

3. Color Pops: Thoughtfully placed pops of color will make your simple design sing. These small, colorful accents make a big splash with a modest statement. (via Little House on the Corner)

4. Let There Be Light: Nordics love their natural light. Breezy curtains will protect your privacy while letting in plenty of rays to keep your mood in tip-top shape this winter. (via Adore Magazine)

5. Clean Lines: When it comes to Scandi design, busy patterns take a backseat to clean lines. Create visual interest by playing with line shapes, silhouettes and contrasts. (via So Lebich)

6. Color Coated: Just because you’re going the simple route doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with color. Bold blues pair perfectly with the organic accents so prevalent in this style. (via French by Design)

7. Geometric Shapes: When you keep your foundation simple, you can have all kinds of fun with geometric shapes. Keep your colors subtle and let your silhouettes do the talking with compelling angles and sharp lines. (via Coco Lapine Design)

View this post on Instagram

A perfectly neutral palette styled by @sarahwidman 👈🏻

A post shared by Immy + Indi (@immyandindi) on

8. Monochrome: Scandinavians love a monochrome aesthetic. Varying shades of gray provide layered warmth in a simple package.

9. Trendy and Tranquil: Little goes better with bedroom vibes than minimalistic style. A soft, simple and clean design will whisk you peacefully into dreamland each and every time. (via Avenue Lifestyle)

10. Organic Accents: Bring the outdoors in with plants and natural furniture. Touches of nature fill this living room with a chill essence while eclectic accents create visual intrigue. (via Bloglovin’)

11. Naked Chic: Neutral colors in complementary tones round out this style, while a simple plant in lieu of an end table makes it come alive. (via The Design Files)

12. Organizational Bliss: The office organization struggle is real. If clutter gets in the way of your creativity, adopting a minimalist approach just might be the solution you’ve been looking for. (via Frenchy Fancy)

13. Pattern Play: If you want to simplify your abode but don’t want to sacrifice your love of patterns, don’t fret! Clean-lined designs in crisp colors add personality without taking over the space. (via Bloglovin’)

14. Personal Touch: Speaking of personality, this is a great example of how to integrate yours while maintaining a minimalist vibe. A select few eclectic accents in unexpected places will put a unique stamp on your design without cluttering the aesthetic. (via Shift Interiors)

15. Makes You Blush: Blush and beige are killer complements to a simple style sensibility. This color combination will add femininity and romance without being too sticky sweet. (via Casas Inspiran)

16. Lovely Layers: Monochrome colors and organic accents are made more compelling with artful layering. Layer colors, shapes and sizes to create more depth and visual interest. (via Mliees)

17. Storage Solutions: Scandinavians are all about smart storage to keep visuals clean and sophisticated. Integrate furniture with clever storage solutions to achieve a clutter-free home with ease. (via Bloglovin’)

18. Darker Tones Work, Too: Bright and white aren’t your only options to make this style shine. Darker colors supported by complementary tones, geometric patterns and clean lines will let you play with color without sacrificing the simplicity that makes Scandi style so special. (via Adairs)

To bring more chic and simple into your life, follow us on Pinterest!

20 Minimalist Scandi Rooms That Will Inspire You to Simplify Your Life

If you’re looking for more peace and calm in the new year (and really, who isn’t?), it might be time to adopt the chic minimalism of Scandi-style. This aesthetic has a knack for giving your home the kind of vibe that’ll make you exhale with relief. Simple silhouettes are paired with muted hues and smart functionality to inspire both peace and organization. Plus, organic materials and natural light are used abundantly to bring the healing powers of the outdoors into your space. And, fortunately for us all, nearly any style sensibility can get in on the action. Check out these tips to add the benefits of Scandi-style to your abode.


1. Cute and Colorful: Some people think adopting a Scandi-style means you have to stay away from color. But as this room beautifully demonstrates, you can absolutely load up on color; just stick with more muted hues to keep things mellow.

2. Bedroom Vibes: There’s no better place to incorporate minimalism than in the bedroom. Not only does it look neat and tidy, but it’ll contribute peaceful vibes to your nightly slumber.

3. Home Office: Most of us have 10 million things to do at work, so the last thing we need is to manage a whole bunch of clutter on top of it. Integrating a nordic sensibility into your home office through simplicity and organization will ensure you’re the productive little worker you’re meant to be.

4. Have Fun: Just because you’re going after a minimalist look doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with eclectic decor. Just keep it simple by incorporating only a few of your favorite playful items. (via Style and Sugar)

5. Decor Becomes Art: This room looks artful enough to be in a museum, and it’s all thanks to thoughtful placement and a small handful of creative pieces. Keep your furniture sparse but interesting for an intriguing look without overwhelming your design. (via Vintage Industrial Style)

6. Simple Dining: This is Scandi-style at its best with a dash of mid-century flare. In an all-white room, play with different silhouettes and bursts of nostalgia to add visual interest. (via Selina Steba)

7. Basic Beauty: This is the epitome of how to do Scandi in a small space. A good trick to keep in mind if your rooms flow into each other is, rather than separate them with furniture, divide them using paint or backsplashes. This will create the effect you’re after without sacrificing precious space. (via Adore Magazine)

8. Sunshiney Days: This is the kind of room that makes you feel lighter and happier for having entered it. Its clean lines and geometric patterns add texture, while soft pops of color keep it warm and comfy. (via Loving It)

9. Mirrored Goodness: Mirrors can go a long way when it comes to opening up your space. Forgo a bunch of wall art in favor of a big ol’ mirror to fill a blank wall with room-expanding goodness. (via Squarefoot)

10. Natural Light: If you really want to make this style sing, make natural light your best friend. The clean lines and simple silhouettes will dance more brightly if you maximize the amount of sun that washes over them. (Honeymoon Hotel)

11. Dual Colors: If you’re not sure where to start, pick two of your favorite colors and go from there. The blush and blues in this room play together beautifully and corresponding patterns give depth to the design. (via Idealista)

12. Plant Love: Nordic lovers are all about bringing outdoor elements inside. Enliven any room by adding a plant — or five. (via The Life Creative)

13. Cozy Minimalism: If you’re craving cozy, a minimalist style probably isn’t the first aesthetic you think of. However, with natural light, some floating shelves, and a few plants, you can achieve all kinds of cozy without the clutter. (via The Design Chaser)

14. Dreamy Bedroom: A monochromatic palette is a stellar recipe for a restful slumber. Give your brain the break it needs with an all-white bedroom. (via Noir Mon Amour)

15. Textured Textiles: Adopting a simple style is the perfect opportunity to experiment with textures. Accessorize with faux fur, chunky knits, and velvet to add layers to your look.

16. Soft and Feminine: This room uses all the tricks — various textures, clean lines, plant life, and geometric patterns — and punctuates ’em with a soft color palette. If you fear the Scandi look might be a little too sterile for your tastes, adding a pretty shade of pink will warm it right up.

17. Nordic Nursery: Who knew a Nordic-inspired nursery could be so stylish and cozy? Let your little one reap the benefits of this soothing style by incorporating comforting elements from nature coupled with fun art and toys.

18. Black and White Palette: Stick to a black and white palette and add a few natural accents like wood and plants. Keeping the color scheme simple will help you keep the decor minimalist and clutter minimal.

19. Open Space and Minimal Clutter: If you have an open floor plan, stick to a soft complementary color scheme and modern, Scandi-inspired furniture.

20. Stylish Entryway: Light wood, white accents, and plenty of plants will create a fresh look right off the bat.

Want more ways to make a Scandi-style sing? Follow us on Pinterest!

Hit RefreshMinimalistDecor Trends

15 Stunning Zillow Houses For Sale That Only Chuck And Blair Could Afford

I love looking at Zillow listings as much as the best of us, but absolutely nobody loves daydreaming about all the outrageously beautiful (and costly) houses for sale more than my mother-in-law. She finds the most gorgeous gems across the country, saving them all for when she inevitably wins the lottery (if anyone would, it's her TBH) and can take her pick of the housing litter. Instead of gatekeeping these jaw-dropping homes, I had her send them my way so I can share them with you! So without further ado, here are 15 of most insanely stunning — and insanely expensive — Zillow houses for sale right now.

Beach Houses

Image via Zillow

East Hampton Beach Cottage

Cost: $44,500,000

The Hamptons are known for their clean, chic shingle architectural style, and this "cottage" is no exception to that. And while I absolutely adore the inside of this home, it's the grounds that really get me at the end of the day. Think about all the beautiful backyard dinner parties you could throw!

Image via Zillow

Destin Beach House Destination

Cost: $4,100,000​

Who needs a time share in Destin when you could own all this?! This airy, beautiful house takes coastal home style to the next level. I love the sandy, earthy tones paired with the light blues and open space. And for less than 10% of the Bridgehampton beauty above, this is basically a steal, right? 😉​

Image via Zillow

Marvelous Marco Island Getaway

Cost: $5,450,000

I vacation on Marco every year with my in-laws, but I can PROMISE you our one-bedroom timeshare (that I love) isn't anywhere near this stunning super home. Swipe through photos to see how gorgeously staged this multi-million dollar home is — I promise it won't disappoint!

Image via Zillow

Laguna Beach Beauty

Cost: $21,500,000

Obviously Laguna Beach is known for so much more than the hit MTV show, but I can't untangle the two. So in my mind, this is the home Lauren Conrad's parents worked on in Season 1 Episode 1 — a $20+ million dollar stunner that I would later stare at on Zillow. It's not true, but wouldn't it be fun?

Image via Zillow

California Dream House

Cost: $55,000,000

Not only is this a dream house because of how it looks, but also because I could only afford this in my literal wildest dreams. Unless someone decides to discover me on the New York streets for the funny, talented gal my parents think I am, this is strictly a mood board manifestation moment. (But, what if?!)

Image via Zillow

At Home In The Hamptons

Cost: $79,995,000

Oh, how I could wax poetic about this $80 million Bridgehampton beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Ya know...the one I would love to have in this very house? Just lounging, living luxuriously? That imaginary inheritance I daydream about could reaaaaaally come in handy right about now.

Image via Zillow

Fantastic Florida Beach Cottage

Cost: $9,950,000

In case you can't tell, none of these homes are "cottages" outside of their aesthetic. While this six bedroom, four bathroom may look humbler than the rest, the cost should indicate what we're working with here. Each room is so perfectly curated, and to have all this right in the heart of Naples is absolutely everything. I could see myself sitting by that fire for SURE.

Condos & Townhouses

Image via Zillow

Gorgeous Georgetown Condo

Cost: $5,495,000

DC is more than just Capitol Hill, and this Georgetown Condo proves it! The natural light, the natural wood accents, and the big, airy rooms make this home a welcomed reprieve in on of the busier U.S. cities. And while you're getting a lot in a small package (three bedrooms for $5+ million...😭), you're really paying for the neighborhood. Georgetown really is full of beautiful townhouses, great restaurants and bars, and overall good vibes.

Image via Zillow

Upper East Side Excellence

Cost: $65,000,000

Hello, Upper East Siders...Zillow Girl here! All jokes aside, this $65 million townhouse is giving all the old money luxe that Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf would settle into quite nicely. The molding, the wraparound staircases, and the sheer size alone are something else, but the biggest surprise here? TEN BATHROOMS. TEN!!!!!!

Image via Zillow

Totally Airy Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,950,000

Good new, girls! This totally killer townhouse had a $300,000 price cut last month, bringing it to...just under $7 million! While I try to fix my eye twitch after writing that, scroll through to see the gorgeousness that is this literal mid-century modern four-story home. It's like a little (big) oasis in the middle of the big city!

Image via Zillow

Beautiful Turn-Of-The-Century Brooklyn Townhouse

Cost: $6,995,000

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Carroll Gardens in my dream neighborhood. It's got all the Brooklyn charm with its brilliant brownstones, lively dining scene, and tree-lined streets. Plus, it's so incredibly close to Prospect Park for all your summer strolls with the kids or the dogs or yourself or whomever! And while I could go on and on about the location, the townhouse itself is kitschy with it's mix of classic and modern details.

Mountain And Lake Houses

Image via Zillow

Charming Wyoming Ranch House

Cost: $8,199,000

It feels a little silly to call a nearly $10 million home "charming," but here we are. This modern ranch-style mountain house looks unassuming from the outside. And the four-bedroom inside is really nice, too, don't get me wrong. But what really makes this worth it, if I had to guess? The freaking VIEW. Can you imagine sipping your coffee and staring off into that horizon every morning? Yes, please. I would like one of these.

Image via Zillow

Cozy North Carolina Castle

​Cost: $7,500,000

Ah yes, nothing cozier than a literal castle-sized house in Appalachia. In all seriousness, the dark wood accents give you that almost cabin-esque feel that the mountain range so obviously calls for. With 10 bedrooms, this is the perfect retreat for your family get-togethers! You can enjoy each other's company across the estate, or you could...find a little hiding spot and nobody would know the wiser. 😉​

Image via Zillow

Sante Fe Getaway

Cost: $3,375,000

The most affordable of the bunch, this single-story Sante Fe residence is a dream-come-true! You've got lake views, trails, and even a golf course if that's your thing! My personal favorite part of this lovely little home, however, is the wine cellar. Can you imagine being like, "Yeah, just go grab a bottle from the wine cellar"?! Like I said, dream-come-freaking-true!

Image via Zillow

Lovely Michigan Lake House

Cost: $3,649,000

The windows alone are enough to make this house the dreamiest escape, let alone the private and super exclusive access to Lake Michigan. This home may only have three bedrooms and four bathrooms, but each room feels intentional, spacious, and utterly luxurious. I'd definitely dip my toes in that water!

Looking for more home inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter, and be sure to check out our storefront!

Header image via Zillow

househomehome designReal Estate

How To Create A Minimalist Wardrobe Without Being Boring

We're big fans of aesthetics from pearlcoreto cottagecore togoblincore— there's an aesthetic for everyone! Minimalism is our newest obsession, and it's pretty toned down in comparison to some of the other aesthetics. Contrary to what you might think, it's definitely possible to have a super cute minimalist wardrobe that still lets your personality shine through. We've broken down some tips and tricks, as well as some shopping recommendations, to help you start building your own minimalist wardrobe.

What Is The Minimalist Aesthetic?

Image via Irina Demyanovskikh/Pexels

The minimalist aesthetic focuses on pairing simple, timeless pieces that have a traditionally professional twist. Think blouses, hoop earrings, simple sweater vests. This aesthetic usually doesn't incorporate a lot of different colors, textures, or prints in the base pieces, but if you don't want to stick to neutral colors, just make sure you stick to the same color palette. That way, a lot of the pieces can be worn together.

Step 1: Figure Out What Basics You Like

One of our favorite things to do when figuring out how to pair an item is to search for it on Pinterest (ie: "White tee outfits"). The platform is full of so many creatives who all have different ideas, so you're bound to find an outfit idea that you never thought of before!

Minimalist Aesthetic Basics

  • Jeans (midwash is our favorite)
  • Button-down blouses
  • Plain tees
  • Solid-color shoes
  • Neutral bags
  • Simple jewelry that goes with everything

Stores To Shop For The Minimalist Aesthetic

Step 2: Get Rid Of Any Pieces You Don't Love

Image via Liza Summer/Pexels

The most important thing about your closet should be that you love each and every piece. If you only kind of like what you own, you'll never be happy about what you're wearing. Here are some ideas for times you're unsure about a piece:

  • If you haven't worn an item for six months, or if you go an entire season without picking something up (like when you reach the end of summer and didn't wear that one tank top at all), it might be time to say goodbye.
  • Try the hanger trick; flip all your hangers so that they're hooked onto the bar in your closet backwards. Every time you wear something, fix the hanger, then see what hasn't been worn after a set period of time.
  • If you're not sure whether you want to get rid of something, put it under your bed or in a box for a few weeks. If you forget about the item or don't miss it, then you can definitely part with it.

Step 3: The Extras

Image via Darina Belonogova/Pexels

Once you've figured out the basics, then comes the fun part: accessories! This is where your individual personality can really shine through; your accessory and beauty choices will make a plain tee and jeans look different than everyone else's.

Figure out what hairstyles you like (popular ones within the minimalist aesthetic are a slick bun, ponytail, and loose waves). Stick to simple base makeup — fresh-faced foundation and a bit of blush — but feel free to try out different eyeliner shapes and lipstick colors. Stick to neutral nail polishes like whatever matches your skin tone, or go with a neon.

Ready to get started building your minimalist wardrobe? Here are some of our favorite outfit formulas for inspiration:

Minimalist Wardrobe Inspiration

Statement silhouettes — like a square neck jumpsuit with wide legs, rounded sunnies, and a gorgeous tote — means you don't have to rely on crazy colors to turn heads.

Something simple like a white button down pairs well with a variety of colors and styles. Wear it with slacks and a nice bag or cutoffs and sandals.

Strategically picking pieces that look good layered together and on their own (like a white tee, light cardigan, and trench) means you'll have a wardrobe you love all year long.

Sticking to a minimalist color palette doesn't mean you have to stick to the same silhouettes over and over again. This arched tank hem looks amazing with wide leg trousers.

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/789185534714492274/ site_id=19876466 expand=1]

www.pinterest.com

When you're sticking to a minimalist color palette, small details add elegance and texture. Pleats in your pants and crisp tees add structure to your look, ensuring it's never boring.

[pinterest_embed https://www.pinterest.com/pin/789185534714521309/ site_id=19876466 expand=1]

www.pinterest.com

Elevate your look with classic details like a boat-neck neckline, and *never* skimp on accessories like belts and jewelry — when your wardrobe is this minimal, these tiny details are what makes it look put-together, rather than bland.

How are you building your minimalist wardrobe? Let us know on Twitter and follow us on Pinterest for more fashion inspo!

Fashion Inspirationaestheticminimalist wardrobeminimalistminimalismfashion

Shonda Rhimes Is Still Sad This “Princess Diaries 2” Scene Got Cut

Sequels that are just as good, if not better, than the original movie are one in a million, but if you ask me, Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement definitely tops the list. Anne Hathaway brings a whole new spunk and adultified sass to the freshly 21-year-old Mia Thermopolis, and Julie Andrews shines as Queen Clarisse! (Both on the karaoke stage and off ;)). Not to mention the movie also gave us the blueprint for contemporary enemies to lovers: Nicholas and Mia!

While Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes wasn't involved with the first movie, she was the writer for the second — and TBH, that's definitely a reason it's so good!

Image via Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

"I thought [Princess Diaries 2] would be a really fun thing to do and it turned out to be great," she tells Variety. "I always think it's funny now because I'm working with Julie Andrews now on Bridgerton, but I also spent time writing her as a queen in that movie, and so it was kind of great to get to work with her both times. It's also sort of come full circle in a weird way."

Shonda Rhimes goes on to explain one cut scene she remembers really fondly — and how Andrews' expert performance made it even more heartbreaking to cut. "That was pretty much one of my favorite scenes," she says. "It was this moment where Julie Andrews [has] had her heart broken, and some staff comes in and they start to ask her a question and she screams, 'Do I never get a moment to myself?!' and it was such an amazing moment the way she played it, and the elegance with which she did it. It's really about the pain of being a queen."

"She did it so well," Rhimes continues. "But in general, honestly, she's the nicest person you will ever meet and she was so nice to me, I was nervous to meet her, I was shaking, [but she's] so lovely."

After Julie Andrews sent the sweetest graduation gift to a fan, I'm not surprised to hear how incredible she is. I still have my fingers crossed that we'll see Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries 3 — and that Shonda Rhimes will return as screenwriter.

What's your favorite scene from the Princess Diaries movies? The mattress surfing scene in Princess Diaries 2 is definitely one of the best movie moments of all time. If you're feeling nostalgic, check out 6 Nostalgic Movies That Feel Like Summer Vacation!

Lead image via Walt Disney Pictures/Buena Vista

pop cultureentertainmentmovies

The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked

‘Tis the season to finally ditch our boots for something on the lighter side: sandals! Sandals season is the best season because it means putting the final touches on our outfits isn’t a total pain (ahem, looking at you, shoelaces and straps).

Warmer weather undoubtedly means more outside time, but we don’t necessarily want to be trodding around in heavy, sweaty walking shoes. That’s where walking sandals come in!

Sandalsneed to be comfy if we’re gonna be walking around in them. Our criteria for the perfect pair of walking sandals includes being able to withstand hours (and miles) of wear without any rubbing, sliding, or blistering. Of course, they need to be cute, too. Style is very hard to sacrifice when it comes to walking sandals, so we definitely prefer ours to be compatible with a variety of different outfits – from casual to more dressed-up.

The B+C team has tried and tested so many types of walking sandals over the years, and these 5 pairs came out on top for their ability to check the boxes for comfort, practicality, and style! Scroll on for thorough reviews of our go-to walking sandals.

Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

For B+C Head of Content, Ali, the Tevas Midform walking sandals are peak comfort. They boast a super soft foam footbed that has heel cupping and elevation around the arches for additional support.

“I’ve worn my Tevas to the ground,” she says. “The inch height boost is appreciated as someone who’s 5-feet 2-inches and they’re incredibly sturdy and cushiony.”

Practicality: 5/5

Ali can walk miles on miles in these easy walking sandals.

“They’ve become my quintessential everyday casual shoe for running L.A. errands like walking my dog, heading to the farmer’s market, and grabbing coffee.”

Although they’re super dependable, Ali feels like the several years of “constant use” from her Teva Midform walking sandals have lost some of their arch support.

Style: 5/5

The Teva Midform sandals are pretty no-frills, but they’re still stylish for today’s age. The 1 ¼-inch height falls somewhere in between flats and platforms, making a fairly casual statement. The thick, adjustable velcro straps that wrap around the toes and low ankle are secure and match with pretty much anything.

They also come in a variety of colorways to suit your own personal style, though the all-black pick is likely the most versatile of them all.

One of the best parts about these walking sandals is their approachable pricing. This black pair is just $65.

Chacos Z Sandals

Comfort: 4/5

The classic Chacos Z Sandals – once you actually break them in – are extremely comfortable, since the footbed tends to meld against the shape of your foot.

To B+C Creative Assistant, Meredith (that’s me!), the break-in period is crucial for Chacos, but it’s not a real pain. Once she wore hers just two times, they softened up and fit smoothly.

Practicality: 4/5

Meredith thinks these Chaco walking sandals are practical for a number of reasons: they work on dry land and in the water, they’re durable to stand up to off-road terrain, and they don’t slip a single bit.

“They work so well as water shoes,” Meredith says. “I’ll wear them on long lake days and I don’t ever have to take them off, even when I’m out of the water.”

The Chacos Z Sandals flaunt a thick, durable rubber sole with their signature ChacoGrip™ layer on the bottom that has a “good amount” of tread, according to Meredith.

The adjustable straps that swarm the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle are amazing at keeping her feet in place with every step.

“I definitely recommend getting your Chacos fitted by an expert and/or tinkering around with the perfect fit yourself,” she says. “It can be hard to find it, but once you have it, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the straps again.”

Although they can withstand weathering pretty well, they’re not all that great for all-day wear. Meredith has gauged over time (she’s had her Chacos for 6 years) that they’re “walkable for a day, but I wouldn’t hike in them.”

Style: 4/5

The Chacos Z sandals are ideal for someone who has more of a granola girl style. They flaunt more technical details (like the chunky sole and noticeable tread), so they’re obviously not as fashion-forward as the Doc Martens or Tevas of the world.

Still, these walking sandals come in a ton of different colors, plus you don’t have to snag the Z-style. Chacos sells a variety of shoe silhouettes with the same comfort levels!

Chaco sandals can be an investment (ranging from $75-$110), but they last a long time. Meredith hasn’t noticed any huge signs of wear over the six years she’s worn them!

OluKai ‘Aka Sandals

Comfort: 5/5

These walking sandals from OluKai changed everything Meredith thought she knew about flip flops. And well, they’re not even quite flip flops, either. They’re like flip flops, but elevated, really.

The ‘Aka silhouette boasts a carefully-crafted footbed that feels as durable as the Chacos sandals, which says a lot for such a lightweight shoe. On top of that, they have a very soft footbed that Meredith is obsessed with since it provides more support than your average slip-on sandal.

Practicality: 4/5

“For a pool day, these are absolutely practical,” Meredith says.

These walking sandals are crafted from a water-resistant material that doesn’t soak up water, but rather, repels it.

This aspect makes them an easy go-to for summer days spent outside.

As far as the actual walking, there’s not rubbing or chafing to be found. The easygoing straps keep the feet in place but don’t feel utterly tight or uncomfortable.

Style: 5/5

The style of these walking sandals is minimal, but adorable. They flaunt some super thin straps (still durable) that knot at the top. Plus, they are shoppable in a handful of other vibrant colors for only $70.

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Ahh, Birks. They’re so classic! Like Chacos, Meredith really had to break in her pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals for literal weeks before they started to feel just right.

“The cork footbed is supposed to adapt to your step over time, though it takes a while,” according to Meredith.

On the other hand, the wide buckled straps are quite welcoming and have never rubbed her feet the wrong way. They cover a good amount of the foot, so you’re not left with skin sticking out or being pinched weirdly.

Practicality: 3/5

These walking sandals aren’t quite made to go the distance, according to Meredith.

“I'd rather have these on for a quick errand, rather than wandering around for hours at the farmer’s market,” she says. “Maybe I just haven’t broken them in enough yet, though.”

Their flat sole doesn’t have much tread, making it a challenge to navigate any surface that’s not an inside floor or pavement.

Style: 4/5

These Birkenstock walking sandals are the ultimate casual, cool girl shoe. They match with shorts, skirts, pants, and everything in between. They’ve come to have such a classic, unmistakable look, so the brand recognition also boosts their chicness.

These sandals come in a handful of different colors for $110.

Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals

Comfort: 3/5

Meredith has been rocking with these Doc Marten sandals since last summer, and she ranks their comfort a total of 3 out of 5. The straps are the main factor that takes away from their overall comfort, since they often rub and give her blisters in very specific places.

Each of the three straps is adjustable, and though she’s toyed with different levels of tightness, they just don’t fit Meredith’s feet right.

The cushy footbed gains a few points back for these walking sandals. Meredith does appreciate the platformed shape for short periods of wear, like getting groceries or stopping by the craft store.

Practicality: 2/5

Since their comfort level is close to intolerable for long periods of wear, Meredith can’t really endorse these walking sandals’ practicality.

“They’re super cute, but I just can’t have them on all day,” she says. “I wish they fit me better than they do.”

Style: 5/5

While the comfort and practicality categories are severely lacking, the cuteness factor of the Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals is undeniable.

As a Doc Marten boot enthusiast, Meredith was drawn to them for their easy-to-pair color palette and signature Doc Marten details, like the black leather and yellow stitching.

The Doc Marten Blaire Slide Sandals go for $100.

Subscribe to our shopping newsletter for more editor-approved wardrobe picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via brands.

shoessandalsreviewsummer fashionfootwearstyle