How Flip-Flops and Jeans Are Becoming the Summer Shortcut to The Row’s Cool-Girl Uniform

Everyone is talking about The Row’s $690 Dune flip-flops. The simple toe-split sandal has sparked TikTok tirades and New York Times think pieces. Marie Claire’s fashion news team has extensively covered the high-priced shoe since the quiet luxury celebrity crowd has no hesitation about paying $700 for a rubber pool slide.

I, however, am focused on a separate matter: in the Olsen twin-helmed brand's Spring 2025 collection, The Row styled its viral flip-flops with large, loose jeans that puddled around the shoe's V-shaped strap.

I’ve always had a soft spot for style mashups that feel so wrong they’re right, which is why pairing flip-flops with jeans fascinates me. After all, flip-flops (those waterproof rubber thong sandals) belong on the beach, teamed with a gauzy swimsuit cover-up or breezy linen trousers. And denim—especially a $1,050 puddle-length pair from The Row—seems utterly impractical by the ocean, its hem destined to drag through the sand.

And yet, The Row’s flip-flop and jeans formula works because while the sum of its parts might be, it isn’t a beach outfit at all. Instead, it’s a combination you’d see on a nonchalantly cool Manhattanite, and you’d spend the rest of the week thinking about it—or in a luxury brand’s collection that debuted almost a year ago and hasn’t left your brain since.

The juxtaposition of beachy flip-flops and durable denim is unexpected. And like kitten heels paired with track pants or a frilly dress combined with a grunge leather jacket, this oddball combination makes the entire outfit feel far more complex and interesting than the expected pieces of either item.

Considering that the Olsen twins commandeer the trend cycle like high-fashion puppeteers pulling the strings (they're the reason jelly sandals and plaid are experiencing super-charged spikes in popularity right now), I expect the combo to be a leading look for summer 2025. All the tastemakers you follow are already on board with flip-flops and jeans, like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber (both partial to The Row's $690 Dune Classic Sandal), and Kylie Jenner.

Even though the idea of lounging in a sandy cabana wearing my best Levi’s jeans gives me full-body heebie-jeebies, this pairing will fit well in my summer fashion Rolodex for comfortable Saturdays and casual cocktails with friends. So, I curated a round-up of the surprisingly elevated flip-flop and jeans outfits I plan to recreate in the coming months. Consider the below looks a cheat sheet for achieving The Row style for a lot less.

French Girl Flair

For a foolproof, elegant idea, try taking inspiration from French-girl fashion. A red and white Breton striped lady jacket and a straw basket bag add a touch of Jane Birkin.

Tan, Top-to-Toe

A natural, neutral color palette also offers no-fail polish. Start with a beige pair of flatflorm flip-flops and work your way up.

Designer Details

Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, is on board with the funky formula, too. She chose a relaxed outfit with flip-flops, jeans, and a short-sleeve shirt, but she added a designer handbag for an unmistakably elegant touch.

Supersize Me

This Copenhagen Fashion Week street styler embraces a "the baggier, the better" ethos with her black rubber flip-flops. (Fun fact: the Scandi set calls the shoe klip klappers.) The oversized shirt and wide pants combination is also smart to consider in summer since the ventilation helps keep you cool.

The Culottes Comeback

Culottes are on the verge of a 2025 comeback. Get a head start on the trend with a pair made of denim, which contrasts wonderfully with a frilly boho blouse and easy slip-on slides.

Cuff It To Me

Once you've settled into styling flip-flops and jeans, highlight the combination with a pair of cuffed denim. The flipped-up hem emphasizes the shoe below—a confident styling choice I imagine the Olsen twins would approve of.

Walk on the Wild Side

If a black rubber or neutral leather flip-flop is too minimal for your taste, consider trying the leopard print trend. Similar to the above outfit, a pair of Bermuda shorts will also draw attention to your bold shoe choice.

Dark Rinse

Once you've mastered blue jeans, a black wash is the next step. These bottoms pair especially well with darker-toned sandals, as the monochrome color palette is a code for put-together style.

Denim-on-Denim

For the truly adventurous dressers, consider elevating the fashion ante with a denim-on-denim ensemble and a pair of heeled flip-flops. The look can be polarizing, but the key is to pay close attention to matching the denim washes—like this Paris Fashion Week guest's true blue set.

Prepster Polish

Alternatively, you can create a flip-flop and jeans outfit around a minimal base that won't raise any eyebrows, like an off-white linen blazer. But consider slipping into a pair of wedge thong sandals for a slight dose of intrigue.

Waist Action

Sometimes, all an outfit needs is a subtle cinch or detail at the waist. Try what this Paris Fashion Week guest did: instead of a leather belt, wrap a knit layer around your middle for a contrast in texture.