The Simple Jeans-and-Shoe Formula Fashion Insiders Swear By in Summer

In the summer months, when the sun is out and the days are busy, it's important to have a roster of easy outfit formulas you can rely on. Simple pairings are often the most effective, whether it's a lightweight linen dress and strappy sandals, a matching shirt-and-shorts set or the classic jeans and T-shirt combo. All of the above are also more likely to stand the test of time than a fussy ensemble featuring complicated silhouettes and clashing colours—unless you're a proud maximalist, of course.

But for all the minimalists among us, you'll know the excitement of discovering an effortless styling idea to add to your arsenal. And there's one union, in particular, that's risen the ranks and seems to appear every time I visit my Instagram feed. I'm talking about jeans and flip-flops.

I know, I know; flip-flops don't exactly scream 'fashion'. But the humble beach shoe has experienced quite the renaissance over the past couple of years, mostly due to the popularity of The Row's Ginza sandal. This platform silhouette features the characteristic thong detailing, elevated with thicker-than-usual straps and a smooth leather finish. The Olsen twins' covetable creation was the sandal of summer 2021, kicking off what can only be described as an obsession—now, you'll struggle to find a footwear brand that hasn't released its own version of the 'chic flip-flop'.

And in truth, there's no better sandal to make your beloved denim feel summer-appropriate. The two work in tandem to create a cool, laid-back vibe that's bang-on-brand for the warmer months. Scroll on to see five on-point outfits that demonstrate exactly what I mean.

Next: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe With 8 Pieces You'll Wear Forever