Move Over, Birkenstocks; We're Currently Obsessing Over '90s-Style Chunky Sandals
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As evidenced by much of our recent fashion content, we're extremely here for '90s fashion trends. Also appealing to us? "Ugly" shoe trends from hefty combat boots to ultrathick platforms. With Summer dressing on the brain, we're transitioning our shopping strategy to keep toe-baring shoes in mind. And though we love ourselves a good pair of Birkenstocks, chunky sandals are the latest shoe trend to pique our interest.
Chunky sandals are rooted in nostalgia and a total '90s mood, ranging from cage silhouettes with wide straps to thick platform soles and weighty slides. Then there are the details like big buckles, grommets, lug soles, fisherman silhouettes, and velcro straps, all of which set various styles apart to appeal to a range of aesthetics from minimal to sporty.
While any pair of chunky sandals will set a '90s tone, certain pieces really channel the mood like plaid skirts á la Cher Horowitz, cutesy socks, slip dresses, and tube tops. We even love them with low-rise leather pants (a favorite of Jennifer Aniston's Friends character, Rachel Green) or tailored linen separates (not unlike the superchic shorts suit worn by Vivian Ward at the end of Pretty Woman).
For more of a visual guide, keep scrolling for 16 chunky sandal outfits we love, as styled by fashion insiders and influencers. Plus, shop our edit, from under-$50 options to designer styles.
How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Channel a Clueless vibe by styling a pair of chunky sandals with a plaid skirt and mesh top.
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Truffle Collection Chunky Flatform Heeled Sandals
Truffle Collection Chunky Flatform Heeled Sandals ($42, originally $64)
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Chunky sandals are a cool offset to a pretty puff-sleeve dress. Bonus points for a bright plaid print.
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Zara Lug Sole Buckle Platform Sandals
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Breezy and chic, we love the look of chunky sandals with a linen suit and crop top.
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
For a modern take on '90s grunge, try pairing chunky sandals with a coordinating top-and-trouser set.
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
It doesn't get more '90s grunge than a silky slip dress with chunky sandals and socks.
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Eytys Athena Leather Black Sandals
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
The minimalist's take on '90s style? Chunky sandals, silk pants, a crewneck sweater, and mini accessories.
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Skechers Jammers Heritage Sandal
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Working Girl, but make it modern with a short pinstripe suit, chunky sandals, and socks.
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Chunky sandals perfectly ground a quirky-chic combo of a graphic tee, printed sip skirt, and striped tote.
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Topshop Phoebe Black Chunky Sandals
Topshop Phoebe Black Chunky Sandals ($51, originally $68)
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
A romantic take on nostalgic style, we love this feminine top, colorful pant, and chunky sandal combo.
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Urban Outfitters Solar Caged Sandal
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
A bold dress feels effortless and cool with a pair of chunky leather sandals.
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3.1 Phillip Lim Yasmine Espadrille Platform Sandals
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Give an LBD the chunky sandal treatment and finish with a colorful mini bag.
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ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Wait Chunky Platform Heeled Sandals
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Does it get more '90s than a body-skimming top, colorful high-rise pants, chunky sandals, a baguette bag, a micro-sunnies? We think not.
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Ganni Sporty Logo-Embossed Distressed Buckled Leather Sandals
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
For an off-duty outfit, chunky sandals are surfer girl chic with a tie-dye tee, Bermuda shorts, chunky sandals, and a bucket hat.
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Nasty Gal Faux Leather Black Platform
Nasty Gal Faux Leather Black Platform ($25, originally $50)
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Nineties, but make it cozy in low-rise leather pants, an oversized sweatshirt, and chunky sandals (preferably in a fun color!).
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Dr. Martens Clarissa II Platform Sandal
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Comfy and cute, we love the look of chunky sandals with a tie-dye tee and pleated miniskirt.
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How to Wear Chunky Sandals
Chunky sandals take a pretty white dress in an edgy direction.
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