When Jennifer Lawrence walked the red carpet at the Anatomy of a Fall premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, all eyes were on…her feet. Not in a creepy way — though we can’t speak for everyone — but rather, because she wore a simple pair of black leather flip-flops with her red Dior gown. 

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking, A woman wearing flip flops: groundbreaking. But at Cannes, where women have been subjected to stricter dress codes than men, including an unofficial “heels only” rule that blocked a group of women in flats from entering a screening in 2015, the move was refreshing. Footwear News went as far as to call it “shocking.” For her part, Lawrence says she “was not making a political statement,” and, in fact, made the decision because her original shoes were too big. Either way, she looked damn chic.

So how did the humble flip-flop graduate from poolside staple to red-carpet-worthy? As anyone who has ever succumbed to the Old Navy $1 flip flop sale can tell you, the fact is, everyone needs a pair (or five). “Flip-flops are such classics because they are both functional — easy to slip on and off, and great for pools and sand — and also can add a resort-beachwear aesthetic to any look,” stylist and author Andrew Gelwicks explains.

But even a classic can change over time. What we flip for one day could flop another, and vice versa. “What is considered ‘acceptable’ on formal occasions, such as red carpets, is evolving,” Gelwicks says. Plus, A single pair of leather flip flops does not a footwear revolution make; it’s taken years to get to this point. “Kristen Stewart went barefoot at Cannes a few years prior, and Gal Gadot wore $50 sandals to her Wonder Woman premiere in 2017,” the stylist reminds.

In 2023, the low-maintenance shoe is getting its starring moment. Barbie Ferreira insists the flip-flop can have a red carpet moment. And in addition to JLaw, celebs like Zoe Kravitz and Elle Fanning have been spotted wearing flip flops (though Fanning’s were made of satin as opposed to leather). “The material of the flip flop — like most any shoe — is just as important when it comes to flip flops,” says Gelwicks. “Leather instantly elevates the flip flop, taking it from purely functional to fashionable.”

The Row has been instrumental in the flip flop’s unexpected rise. The label’s Ginza and City sandals have been duped dozens of times over. But if spending close to a grand on flip flops isn’t even in your “quiet luxury” budget, fear not: “Great style can be found at any price point,” Gelwicks reassures. “Sure, a $925 pair of sandals is beautiful and impeccably made, but there are also options at [lower pricepoints] that can be incorporated into many stylish looks.”

The RowGinza Sandal,$925.00

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The RowCity Sandal,$890.00

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If you want the look of the Ginza at an easier-to-swallow price, look no further than AllSaints’ $289 platforms. For a textural twist, we also love A.Emery’s croc-embossed take, which comes in at $200. And the “Boyfriend” from summer staple TKEES has more substantial straps than their classic flip-flop, for just $65. 

AllSaintsRio Flip Flop,$289.00

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A.EmeryThe Alma Sandal,$200.00

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TkeesBoyfriend Sandal,$65.00

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When your flip flops don’t cost the same as your rent, it’s easier to imagine wearing them day in and day out. Still, Gelwicks warns against relying on this style for wedding season. “While the formal occasions most of us are attending, like weddings or a fancy party, require us to stick with the more traditional heel or loafer, celebrities tend to have a little more wiggle room,” reminds the stylist. Once the reception or afterparty hits? That’s another story.