Keep Cozy With These 20 Faux Fur DIYs

Nicole Jahns
Dec 24, 2014

There’s never too much gray area when it comes to faux fur. You either love it or you hate it. But we think these 20 uber chic DIYs could change all that. From warm and stylish to soft and comfortable, this sleek fabric will have you swooning (or running to your nearest craft store) by the time you’re done scrolling.

1. DIY Gloves Makeover: No use in tossing aside a good old pair of winter gloves. Revamp them with this soft, off-the-cuff upgrade. (via Verily)

2. DIY Faux Fur Ottoman: Balance out any rough edges in your room with this pretty, poofy ottoman. (via Classy Clutter)

3. How to Make a Faux Fur Vest: Faux fur vests are everywhere this season, but you don’t have to splurge to be on trend. Let Wendy walk you through each step of the process, and you’ll be well on your way to making and donning your own stylish number. (via With Wendy)

4. Fur Handbag: Who doesn’t love having a fuzzy handbag by their side? This crafty case could even double as a pillow for those late nights when your bed is just too far away. (via How Did You Make This?)

5. DIY Faux Fur Chair Covers and Cushions: If you’re more of a “fuzzy for the season” type instead of a “faux fur for lifer,” these chair covers and cushions are definitely your jam. Whip them up for a holiday party, and store with any other holiday items when the season’s over. (via A Beautiful Mess)

6. DIY Pompom: Add a little fun (and fur) to your everyday with this effortless pom hair tie. (via Ruben Cassette)

7. Faux Fur Tail: We love color, so this faux fur keychain is right up our alley. No way you’ll ever lose your keys again with this fluffy accessory. (via I Spy DIY)

8. Upholstered Faux Fur Bench: After a long, blustery day, it’s nice to rest your feet on something soft and inviting, like this beautiful bench. After a fresh coat of paint and some reupholstering, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind furniture piece. (via Dwellings by Devore)

9. Fuzzy Pillows from a Surprising Source: This pillow is made from, wait for it… a bathmat! But more than that, it’s probably the best piece to snuggle up to on cold nights. (via Centsational Girl)

10. Faux Fur Neck Warmer: This neck-protecting, modern DIY just might be our favorite new take on the scarf. (via Love Maegan)

11. Faux Fur Trapper Hat: You don’t need to be buried in snow to long for a good, warm hat — especially one this cute. (via See Kate Sew)

12. How to Turn a Faux Sheepskin Rug into a Vest: No shame in turning that odd sheepskin rug you thought you’d love into a vest you can’t live without. Bonus: It goes with practically anything (except the floor). (via Brit + Co)

13. DIY Faux Fur Rug: Okay, this rug is the thing our feet have been craving all winter. Step out of the cold and onto your handmade mat that only took three — yes, three — steps to make. (via View Along the Way)

14. Faux Fur + Flannel Blanket: Looking for a heat? Snuggle up with a special someone under this extra fuzzy blanket. Made up of two fabrics, this is one blanket that will conquer all our winter woes. (via A Beautiful Mess)

15. Slouchy Faux Fur Vest (No Sew!): If it’s not clear by now, we are totally loving on the fur vest trend. But for those who avoid sewing machines like the plague, this DIY is for you. Oh, and can we sit back and admire that awesome, flowy slouch? (via Jade Rose Blog)

16. DIY Faux Fur Collar Necklace: If your kind of winter means breaking out the long sleeves but not the long underwear, then this project is a must. It’s basically acknowledging that winter is here, but without the full-blown, bundled-up from head-to-toe look. (via Love Maegan)

17. Faux Fur Stool With Hairpin Legs: Afraid to commit to too much fur? This minimalist stool has just the right amount of fuzz for any room. But don’t be fooled by the simplistic look — this sturdy stool is the type of DIY you build from the ground up (pun intended). (via Transient Expression)

18. Gold Leather + Fur Stocking DIY: Even though the holidays are fast approaching, you still have some time to craft these shiny his and hers stockings. They’re also a great winter wedding gift for your friend and her new hubby. (via A Beautiful Mess)

19. Fur Hood Tutorial: Sometimes fur can just be f-u-n. Especially when it involves making cozy hoods with furry ears. (via Lemon Squeezy Home)

20. Detachable Faux Fur Collar DIY: We’re all about the convertible, and that’s why we love this DIY. Feeling the fur? Throw on this collar. Going for a more subdued look? Simply un-loop it. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Which faux-furry DIY are you trying this season? Let us know if the comments below!

20 Cozy Cashmere Sweaters That'll Keep You From Shivering All Season Long

You need to look towards cashmere sweaters this winter. While you're shivering in between cups of hot tea and sinking into a swarm of heated blankets amidst the freezing-cold days, cashmere sweaters do *all* the heavy lifting to keep you cozy, cute, and alwayssuper warm. Whether you're mysteriously sipping a latte at your favorite local café or conquering Zoom calls with effortless style, cashmere sweaters should be your absolute go-to.

When shopping for cashmere sweaters with warmth in mind, you'll want to ensure that they're made of 100% cashmere. Not all cashmere garments are made equal, and the quality of the material used to make them is crucial in securing their overall longevity, durability, and comfort.

If you plan on diving deep into the construction of your next cashmere sweater, it's important to take the length and thickness of the cashmere fibers into account. According to Luca Faloni, longer fibers mean more durability, and thin fibers mean more softness. To get even nerdier about cashmere sweaters, sourcing them from Italian and Scottish producers guarantees their utmost quality (though often more expensive, but it's a fair tradeoff).

These cashmere sweaters range from solids to stripes, mock-necks to turtlenecks, and crop tops to tunics to suit any style. Consider these 20 knit beauties your one-way ticket to a life that's both comfy and fabulous!

Easton Luxe Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

This 100% cashmere sweater's fuzzy feel also adds some visual interest to those cozy winter outfits, or just the PJ's you wear day-to-day.

Free People School Boy Cashmere Cardi

Cashmere calls for specialized care, like a cold hand-wash job or a trip to the dry cleaners. This green piece is no exception, as its overly-soft fibers create the coziest wear you've ever experienced!

Magaschoni Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater

This monochromatic pick features contrasting piping along the collar and shoulders for a fun flair.

Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater

This cashmere sweater leans on the affordable side and will last you ages as long as you treat it right. Take time to hand wash this gorgeous peachy piece and let it air dry off the hanger for the best care.

Easy Street Cashmere Multi-Stripe Tunic

Multicolored clothing is such a vibe, and just because it's the dead of winter doesn't mean you can't brighten up your wardrobe! This stripey number will look and feel good.

Design History Rib Trim Cashmere Sweater

This pick pushes beyond basic with thick ribbed details along the cuffs and hem. The wider sleeves are also a fun play on cozy couture!

360 Cashmere Camden Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater

The higher mock neck on this cashmere piece sees that your neck gets a share of the warmth while you're out and about.

White + Warren Cashmere Saddle Sleeve Crewneck

The wider, oversized fit of this sweater enables endless styling possibilities, so you can sport it with jeans or over a maxi dress for the winter.

Reformation Garrett Cashmere Cropped Turtleneck Sweater

The cropped length and single-layer turtleneck on this style go hand-in-hand, making your 'fit more casual. The gray color makes it perfect for repeated wear and will match with virtually anything in your closet.

Easy Street Luxe Cashmere Tunic

This cashmere tunic feels like wearing a super-soft blanket at all times. Aside from its comfort level, this pick is totally timeless and will last you literal years with the proper care.

White + Warren Cashmere Dragon Tapestry Crewneck

The bold dragon symbol on this cashmere sweater, taken from a 15th century European tapestry at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, symbolizes good luck and protection. It's the perfect picture to wear for a stylishly strong ensemble!

Ann Taylor Relaxed Cashmere Cable Sweater

The royal blue color of this cashmere sweater only amplifies its regal vibes. It's adorned with a simple cable knit that covers the front and back of the really relaxed silhouette.

The Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater by Pilcro

This fuzzy sweater features a fun splotchy pattern that you can wear with just about anything! It's as soft as a cloud, so you'll want to wear it every single day.

J.Crew Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater

The make of this cashmere sweater supports the Aid by Trade Foundation, which "ensures the welfare of cashmere goats, protects natural resources, and improves the working conditions of farmers and farmworkers in Inner Mongolia." It's such an adorable wardrobe basic that can be worn in many different ways!

360 Cashmere Lyra Mock Neck Cable Knit Cashmere Sweater

You won't want to stop petting this extremely soft cashmere sweater. The loose-fitting silhouette is enhanced by a unique high-low hem that's also vented for visual effect. Of course, the mock neck detail is the cherry on top in staying super warm in the winter.

Everlane The Cashmere Boxy Crew Sweater

The big stripes on this piece made of responsibly-sourced cashmere give your look a very nice graphic appeal for turning heads and switching up your outfit!

Madewell (Re)sponsible Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater

The greenish-brownish shade on this sweater is unique in its own right, so you can really play with color when you're putting together a cold-weather look.

The Shea Oversized Boxy Cashmere Sweater by Maeve

This show-stopping style boasts delicate stitch detailing that speak to its overall elegance.

J.Crew Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater

Just like the name implies, this cashmere sweater has a classic fit that doesn't include any frills or extra bits and bobs. This pick is a reliable, sleek, and comfortable addition to any warm ensemble!

White + Warren Cashmere Polo Sweater

This cashmere sweater boasts a really solid construction that'll wear well for years to come. We love how casual yet sophisticated it is, with a nice, polished collar and open neckline.

Are cashmere sweaters worth it?

Good-quality cashmere sweaters are totally worth it if you live somewhere where it's cold for extended periods of time. Investing more money in cashmere sweaters that will last you a long time is justified, as long as you're willing to put in the time to take proper care of your cashmere garments to prolong their lifespan.

Why is 100% cashmere so expensive?

Cashmere is a rare material. It typically takes 3-4 cashmere goats to produce enough fiber for one garment, so you can expect 100% cashmere to be priced in accordance with its rarity.

What is the highest quality cashmere?

There are three different grades of cashmere: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. They are categorized by the length and thickness of the cashmere fibers. Grade A cashmere is the highest quality, boasting the longest and finest fibers.

Shop more B+C-approved style picks here!

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

Lead photo via Madewell.

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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

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10 Fleece-Lined Tights That You'll Actually Want To Wear

Winter crept into town with all it's chilly temps, signaling that fleece-lined tights are definitely a necessity ASAP. Unlike the stockings we were once forced to wear with formal or holiday dresses, these have a much more sleek appearance — the kind of soft girl accessories you'll gladly choose to wear. So, give us twirl in your best winter balletcore, and we'll join you while wearing our best fleece-lined tights.

Wolford Thermo Tights

These black fleece-lined tights are the adult version of the tights you grew up wearing. Plus, they're sustainable!

Plush Fleece-Lined Stirrup Tights

Stirrup tights are very on trend for if you really want to lean into balletcore this winter.

Hue Faux Sheer Fleece-Lined Tights

Want the look of wearing sheer fleece-lined tights without showing your business to the world? These are the pair you'll want to buy.

Spanx Plush Tummy Shaping Tights

For my girls who like tummy support, Spanx designed these tights for you.

A New Day Cable Fleece Lined Tights

A New Day's designs haven't failed us yet, so we know this pair of cable fleece-lined tights are worth buying. They even come in three colors — black, charcoal, and white!

Simply Vera Vera Wang Fleece Lined Tights

You can never have too many pairs of black tights. It's impossible — trust us.

G&Y 2 Pairs of Fleece-Lined Tights

If you get tired of wearing black opaque tights, wear this pink pair with a Bordeaux wool coat.

URATOT 4 Pack Warm Fleece Tights

We'll never get tired of buying anything that has multiple items in, especially fleece-lined tights.

NY & Co Fleece-Lined Tights

These tights have the best coverage and will look great with your new pleated mini skirt.

Berkshire Cozy Fleece-Lined Tights

If you're looking for a pair of tights that are simple without being black or too sheer, go for this brown pair.

Which fleece-lined tights are you showing up in the new year wearing?

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

Lead image via Spanx

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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

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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.

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