How Ballet Sneakers Became the Cool-Girl Shoe of the Season

In Spring and Summer, the world of walkable footwear is undergoing a gentle revolution. In 2025 we’ve already seen the evolution from chunky trainers to skinny sneaker alternatives like the Adidas sambas and Puma Speedcats – Now, it’s all about the rise of a less “sporty” alternative; Ballet sneakers and Mary Jane sneakers.
Whether you’re someone seeking all-day comfort, a city commuter, or simply sick of compromising a chic look in favor of walkability, ballet sneakers and mary jane sneakers are proving to be a perfect fit. Combining a cheeky sense of elegance with convenience and function, these shoes are trending hard—and for good reason.

Update your closet for 2025 with Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher

Why Ballet Sneakers and Mary Jane Sneakers Are Trending

Searches for “comfortable cute walking shoes” and “elevated sneaker alternatives” have skyrocketed, and fashion insiders are paying attention. Ballet sneakers and Mary Jane sneakers check all the boxes we’re looking for:

Comfortable for All-Day Wear:
Slip-on and velcro footwear with features like padded insoles, flexible soles, and breathable materials give these shoes a lightweight feel perfect for long walks, errands, or commuting.

Unapologetically Feminine Design:
These charming alternatives to bulky sneakers are more than just a style shift – it’s a whole philosophy. After years of streetwear dominance, the resurgence of traditionally “girlish” elements – bows, straps, pastels, pinks, and ballet silhouettes signals a return to gentle strength in fashion. 

Elevated, but Effortless:
Whether you’re dressing up for brunch or dressing down for a coffee run, ballet and mary jane sneakers add polish without trying too hard.

Versatile for Styling:
Pair them with dresses, denim or shorts – these shoes add a little whimsy to any outfit.

Nostalgia-core and The Y2K Obsession Fuel Streetwear:
Mary Jane Sneakers are yet another Y2K-era trend that has been unearthed and reimagined for a silhouette that’s both practical and undeniably fun. Influencers are pairing them with socks, tights, and sporty separates to create looks that are playful, punky and a little bit nostalgic. 

The Shift in Footwear: From Functional to Fashion-Forward

The popularity of ballet sneakers and mary jane sneakers reflect a broader shift in fashion: consumers are no longer willing to sacrifice comfort for style; and with these shoes, they don’t have to. 
Whether you’re walking through city streets, dressing for the office, or just want something cute for your daily coffee run – these stylish shoes offer the best of both worlds— whimsical and practical, elegant and easy.

Questions about how to modernize your wardrobe for 2025? Contact personal wardrobe stylist Meg Gallagher here:

Shop The Mary Jane and Ballet Sneaker Trend

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If you’re looking to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe, get inspired by the 12 most influential spring and summer 2025 shoe trends! Shop Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher’s favorites below, and check out our Spring 2025 women’s styling services here.

The Top 12 Spring 2025 Shoe Trends

1. The “It-Shoe” Trend for Right Now: The Frye Campus Boot

You’ve probably seen just about every it-girl rocking this one (and for a good reason). The Frye Campus boot is a great juxtaposition to current soft trends like boho. It also looks great with trending top layers like denim and moto jackets. Moving from Spring into Summer, this trend could later be replaced by clogs for lighter coverage.

Shop The Shoe:

2. High Vamp Basics

Smooth, minimalist style flats, Mary janes and heels with high-vamps give a sense of coverage and grounding color to pair with matching bags and belts. 

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3. Loafers (But Not As You’ve Known Them)

Loafers will be softer, thinner and more experimental than previously chunky trending silhouettes.  Scrunched slip-ons, lace up/boat shoe hybrids and thin soles reminiscent of flats define 2025’s latest silhouettes. 

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4. Barely-There Flats, The “Naked” Shoe

Mesh flats are still going strong. Last year was an emphasis on all-over embellishments (crystals on mesh was EVERYWHERE), but this year it’s all about the delicate barely-there sheerness of the shoe. If you want to go beyond the “naked” shoe, opt for a single pendant embellishment like this. 

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5. Crochet and Woven Shoes

Crochet flats and heels are a thematic warm-weather hit for spring, sure to continue it’s popularity in summer. 

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6. Casual Shoe Trends 2025: Pop Color

Blue, Yellow, Baby Pink and animal print are great for diversifying and adding pop-color into your casual wear.

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7. Retro Sneakers

Thin, retro runners and suede runners are taking over as the sneaker silhouette for 2025.

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8. Python Print

Snake prints are back with boots, loafers, flats and heels. This will be a great pop-print to incorporate into workwear and date night.

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9. Thong and T-Strap Sandals

Ultra-high, micro AND low heeled thong sandals are all trending for Spring! Consider the heeled thong sandal for destination weddings and chic outings. Wrap up flat leather thongs and t-strap sandals are perfect for casual daywear.

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10. Low Wedge Mules

This chic silhouette feels fresh for 2025 for workwear and outings.

Shop The Shoe:

11. Clogs: Heeled, platform, sandal and wrap

Clogs are coming in just about every variety this spring, combining funky utilitarian chunkiness with delicate straps, open-toe silhouettes and heels to create an exciting trend that’s all about balance.

Shop The Shoe:

12. Iconic and Walkable: Micro Heels

Micro heeled boots, sandals and 90’s-reminiscent kitten heels are trending for workwear and going out. 

Shop The Shoe:

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How to Wear 2025’s Latest Shoe Trend

Update your casual shoe wardrobe with this year’s most relevant sneaker silhouette to refresh your denim, trousers and casual dress/skirt outfits. These slim, low-heel “indoor soccer” style it-sneakers are in stark contrast with the chunky shoe silhouettes of years past. What started with the now famous Adidas Sambas sneaker has grown into a craze for similar low-flat styles like Speedcats, Spezials, ALOHAS, Gazelles and Loewe Llueves. Embrace the style shift and explore our favorite outfit ideas suitable for days on-the-go, casual office looks and more below.

Looking to update your wardrobe for 2025? Check out Personal Wardrobe Stylist Meg Gallagher’s Styling Services to start your style journey.

Shop The Shoe Trend: Suede Runners, Sambas & More

Master the Basics: Wearing Runners With Jeans

The extra volume in boot cut, barrel, wide-leg and boyfriend straight-leg jeans balance out the thin silhouette of trending soccer sneakers.

Style it for the Office: Sneakers and Trousers Outfit Ideas

Full-leg trousers and dark colored or suede soccer shoes look great for a casual office look. Complete the look with elegant yet easygoing work layers like a trench, cardigan, blazer or suede coat.

This trouser/sneaker combo paired with tees, tanks, oversized sweaters and casual layering with button ups make for a reliable day-out look.

Trending Now: Brown Suede Runners

Suede Runners in shades of brown like taupe, camel, chocolate or sand are trending for both workwear and casual wear, working back to other popular pieces like brown leather jackets and brown suede accessories.

Rise of the Speedcats

These cheeky athletic shoes from Puma bring an iconic “athleisure” bend into your everyday outfits. Master the look by offsetting the ultracasual design with luxe textures, intentional layering and working any bright colors from the shoe into your outfit.

Micro-Trend: Animal Print Runners

Animal print is trending for 2025. Use animal print sneakers as textural interest in your outfit. Pair it into a brown color story, or work it into red, blue or white outfits.

Styling Sneakers With Animal Print

Use pops of animal print in your shoe, accessories, bag or pants to elevate your sneaker outfit.

Pair Your Sneakers with Two-Piece Athleisure Looks

Embrace the art of ultracasual by pairing soccer-style runners with two-piece athleisure sets.

Styling Alternative: Sneakers with Skirts and Dresses

While soccer sneaker silhouettes are most popularly styled with denim and trousers, you can always style them with midi-skirts and casual dresses too!

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Sandals & Flip Flops to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial switch to summer, making right now the ideal time to pack away the sweaters and reorganize your closet with hot weather staples like linens, shorts, swimwear and sandals. Get inspired by this year’s chicest sandal trends like minimalist leather flip-flops, ultra-thin straps, chunky platforms, metal jewelry details, grown-up jelly shoes and more!

No more sweat and NO style sacrifices. Experience a wardrobe full of light and airy summer-ready outfits that will keep you feeling and looking cool with Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher‘s women’s styling services.

Ultra-Wearable Every Day Sandals

These are the sandals that compliment even your most relaxed looks with the subtle elevation of versatile leather, thin straps, wraparound or layered straps and minimalist no-fuss designs. Consider these looks with anything from jeans, shorts, linen pants and casual dresses!

Metal Jewelry Sandals

These sandals elevate any look with jewelry-like metal embellishments. Shop our favorites from “barely-there” thin-strapped embellished sandals to dangling pendants and gold coin straps!

Platform and Espadrille Sandals

Pair trending platform sandals with your favorite linen trousers or summer dresses for resort looks, going out, weddings and more!

Heeled Sandals

Chunky heels, micro heels, 90’s peep toe mules and the return of high heeled sandals are great for work, summer date nights and weddings!

“Grown-Up” Jelly Sandals

First it was with nails, then with makeup and now with sandals! These nostalgic jelly sandals toe-the-line between chic and whimsical, giving us an approachable way to incorporate bright colors into our outfits with the subtlety of sheer translucence and gel-like shine.

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The post 2024’s Best Sandals Trends for Spring and Summer appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Why Mary Janes and Flats are Trending in 2023

Let Mary Janes and flats replace your spring/summer sneakers for an on-trend comfortable shoe that will carry you straight into Fall! We’ve gathered the best outfit ideas to help you wear these classic shoe silhouettes in any occasion. Want to get straight to the shopping? Scroll to the bottom for our article for stylist picks on the best must-have Mary Janes and flats for 2023.

Prepare your wardrobe for Fall/Winter 23 with the help of Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher! A list of Meg’s wardrobe styling services can be found here.

Mary Janes and Flats Work Outfit Ideas

Mary Janes and flats are great with trousers and skirts for a sleek, professional shoe at work!

How to Wear Mary Jane Flats With Jeans

Check out these easy casual work and weekender looks! We love Mary Janes and flats as easy walking shoes that give a classy alternative to a sneaker.

How to Wear Mary Janes and Flats With Midi Skirts

Great for both summer and fall, we love midi slip skirts and denim skirts paired with sleek flats.

Mary Janes and Flats with Shorts and Mini Skirts, A Summer to Fall Transitional Outfit

Transition from hot weather into fall with these shorts and mini skirt outfit ideas! As the weather begins to cool down, you can also add sheer tights to cover your legs.

2023 Fall Style Outfit Ideas

Wear your Mary Janes and flats with sweaters, leathers, trousers, coats and knits for a Fall-forward ensemble.

Mary Janes and Flats with Dresses

Take a break from heels with dresses for an equally classic (but much more comfortable) shoe.

Try wearing Mary Janes with Socks

Mary Janes with socks were seen all over the runway for 2023, not to mention all the celebrities that have faithfully followed suit to the trend. This whimsical styling of the classic shoe gives credence to the cooler seasons ahead, adding just enough coverage to keep this shoe as a staple straight into winter.

French Girl Style with Mary Janes and Flats

Achieve timeless French girl style by pairing your Mary Janes and flats with stripes, hosiery, classic white shirts and cropped tailored tweed jackets!

Going Out in Mary Janes

It may surprise you that Mary Janes are a fabulous shoe option for going out! Choose a silhouette with a block heel for a comfortable heel alternative with your mini skirts and mini dresses. Pair it with hosiery to really lean into Fall 2023 trends.

Shop Mary Janes and Flats

The post How to Wear Mary Janes & Flats in 2023, Top Outfit Ideas appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Your Guide to The Top Sandal Trends of 2023

What sandals are in style in 2023?  Meg Gallagher, Los Angeles Personal Stylist for Women has compiled a list of trending must-have staple sandals perfect for summer work outfits, casual days out, beach dinners and more! Book a Style Consultation with Meg, or shop her free fashion resource Madison to Melrose to perfect your style and wardrobe.

Shop Flat Summer Sandals 2023

Shop our favorite flat sandals for easy-wear on ultracasual work days, on the streets or at the beach! We’re seeing the return of delicate strappy styles & barely-there thin sandals, as well as contrasting mega-strap casual staples like the Arizona Big Buckle Birkenstocks and fisherman sandals. Shop our favorites below.

Shop Platform Sandals

Shop these popular sandals for 2023 to insert trend into your wardrobe! We love the essence of pure fun and Y2K nostalgia a platform sandal brings into any casual outfit. Espadrille and natural textures are popular this summer to wear with your “Little White Dress” and other summer sundresses! Check out our favorite platform sandals below.

Shop Heeled Fashion Sandals

Shop heeled fashion sandals that are perfect for summer work outfits, breezy dresses, dinners out and more! Heel styles to note are delicate thong strap heels, platform heels, delicate strappy shoes and micro-heels. Shop our favorites below!

The post Sandal Trends 2023: Your Guide to the Top Sandal appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

If you’re looking to figure out how to walk in heels, you may see certain tips like “walk heel to toe“, or “take smaller steps“. However, the real trick isn’t as much about how to walk properly in heels as it is simply choosing the right shoe. Well, what’s the right shoe? The answer to that is simple: You’ll want a comfortable shoe.
Before you start searching how to make heels more comfortable, you ought to consider skipping all the hodge-podge DIYs of extra paddings and inserts in favor of simply investing in a quality shoe. A quality shoe that’s built with both beauty and comfort in mind will have you walking with confidence at all your events from weddings, graduation parties, work parties, summer gatherings and more. We’ve gathered our favorite heels loved by stylists, clients and the internet alike that bridge the gap between fashion and wearability.
On our list you’ll find top of the line favorites from Prada (looks uncomfortable, feels great!) to the best of affordable go-tos like SCHUTZ and Marc Fisher.

Want a wardrobe refresh for Summer 2023? Meg Gallagher can update your warm weather wardrobe head to toe with modern pieces for office, events, date night and more. Shop our How to Walk in Heels Edit, then check out Women’s Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles here.

The “How To Walk in Heels” Edit

A stylist’s edit of favorite trusted, well-constructed & comfortable heels that will have you walking with confidence and style.

Slingback Heels and Classic Pumps

Platform Heels and Heeled Sandals

Personal Stylist in Los Angeles Meg Gallagher says platform heels are a great way to get both trend and elevation while remaining wearable.

Chic Comfortable Mules

Special Event Heels from Aquazzurra

Known for their cushioned footbed, Aquazzura’s imaginative heels can hold up for an entire night out!

The post How to Walk in Heels, Choosing the Right Event Shoe appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

If you’re looking to elevate your casual style for 2023, start with your shoe. We’ve got our list of the BEST trendy sneakers for women in 2023 right here, pegging our favorites into 5 essential categories: Classics, Performance, Trending, Designer and Eco-Friendly.

Want a fresh wardrobe with head to toe trend-right for Spring and Summer 2023? Meg Gallagher can update your warm weather wardrobe with modern pieces for office, events, date night and more. Women’s Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here.

Closet Staple Classics

These are the shoes that you’ll always grab for, serving a wide array of outfits again and again. If these must have sneakers aren’t already in your wardrobe – get a pair!

Performance Sneakers

They’ll get the job done, and look good doing it! We’re loving these innovative shoes in unique shapes and colors, with cutting-edge technology to back them up.

Trendy Sneakers

You can count on these stylish sneakers for women to keep you up to date with 2023! From outrageous color-ways to must-have platform styles and celebrity faves, don’t discount these shoes to mere “trend” – our masterful picks within the sneaker trends will keep you in the moment, while maintaining the necessary longevity to accompany your wardrobe through new seasons too.

Designer Faves

The investment shoes that get all the buzz on runways, social media and more.

Eco-Friendly Sneakers

Get the lowdown on our top 3 favorite eco-friendly sneaker brands, and why they’re at the top of our list.

Buy 1 pair, plant 2 trees! Cariuma has a commitment to designing and curating materials responsibly! Utilizing sustainable ingredients like cork, mamona oil, recycled nylon, bamboo & organic cotton paired with ethical harvesting practices like “sap-tapping” for their rubber make this brand an eco-friendly choice with 6 globally recognized eco-certifications under their belt to prove it. We love their shoes for style longevity and versatile colorways. 

Thousand Fell Sneakers are made from recycled bottles, natural rubber & innovative food waste component parts! 100% animal free and vegan, these shoes are the pinnacle of innovation! Their savvy usage of food waste including coconut husk & sugar cane to replace unnecessary plastic, as well as using natural coatings like aloe vera & quartz leads their two feet forward approach into the future of footwear. Some cool features include their “No socks necessary” technology, which introduces a moisture wicking and odor resistant breathable anti-odor Aloe Vera liner that wicks away heat to keep feet comfortable and cool. TFs are padded with a special foam made from Castor Beans, keeping your feet breathable, cool & supported.

As described by SAYE, this sneaker is “made with bio-based vegan napa, recycled insole, and organic cotton laces, all delivered to you in biodegradable packaging. These innovative materials on the M’89 Vegan sneakers are super soft and provide all round comfort and excellent cushioning.” This brand’s innovative technology utilizes leftover fruit and corn to produce vegan leather for their shoes. SAYE’s dedication to sustainability is detailed within every product, making for easy-to-follow guides on how every piece is made. Take part in a brighter future with SAYE as they pave the way for eco-friendly footwear in the fashion industry.

The post Best Trendy Sneakers for Women 2023: Ultimate Sneaker Guide appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

The early 2000s trends continue, with the latest being UGG Boots! Perfectly on brand with easygoing everyday winter aesthetics like #cozycore and #cabincore, the familiar comfort shoe is getting a modern style revamp to take you straight into 2023.
New boot styles such as platform UGGs, slipper style and their new Ultra Mini reflect a thoughtful synergy with today’s silhouettes in fashion, creating all sorts of new styling opportunities to get you excited about the UGG Boot revival.
For 2023, UGG boots go beyond being worn as loungewear, aprés ski and with fitness. UGGs can be styled back to trousers, wide leg denim, dresses and skirts – giving this casual boot silhouette a much more elevated look for day or casual night!

Want trend-right outfits for work, vacation outfits or an update to your winter wardrobe basics? Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!

UGGs Styling Ideas, A Monochromatic Outfit

Creating a monochromatic look exudes luxury and elegance, even when styled with a traditionally casual boot silhouette.  Head-to-toe color is flattering and elongating – whether its all grey, chocolate, black, navy or ivory.

How to Wear UGG Boots With Wide Leg Trousers

Pair your UGGs with oversized trousers for wearing UGG boots to the office! The key to this look is keeping an easygoing silhouette with loose layers, and allowing for your trouser to puddle over the top of the UGG boot.

How to Wear UGGs With A Skirt

We LOVE the playful look of UGGs styled back to a mini skirt and chunky scrunch socks. Chunky socks or leg warmers offer balance and fill the space of a short boot silhouette and short skirt.

How to Wear UGGs With Jeans

Whether your denim is cropped or puddles on top of your boot, wearing wide leg denim over top of your UGGs is the way to go. Check out these styling images for how to wear UGGs with mom jeans, bootcut jeans, flare jeans, straight leg jeans and more.

How to Wear UGG Boots with a Dress

Suede UGGs are a natural compliment to soft sweater dresses; maxi or mini.  The addition of a leather jacket and jumbo scarf take this look to another level utilizing layered texture and proportions. Pair your outfit with tights to stay ahead of 2023’s legwear trend.

Best Way to Wear UGGs with Sweatpants, Leggings and Loungewear

Keep your athliesure and loungewear looks feeling fabulous and not sloppy with these styling ideas! Styling neutral colored fitness wear with a double breasted top coat, scrunch socks and stylish accessories keep this off-duty look feeling fresh and sharp. Traditional sweat pants and two-piece sweat looks paired with UGGs still look great as an everyday outfit when you add a structured oversized coat and handle bag!

Best Selling UGG Boots for 2022-2023

These popular, best selling UGG Boots are selling out FAST. Snag your size while you still can, and keep an eye out for pieces on backorder. Many colors and silhouettes are in such high demand that they are also being sold on the resale marketplace platform, Stock. X, at inflated prices.

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After Versace’s famous pink platform shoe took the Fall 2022 Runway by storm, the trending platform silhouette has made it’s way into our summer outfits via the platform sandal. We love platform sandals for the magical leg lengthening effect, adding a unique silhouette and a bit of cheeky modern trend into our outfits.

Thought platforms were uncomfortable? Or maybe the silhouette just wasn’t for you? Not anymore. We’ve got our favorite platforms in every shape imaginable ranging from the casual comfort of Dr. Martens to the ultraglam event faves from Reformation. Check out our favorite ways to wear platform sandals with the following outfit ideas!

If you’re interested in developing your summer wardrobe, check out Meg Gallagher‘s styling services here. For more summer outfit ideas, see our latest blog posts here.

The Classic Platform Sandal

Let’s start with the most classic, versatile platform sandal. This is our #1 pick for essential platform shoes! If you’re just wanting to dip your toe (pun intended!!!) into this trend, you’ve GOT to try a basic slide-on platform sandal in black. It’s easy to match with your outfits and gives you the leg-accentuating effect without being too trend-forward.
We love how this piece is simultaneously laid-back and elevated. Great for date outfits, outings and in casual work spaces such as startups and creative offices – this isn’t the pair of shoes that will stay in your back closet.

Shop Classic Black Platform Sandals

Strappy Urban Platform Sandal Outfit Ideas

We love two-strap platforms for their urban street-style appeal! Balance casual with chic by pairing this piece with a dress or trousers, or keep the look ultracasual in jeans or shorts. Many variations are known to be comfort first – making this platform style more accessible to those who aren’t used to the platform shoe style. If you’re a city walker, this may just become your go-to weekender shoe!

Strappy Urban Platform Sandal Outfits With Jeans, Shorts and Trousers

Strappy Urban Platform Sandals Outfits With Dresses

Shop Urban Strap Platform Sandals

Party Ready Platform Sandals

A fabulous ode to the Spice Girls is afoot in recent outfits everywhere… Summer 2022 is YOUR time to strut into the party wearing chunky, colorful platform sandals!!! Perfect for date night, outings with friends, social media postings and parties alike – these shoes were made to be seen.
Are loud shoes not your thing? For a more subtle twist (yet unsparing on all the fun), we’ve got your back. Selecting a platform shoe with unexpected, subdued colors or interesting ridges still provides that added pop of texture or color to an outfit that is perfectly right for summer!

Shop Party Ready Platform Sandals

Shop Subdued Party Ready Platform Sandals

Elevated Event Ready Elevated Platform Sandals

These are the it-girl platforms that are reserved specifically for making a statement. Platforms in eye catching colors, memorable straps, beautiful satin materials and a funky high rise are all the right elements to enter an event, wedding or date night in style. Pair show-stopping platforms with pieces that will compliment but not overtake your outfit – all eyes on those AWESOME shoes!!!

Shop Event Ready Elevated Platforms

Espadrille Platform Sandals

Espadrille platforms are the quintessential summer shoe for beachside city walks, resorts, beach weddings, date night and summer outings! We love this shoe paired with a sundress and straw bag. These shoes are also great with jeans, jumpsuits, flowy shorts and linen trousers!

Shop Beach Ready Espadrille Sandals

Want to insert trend into your Summer wardrobe?
Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher can help you build your 2022 style!
Check out her women’s styling services here.

The post How to Wear Platform Sandals, Outfit Ideas for Summer appeared first on Madison to Melrose.