Stepping out of your humble abode beyond a 50 meters radius in flip flops is the equivalent of social suicide. A blasphemy! Utter atrocity! And like the many trends from the late 90’s and early aughts we never thought we’d revisit, flip flops aka thongs for the feet ( join the lineup of unlikely fashion comebacks – right alongside low slung denim jeans, chain belts, bandanas.

About two summers ago, heeled renditions of flip flops were the season’s piece de resistance. The trend quite literally elevated the status of flip-flops from forbidden footwear to totally appropriate for the office. This open-toe season, its chunkier, platform counterpart takes over the mantle. It took us way, waayy back to that iconic Gwen Stefani red carpet moment at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards (p.s. we found a near-identical pair from The Row).

The designer iterations of late, however, aren’t exactly the OTT tacky wedges of the nightmare-ish past. These are sleek, minimal silhouettes that’d lend any beach outfit a touch of resort luxe. We wouldn’t necessarily advise these for the office but if you tried, they’d go unnoticed under longer hemlines.

Multi-functional flip-flops? Consider history rewritten.

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Jacquemus Les Tatanes Lin Leather Platform Flip Flops

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Low Classic Off-White Platform Flip Flops

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System Black Leather Platform Flip Flops

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Jil Sander Padded Nappa-Leather Flatform Slides

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Shop-Peche Capri Thong Sandals

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The Row Ginza Two-Tone Leather and Suede Platform Flip Flops

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Flat Apartment Black Puffed Platform Sandals

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