Fashion

Chic & Breezy Summer Shoes to Elevate your Abaya Game

Published

10 months ago

10 June 2025

Step up your summer style: The best shoes to complement your abaya with comfort, class, and confidence.

It’s officially the sandal season in the UAE and if one of your goals is to elevate your abaya look with footwear that is not only stylish but heatproof and comfortable, then this article is for you.

In this article, we’d be considering top shoe picks you should consider to take your abaya outfit from basic to premium without any discomfort.

Strappy Flat Sandals : Chic plus Comfort

Strappy sandals

These strappy flat sandals are designed to frame your look in a way that your abaya still takes the center stage.

You’d want to consider shades that are timeless like tan, cream or metallic gold. These sandals don’t only add a touch of elegance to your abaya, they also add a touch of softness and femininity to your entire look.

They are perfect for brunches, date nights or light shopping.

Why you should consider them:

The slim straps keep things airy so your feet don’t overheat.
They complement both relaxed linen abayas and evening-ready silk styles so whatever you decide to go with, you’re covered.
You can easily dress up or down. Add strappy sandals to elevate a plain black abaya or keep it casual with earth-toned pieces.

Pro tip: To take it up a notch, add a soft anklet or minimalist toe ring. It adds a layer of personality without stealing the show.

Mule Slides: Perfect Regardless of Location

Mule slides

If you want the sandal that provides both comfort and a runway kind of energy, mule slides are your go-to. They are cushioned, very easy to put on and enhance your everyday look from random shopping to full-blown dinner dates.

Why you should consider them:

The cushioned sole keeps you walking in comfort all day especially if you need to quickly visit the mall or as you commute to and from work.
Choosing embroidered or studded versions form a subtle contrast with minimalist abayas.
They look effortlessly chic when your abaya peeks at ankle level just right.

Pro tip: Pair them with a lightweight printed abaya or embroidered sleeves for a flawless indoor-outdoor balance.

Wedge Espadrilles: Height That Doesn’t Hurt

Wedge Espadrilles

If you are that girl that wants added height for a look but doesn’t want the pain of stilettos, then wedge Espadrilles are your savior.

They add length to your look, over more support and are extremely comfortable making them ideal for elevating your abaya for special occasions.

Why you should consider them:

The supportive wedge keeps you stable in Dubai’s summer heat.
Natural jute sole adds a Mediterranean summer vibe.
They go perfectly well under lace-trimmed abayas or kimono-style overlays.

Pro tip: A neutral wedge pairs amazingly with flowing abayas in warm hues like olive, beige, or cream.

Chunky Sandals: Edgy, Modest, and Totally in Vogue

Chunky sandals

These sandals are for the girlies who want a rugged vibe and cool girl edge. With thick soles, bold straps and an unapologetic aura, these are for the tech-savvy girls who just want to look cool.

Why you should consider them:

Chunky sandals add height and comfort without feeling too feminine.
They pair beautifully with sporty abayas, kimono silhouettes, or bomber-style layers.
These sandals are a perfect balance of both street style and modest fashion. Edgy but respectful of the aesthetic in the summer heat.

Pro tip: Pair with a structured crossbody bag and minimal gold jewelry for balance.

Pointed-Toe Flats: Sharpen Up Your Work or Event Look

Pointed-Toe flats

For days when you want to look more formal or for work, pointed-toe flats give off that sleek, corporate look. They elongate your foot and enhance your look so it feels more refined and luxurious.

Why you should consider them:

Sharp toes upscale any outfit, from crisp to darker abayas and monochrome sets.
Neutral pastels or blush tones soften strong lines without losing professionalism.
Protective toe shape means less chance of stubbing your toes in open architecture.

Pro tip: A pointed flat works wonders with tailored abayas like cinched waists and minimalist accessories.

Jelly Sandals: Blend of Nostalgic + Modern

Jelly sandals

When you think of jelly Sandals, what should come to mind is a combination of the 90s retro and metallic buzz-worthy textures.

They are a comeback that balance the past and present perfectly, are super playful but still refined to elevate your abaya.

Why you should consider them:

They are playful and nostalgic, yet elevated in neutral or hooped metallic tones.
They are very easy to clean and water-ready just in case you need to hit the beach.
They offer a fun twist to simple abayas, especially transparent or nude styles.

Pro tip: Use them to add a bright pop in an otherwise soft-toned outfit or keep it monochrome with clear strappy jelly pairs.

Flip-Flops & Heeled Variants: Summer Luxury Done Right

Flip-flops

Flip-flops are no longer casual. Jelly flip-flops or the heeled versions take your abaya looking from a zero to a hundred while keeping your feet completely cool. Talk about a win-win situation.

Why you should consider them:

Slight heel gives a polished silhouette while keeping things breezy.
It could pass for both a day and night outfit.
Perfect with long-line abayas, you get elevation without discomfort.

Pro tip: Pair with a tailored abaya silhouette and minimal jewelry for that effortlessly refined look.

Espadrille Mary Janes: Trendy, Supportive, Elegant

Espadrilles Mary Janes

Mary Jane espadrilles combines a closed-toe with an ankle strap and a jute-lined sole. The perfect combination of classic charm with understated elegance.

Why you should consider them:

They are supportive yet breathable and are great for longer wear.
Perfect with pencil-cut abayas, skirted ones, or abaya dresses with texture details.
The strap gives just enough femininity to balance the modest look.

Pro tip: Choose neutral tones to match any abaya in your closet.

Final Tips to Step Up

Prioritise breath through fabrics: Leather, cotton, mesh, or jute. Choose airy materials for hot days.
Balance the contrast: Dark abayas pop with glitter sandals; light abayas glow with nude or pastel tones.
Give your toes some TLC: Summer sandal season means sandal-ready feet so make sure to keep the polish fresh!

Conclusion

This summer, your abaya is your statement and your shoes? They’re the finishing touch that can either make or break your look.

So whether you’ve got flats, mules, wedges, chunky soles, or playful jellies, each pair gives your look a personality boost. Step into summer with confidence, comfort, and all the style because your feet (and your abaya) deserve it.

ALSO SEE: Inside Kim Kardashian’s Dream Closet

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Fashion

Wedge Mules Are Making Their Way into Spring Collections

Published

3 days ago

30 March 2026

Martina Okoabu

Street style de París.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

From mules to pumps to sandals, the return of wedges came in a full circle. Isabel Marant’s Bekett trainers and ’90s-inspired thong sandals, which anticipated the shoe trend, contributed to the comeback of these styles. They will also be available as heeled mules in spring 2026, the design is reflected in the name. Designed with comfort in mind, most styles feature walkable heels under three inches.

ALAÏA satin wedge mules — photo: mytheresa.com

Street style has already embraced the shoe, with fashion insiders in Milan and Paris combining pops of red with skirts and minidresses for a modest lift, as well as traditional black leather. Wedges can also be worn with loose-fitting tailored clothes or jeans. This is a refreshing change from spring regular footwear, ballerinas and Mary Janes.

Victor Virgile//Getty Images

One thing that makes this shoe appealing is the modest heel, which is still high but comfortable, and also it’s clean finish. There are no unpleasant ankle straps or fussy frills; instead, it is defined by its backless design and supportive wedge heel, crafted from materials like satin and leather.

Edward Berthelot//Getty Images

For those wishing to invest in a trend that blends ease and everyday wearability, wedge mules are a reliable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice style. This balance between function and fashion is exactly why the shoe is gaining pace again. Today’s versions feel refined rather than bulky, aligning with the current shift toward simple but classy and wearable design.

Reformation Marilyn Wedge Mule — Photo@ thereformation.com

Also beyond beauty, wedge mules also appeal to the modern consumer’s need for versatility. They transition seamlessly from daytime errands to evening outings without requiring a change of shoes, making them a practical addition to any wardrobe. Regardless of the type you choose, you’ll be set for spring and summer in style.

Fashion

Willy Chavarria is Zara’s Newest Collaborator

Published

1 week ago

25 March 2026

Martina Okoabu

Willy Chavarria X Zara — Instagram

Zara is making waves with its latest collaboration with Willy Chavarria. The designer who has gained recognition for his New York Fashion Week shows will bring a new collection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women, which will be available on the 26th of March.

“This collaboration is a way for me to share the elevated aspects of the brand vision with a wider, more democratic audience,” Chavarria says. Entitled Vatísmo—the superlative form of ‘vato,’ the collection centers on community and cultural roots, with the term ‘vato,’ drawn from Chicano culture, expressing friendship, unity, and love.

Willy Chavarria X Zara — Instagram

Chavarria also brings his storytelling into fashion, for women’s clothing, he explored styles that have previously appeared in runway shows, such as his most recent, which was staged in the Dojo de Paris against a reconstructed New York street intersection. For Zara, he imagined “a mansion in Mexico City where a family with conflict lived,”drawing inspiration from 1980s American dramas like Dallas and Dynasty mixed with Mexican telenovelas.

The Willy Chavarria woman is represented by Christy Turlington in a Glen Luchford-lensed campaign. He highlights strong shoulders in sharply tailored jackets crafted from tropical-weight wool, patent fabrics, and leather. “I wanted to create pieces people will treasure for years. The quality is impressive,” he adds.

Willy Chavarria X Zara— Instagram

Willy introduces a fresh twist to his signature trousers, for women he introduces wide-leg trousers with pleats and tailored, loose-fitting, slightly-barrelled, elasticated options for men. Skirts range from rust-hued midis to acid-washed denim and tailored styles. He includes longline shorts in both categories for summer staples.

Basic pieces like rose-embroidered bodysuits, slogan t-shirts, and ribbed socks for daily use. Accessories like flowers, lace inserts, and gem-adorned gold jewellery add glamour. The logo-stamped minishorts in the men’s line are a playful seasonal staple, paired with a slogan tee, you’re instantly part of Chavarria’s ‘Nueva York’club. This Zara collaboration aims that Chavarria’s vision reaches both fans and a growing audience.

Willy Chavarria X Zara — Instagram

don’t miss: Willy Chavarria FW26 Show at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Fashion

Are Dark Washed Jeans the Latest Fashion Favourite

Published

1 month ago

2 March 2026

Martina Okoabu

Chloë Grace Moretz: Getty Images

Dark-wash jeans have become a popular fashion trend, offering a versatile option compared to regular denim. Their rich indigo colors give a neat appearance that works well in both formal and informal settings. Easier to style than black denim and more smart- looking than light-blue jeans, dark-wash jeans are gaining popularity, and fashion lovers are embracing them.

Rihanna — Getty Images

The resurgence of dark-wash denim is evident across various fashion platforms. For instance, in early 2026, New Yorkers embraced black and dark indigo jeans as the dominant denim wave, favoring cuts like wide-leg, cigarette, bootcut, and straight-leg. These jeans, available in stone-washed to deep black, and can be styled in countless ways. Celebrities such as Chloë Grace Moretz have been photographed wearing straight-leg dark denim combined with similar denim shirts. Fashion influencers promote the versatility across social media, giving practical ideas for styling.

Chloë Grace Moretz in Dark-washed jeans image: TheStewartofNY//Getty Images

Designers such as Celine and Givenchy showcased dark-wash jeans prominently in their 2026 runway displays. Fashion experts highlighted many ways to style the jeans, such as rolled-up cuffs, baggy or narrow cuts, showing their flexibility. They work well with tailored blazers for a clean-cut look, or with casual tees, chunky knits, and trench coats for a relaxed vibe. Styling options range from classic neutrals to colorful pieces, giving plenty of ways to wear them.

Image Pinterest @ Styled by Ludovica Givenchy SS26

The appeal of dark-wash jeans is that they work with many styles. Regardless of your preference, whether high-waisted leg-lengthening fits or baggy styles, they go well with any outfit. Dark-wash jeans have established themselves as a contemporary wardrobe essential, and they will remain popular through 2026.