You Can Pull It Off: 6 Tips to Wearing Socks With Heels Like a Style Star

The Square Mary Jane

This signature Rothy's shoe (seriously, it's all over our FYP) features a flexible, stretchy woven upper layer – and it's so comfy. These Mary Janes boast a square toe for added chicness and an attached strap for wearing them with ease. No buckles or buttons here! Each pair is fitted with durable outsoles that easily tolerate city walks and park strolls. It won't even feel like you're wearing flats.

The Square Mary Jane goes for $159 and is available in 10 different colors.

The Ballet Flat

The bows on these ballet flats are the perfect size, TBH. They add an air of cuteness that any summer 'fit could benefit from! These shoes feature a very trendy rounded toe and a mesh construction that adds breathability to each and every step. Rothy's promises "no break in period, ever" with the cozy insole you can enjoy wearing all day long.

The Ballet Flat is shoppable for $145 and is available in 18 different colors and patterns.

The Point II

New office shoes, incoming! These pointed babies give some real sophisticated vibes – the pointed toe is signature of slingbacks, too, but this version is way more comfortable. The Point II from Rothy's is essentially an upgraded version of their OG The Point shoe. According to the brand, this new iteration has a "more spacious toebox, added elastic, sculpted outsoles and our innovative In Love Insole™ for outrageous all-day comfort." The mesh material on this pair makes for the perfect summer shoe since it's very elastic-like, moving accordingly with your step.

The Point II costs $155 and is available in a whopping 29 different colors and patterns.

The Espadrille

A more elevated style than the aforementioned shoes, these espadrilles are a great go-to for more formal summer occasions. The upper's made from a breathable hemp fabric that supplies a lightweight feel to the feet. Rothy's promise for these slip-ons is that they have an "unbelievably cushy footbed." The ankle ties pictured above are removable, so there's a good amount of styling possibilities with this Rothy's shoe.

The Espadrille is shoppable for $139 in 8 different colors.

The Lightweight Wedge Sandal

For a slight boost in height (that's still wickedly comfortable), call on The Lightweight Wedge Sandal. The layered heel height measures about 2.25 inches, and feels like an absolute dream! The stretchy straps atop these Rothy's shoes are stitched on, so you're not left messing with any finicky buttons, clasps, or buckles (or chafing, for that matter). The thicker platform ends in the brand's signature durable outsole for practical reasons – walking, strolling, skipping, or even dancing in the summertime. Whatever floats your boat!

The Lightweight Wedge Sandal costs $179 and is available to shop in 3 different neutral colorways.

The Weekend Slide

This cheetah print just oozes trendiness. The slide-on fit of these Rothy's sandals makes outings so easy, you won't want to wear anything else. The thick duo straps made of hemp provide some good coverage on top of the foot, so you'll feel fully fitted. The footbed is made from a durable contoured rubber, still has some softness to it for walking purposes.

The Weekend Slide costs $139 and is shoppable in 5 different colors and patterns.

The Casual Clog

This ultra-cool girl clog is available in 3 hemp colors and 5 Merino wool colors for cooler weather, but no matter the time of year, they're gonna look gorgeous. They boast a ribbed outsole for added traction, and they're fully free of any extra bells and whistles. The very simple outer layer meets a contoured footbed with some lovely arch support to encourage a cozy step.

The Casual Clog goes for $159.

Naturalizer Jayla Low Heel Slingback Pumps

Naturalizer makes such comfy shoes, and these slingback pumps are no exception! They're made of leather, so you can be sure they'll hold up to years of walking and wear. The square toe and chunky heel give them a very approachable feel, which you can style casually or for more formal occasions. They're crafted with responsive cushioning on the soles for shock absorption and impact protection – which essentially makes walking worlds easier for all-day comfort.

The Naturalizer Jayla Low Heel Slingback Pumps are shoppable in 5 other colors for $110 on Amazon.

Youngshow Comfort Slingback Pumps

You don't have to mess with a single buckle with these slingback shoes. The wide heel on them means no missteps, trips, or slips – just downright comfort. The woven upper material is soft and stretchy, plus it's available in tens of different colors and styles. We adore this one because of the contrasting toe color. It makes for a playful outfit addition!

The Youngshow Comfort Slingback Pumps go for just $27 on Amazon.

Coutgo Slingback Kitten Heels

The sophisticated woven faux buckle detail on these heels is everything. Crafted with leather on the outside and a soft padded foot bed on the inside, you'll enjoy wearing these short, concave kitten heels just as much as you like looking at them. These slingback shoes can work with any ensemble – from jeans, dresses, shorts, and skirts, they'll give your look an added air of luxury.

The Coutgo Slingback Kitten Heels come in several other colors and are shoppable for $50 on Amazon.

Steve Madden Graya Slingback Pointy Toe Flats

For some edgier footwear, these slingbacks bound in silver hardware are the way to go. If you find yourself reaching for your Doc Martens more than your Nike sneaks, these flat-footed shoes will be an instant fit in your wardrobe. The two wide straps on top are adjustable by buckle to suit your step.

The Steve Madden Graya Slingback Pointy Toe Flats come in 3 other colors and are shoppable for $120 at Nordstrom.

Franco Sarto Racer Slingbacks

Make like cool girl Brie Larson and rock some butter yellowshoes for summer! They're your one-way ticket to looking uber-trendy for the season, plus you can wear them in so many different contexts. These Franco Sarto shoes are made from partially recycled materials, but give off a smooth leather effect. More than anything, the dramatic pointed toe will take your look to the next level. The heels measure about 2 inches, so you won't have too hard a time stepping out in these slingback shoes.

The Franco Sarto Racer Slingbacks come in 5 other colors for $115.

Jeffrey Campbell Rayna Slingback Heels

These are not your average slingback shoes! They boast a very sleek, but very chic shape that's finished off nicely with a slim kitten heel. Each shiny patent leather shoe is as strappy as can be, with 5 different adjustable straps sprawling on top of the foot. They secure on the side with small silver buckles, too.

The Jeffrey Campbell Rayna Slingback Heels are $178 at Free People and come in two other colors and fabrications.

Genshuo Low Kitten Heel Slingbacks

Metallic shoes are huge right now, so you'll be perfectly on-trend when you snag these slingbacks. Comfort is at the core of these patent leather and faux suede cuties – there's a soft padded insole and the outsole is made from wear-resistant rubber for an easy strut.

The Genshuo Low Kitten Heel Slingbacks come in 10 other colors for $40 on Amazon.

Bibi Lou Suzy Slingback Heels

These shoes are like a hybrid between ballet flats and slingbacks. And they're perfect. The toes are giving more ballet flats, while the heels feel especially kitten heel. You'll enjoy the coverage at the toes with an adorable square toe and cutesy bow tie, but appreciate the comfort levels even more, as the heel measures only 2 inches high.

The Bibi Lou Suzy Slingback Heels also come in black for $160.

Chinese Laundry Rozie Denim Slingbacks

These slingbacks easily let you live out your Barbie dreams, all while looking super stylish! The bright pink color (made from a denim material) just screams summertime, and you'll def be toting around in these all season long, thanks to their cozy fit. The block heel is easy to step in, plus the back strap is rid of all buckles or clasps for easy on and off!

The Chinese Laundry Rozie Denim Slingbacks also come in blue for $70.

Franco Sarto Khloe Slingback Pumps

If you wanna feel like the main character (you already are, but you might as well dress the part!), these red-hot heels are *the* slingback shoes for your vibe. The harsh pointed toe tells everyone that you are that girl. The thin, Mary Janes-esque top strap is adjustable with an elegant gold buckle, but the back strap is simply elastic so you can put 'em on with ease.

The Franco Sarto Khloe Slingback Pumps come in 5 other eye-catching colors for $125.

Jeffrey Campbell Striper Slingback Heels

Dare to be bold with these silver metallic slingbacks clad in woven details! The thin straps feel extra elegant, while the dramatic toe point is more experimental. For those looking to expand their footwear lineup, these kitten heels will be with you everywhere you go this summer.

The Jeffrey Campbell Striper Slingback Heels also come in a nude colorway for $185.

Sam Edelman Terra Slingback Block Heels

These brown beauties feel like the ultimate office shoe. They'll give your workwear an instant lift with a trendy squared toe and classic slingback straps. The block heel doesn't limit your walking at all, either! This style also comes in black, white, and silver metallic colors.

The Sam Edelman Terra Slingback Block Heels are currently on sale for $105 (was $140).

Vagabond Hennie Sandals

These high-coverage sandals from Vagabond have a chunkier feel, great for those who get a good amount of steps in, but still want to look chic. The 90's-inspired top half of these shoes is made from leather, with a small area for open toes. The ankle strap is adjustable by a small silver buckle.

The Vagabond Hennie Sandals are $150.

The Making of a Romance Novel Empire 

I know besties when I see them, and this writing duo has all the makings of two friends whose bond has been deepened by more than time. Still, curiosity get's the best of me when I mention what certainly feels like an empire to me before asking, "How did you two meet?" Their knowing smile says it all — they've clearly been locked in for a while, and they remember the exact moment things clicked for them.

"In 2009 we were both writing fanfiction and reading each other's stories online. Then Lo (Lauren) was putting on a panel at San Diego Comic Con on fanworks and she invited me to be on it. So, I came out and we met for the first time, and we got along really well," says Christina.

From there, they wrote a one shot — quick fanfiction story — together, and eventually decided it was worth taking a chance on writing an entire book. The fact that both Christina and Lauren have experience writing fanfiction not only helped them prepare for their pivot into authorship, but it also got them accustomed to the honesty of online book reviews.

As far as people not knowing that Christina Lauren is actually two people, that's basically the point. "We want it [our books] to feel like they're written by one voice. We spend a lot of time editing to make sure it doesn't sound feel like two very distinct, combative voices in there," Lauren says while excitedly adding, "I mean everyday we get DM's that are like, 'I didn't know there were two of you!'"

Peeling Back the Layers of The Paradise Problem 

Warning: May contain some spoilers.

I have a deep appreciation for books that immediately call my imagination to the forefront and that's just one of the many things The Paradise Problem does as soon as you begin reading the first page. We're immediately introduced to Anna Green and "West" going their separate ways after choosing to amicably end their marriage. The kicker? See, they don't actually know each other.

How can two people essentially be strangers while they're married? Realistically, Anna and West's marriage was one of convenience. Each found themselves in a situation where their very survival relied on marriage, so they decided to become husband and wife solely on paper.

That seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong. Based on the first impressions of Anna and West, one has it together while the other is a hot mess. But, Christina Lauren is challenging us to rethink our approach to first impressions because they're not always everything. Once you start peeling back a person's layers, you can really start to understand their choices, reactions, family dynamics (and there are plenty of awkward encounters in this story on that front), and more.

Christina and Lauren knew what they wanted for these two characters in the end, but they had to figure out how to fully thread the needle for it to work — particularly when it came to West and his relationship to his family. They had his backstory, but they needed to figure out how to fully flesh out his world, parents and all. What they went with was jaw-dropping IMO, full of shady behavior, cocky attitudes, and beyond. But how does West's background and personality relate to Anna's?

"We always try to think about who's the perfect person for the characters — not who will complete them. Anna is very different. She does not come from a wealthy background, she's not super polished," says Lauren. But, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's a genuinely good person who has a loving heart that no amount of status can compete with once the layers are peeled back.

This is what begins winning West over, and the two soon begin to find there's some truth to the fictionalized relationship they have on display for West's family. Ultimately, The Paradise Problem begs readers to ask if opposites really do attract, confronting us — and our main characters — with this one scenario at a time.

In my humble opinion, The Paradise Problem feels like one of Christina Lauren's best books because it encompasses all the elements that fans of their work love. Christina says, "They love characters they either want to be or want to be friends with, heroes they want for their own, a lot of the settings..." She continues, saying, "The great thing about having a large catalogue of books is that there's something for everyone. Do you like funny books? We got you. Do you want super saucy books? We got you. Do you want something that's gonna rip your heart out? We got that too."

In case you have any doubts about that, check out all of the duo's books now and get your copy of The Paradise Problemtoday!