"Days spent by the beach, picnics in the park, happy hours with the girls—summer undoubtedly brings some of the very best days of the year. With warm weather comes packed schedules, and no matter your adventure, you need a shoe that’s not only comfortable, but can also take you from day to night with style. Enter: the raffia sandal.
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The ideal summer shoe—because, let’s face it, the material just screams beach hair and palm trees—raffia sandals are a must-have for an easy, breezy style that’s totally timeless. “Raffia sandals’ straw-like texture immediately adds a relaxed, beachy vibe to any ensemble,” says Bella Gerard, Shopping & Trend Advisor at Rakuten. “And the material is light but durable, making them a solid pick no matter the summer occasion.”
Need we say more? If you’re mentally planning out the rest of your summe routfits (don’t worry, we are too), raffia sandals deserve to be a part of them. Here’s how to style yours this season, plus our favorite options to get your hands on.
How to Style Raffia Sandals
Casual-Chic
Summer style is all about simplicity. Neutral tones and perfectly crafted basics are the key to any timeless outfit. Try pairing a flat, raffia sandal with a casual blue jean and white blouse for a modern and urban ‘fit that can be worn to picnics in the park, walking around your local Farmer’s Market, or meeting friends out to brunch.
Bohemian-Inspired
The perfect match for a beachy, raffia shoe? Floral prints and layered accessories. This bohemian style gives a free-spirited yet understated effect for an out-of-office feeling. Pro Tip: Opt for a flowy, patterned dress and some platform shoes for a more elevated look.
Linen, Linen, Linen
On any given summer day, you can look out your window and spot a handful of linen pieces—and for good reason. Linen sets have been trending for a while now for their effortless feel and breathable material. Throw on a pair of laid-back raffia flats when styling your linen pants and crop tops and you’ll feel like a total it-girl in seconds.
Poolside Style
What’s summer without lounging by a body of water? When relaxing poolside or taking a day trip to the beach, pair your favorite raffia slides with a pair of denim shorts and a basic tank for a simple, yet classic look.
Coastal Grandma-Inspired
The coastal grandma in us lives for a summer sweater on chilly evenings. Pair a tank top with denim bermudas and a cardigan around the shoulders, then choose a pair of raffia sandals to either elevate the look or keep it casual. Flats make the ensemble barbecue-ready, while a raffia heel dresses things up a bit for date night or dinner with friends.
Our Favorite Raffia Sandals of 2024
If you love a chunky shoe as much as we do, Steve Madden has just the option for you. A twist on the classic two-strap style, these sandals are the perfect accent accessory that gives an extra bit of height.
A sporty-meets-stylish sandal with chic gold buckles? This pair from J.Crew will turn all your summer outfits up a notch.
These Dolce Vita sandals scream “quintessential summer” thanks to the crocheted raffia and neutral brown tones.
Looking for a more maximalist style? From the gorgeously glossy tonal beads to the fun and fringy raffia, these LOFT sandals are a fashion girl’s dream accessory.
Sleek and timeless, this handwoven raffia sandal is a fresh update to the classic, feminine style.
Comfy, casual, cute… what more could we ask for? These American Eagle sandals are the exact definition of an effortless summer style.
For those looking to dress up a bit more, these chunky flatforms feature a minimalist brown leather strap that’s both polished and chic.
When the sun is shining and the temperature hits 80 degrees, you need a shoe that compliments your mood. Whether you’re strolling down a sandy shore or hustling through the city streets, embrace the beachy aesthetic with these adorable platform sandals.
Throw these sporty sandals into your carry-on bag and hit the road—cute and versatile, they can be paired with all your vacation outfits.
Leave it to Dolce Vita to create the perfect strappy sandal. Not to mention, the raffia material makes it the perfect companion for beach trips and walks for ice cream.
If you’re ready to welcome a heel into your summer stylings, Aerosoles’ sophisticated-yet-functional strappy sandal is a must-have.
Slip into the breeziest pair of shoes you’ll ever own with these sleek sandals. Featuring a thick leather toe strap and a raffia flatform, they give a nod to the ’90s aesthetic that’s totally trending right now.
Make a bold entrance in every room in these chunky, resort-ready platforms.
If you’re looking to dip your toe (ha, get it?) into the raffia style, these slides add a modern edge to the classic summer shoe.
A chunky and bubbly silhouette, these Simon Miller sandals are the perfect addition to an eclectic yet cool ‘fit.
Not all raffia shoes need to be in neutral tones. Try your hand at these black sandals for a unique take on the trend, or simply to add some dimension to your breezy summer ‘fits.