I feel like I need to shout, “Hear me out!” before beginning, but really, won’t you?
The team at #SGHQ knows our audience pretty well. We see the data on what you’re clicking on, the products you buy. I’d like to think that we get you. Which is why I understand if the fisherman sandal trend feels a little ~out there~ to you.
But if J.Crew is selling a pair to the men of the world, how out there can they really be?
Based on the amount of looks I’ve seen posted to men’s style bloggers’ socials this summer, these sandals have fully transcended the runways of Men’s Fashion Week (think Prada and Succession fave Loro Piana) and landed on a Main Street near you.
So, if you want to let your toes breathe this summer (who doesn’t!) while also not looking like a slob (you would never!), I triple dog dare you to give these handsome sandals a spin.
Like so many men’s style moves that seem daunting at first and then become second nature (ahem, bandanas), the trick to adding fisherman sandals into your summer footwear rotation is all in how you work them into your existing wardrobe.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some easy-to-emulate looks that showcase fisherman sandals in all their versatile and not-at-all intimidating glory, plus our favorite affordable versions from brands like Steve Madden and Vinny’s.
Trust me, you’ll be hooked! (Okay, I’ll sea myself out now.)
How to embrace the men’s fisherman sandals trend:
With navy linen chinos and a striped shirt
The dark brown leather of these fisherman sandals is such a subtle style flex when paired with navy chinos. It’s exactly how you’d wear a pair of dress shoes and a suit—but totally summer-ified.
With relaxed trousers and a lightweight sweater
Sandals after Labor Day? You bet.
When paired with cozy layers and comfy socks, you can net (see what I did there?) way more than a couple months of wear from these shoes.
With white jeans
We’ve already rhapsodized this summer about how much women love seeing a man in white jeans (and really, the broader white pants universe).
Just think how especially fresh they’ll look with a pair of fisherman sandals.
With colorful layers and pleated chinos
Another example of how great fisherman sandals look with chinos, try adding a jaunty sweater around your shoulders—just for fun.
With cargo pants and a denim chore coat
Offset the rugged look of cargo pants and a dark denim jacket with black leather sandals. (Bonus points for a rolled cuff.)
With athleisure shorts and a plaid shirt
Take your Euro-trip wardrobe up a notch with camel leather sandals that say, “I’m here to spritz with intention!”
With a suit
Yes, really! A summer-weight suit can look just right with unexpected footwear like the men’s fisherman sandals trend, à la Matt Bomer at Wimbledon.
With a striped shirt and bucket hat
I don’t know what to say other than it’s giving, “What if Mr. Magoo was young, stylish and lived in Florida?”
With a blazer and bandana
Want to go for major extra credit? Turn your summer suit into a weekend-ready ensemble with intricately woven sandals instead of sneakers or brogues.
Shop men’s fisherman sandals
J.Crew
Fisherman Sandal in Leather
Steve Madden
Bandera Slide Sandal
Allen Edmonds
Damien Fisherman Sandal
Jacques Solovière
Franck Fisherman Sandal
Todd Snyder
