Havianas who? These are the £35 flip flops our fashion editor says everyone should switch to – and how to actually look chic wearing them if you’re over 50

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Moisturise those ankles and get your pedi at the ready. The hottest shoe of the summer is open-toed, comes in five colourways and is ergonomically engineered (yes, really) to provide as much comfort as your walking sandals: I’m talking about FitFlop’s iQushion™ glossy-button flip-flops.

With over a million pairs of this ultra-comfy design sold since its launch in early April, you’d think, despite the fuel crisis, that a lot of people are heading to warmer climes. But slide-ons are no longer reserved for the beach.

The city-flop takeover has subtly unfolded since early spring. You might think I’m mad, but if you take a look at the feet of commuters on the tube, the ends of dangling legs on bar stools in Soho and even under desks in the office, you will find that flip flops are considered by some to be everyday – perhaps even corporate -wear.

Bare toes in the boardroom may turn your stomach. But the fashion pack tout theirs on the FROW and even at A-list events, too. At Copenhagen fashion week red Havaianas were the shoe du jour. Last month, at Chanel’s Cruise collection show held in glittering Biarritz, editors stalked to their seats wearing black Archies pairs. And on the red carpet at the Met Gala and even the BAFTAs heeled-flops were as subscribed to as Ozempic.

My above-mentioned go-to glossy favourites are only £35, but the sheen makes them feel sleek and smart, rather than casual, and they come with a hidden built-in arch contour and rebound technology, making them much better for your feet than bog standard pairs.

I have the classic black but because I’ve been wearing them on repeat, I’m eyeing up the trendy cherry red pair and the sage green, too.

The insider trick to styling these sandals at any age – without looking silly – is to de-beach your look. No flouncy crochet, sarong skirts, raffia bags or anything that could be mistaken for holiday attire.

Instead stick to tailored trousers, capri pants (flip flops are the most flattering shoe to wear with this marmite legging), cargos, Bermudas and wide leg jeans. Dresses and skirts are fine too, but be wary of looking too laid back, bohemian and undone. You want to emulate boss-girl style rather than frilly tradwife-core.

And don’t be afraid to branch out from basic black. A bold shade, like green, cobalt blue, and even yellow – will inject a playful shot of colour into any old look.

Just check the weather before wearing yours – soggy trotters are not style set approved.

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