Gladiator sandals are making a comeback! Shop the 15 best pairs that you'll wear all summer long
We've lost count of the number of throwback fashion items reappearing in our wardrobes as of late. From '70s flared jeans to bubble hems that reigned supreme in the 2000s, the latest style statement set to re-enter the fashion cycle is none other than gladiator sandals. And here we were thinking wedges were the most controversial sandal trend this summer...
Immediately identifiable by multiple straps criss-crossing over the top of the foot – and sometimes lacing all the way up calves, too – creating a 'caged' effect, the fussy footwear was seen on a number of SS25 runways, including at Dior, Isabel Marant and Alberta Ferretti. While ancient Romans used to wear them everywhere, including into battle (hence the shoe's name), most recently (read: circa 2007), they adorned the feet of Sienna Miller, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.
So, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised at the sandals' reemergence in 2025, given our current penchant for nostalgia, along with the fact they go hand-in-hand with the boho revival we're currently experiencing. It's not too late to add a pair to your Glastonbury packing list!
Or, look to Tom Ford's AW24 collection for inspo, where bejewelled and heeled gladiators were styled with slinky evening dresses and sharp tailoring, confirming they're just as much a summer holiday staple. Yep, this trend has been coming since last season, maybe Paul Mescal's turn in Gladiator II is the real source of this trend revival?! He is a fashion icon, after all.
If you're wanting to get in on the look, now is the time to do so with the sun well and truly out. To find the best gladiator sandals for you, we've rounded up our favourites on the high street and beyond, from OTT knee-high designs to more subtle takes that have been given a modern update.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
2 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
The best bob hairstyles for every hair type and texture – whether thin, thick, curly or straight
Thinking about going for the big chop? Whether you've got thick waves, baby-fine strands, coils that bounce, or stick-straight hair that will not quit, there's a bob out there made for you. Because the bob isn't just a haircut – it's a whole vibe. Chic, edgy, classy, cool-girl… she can do it all. But let's be real, just like the Glastonbury festival ticketing system, not all bobs are created equal. The key to nailing that "just left the salon and feel like a whole new person" energy is choosing the right cut for your hair type. And lucky for you, we've done the research, speaking to some of the beauty industry's most knowledgeable hair experts – Tom Smith and Jordanna Cobella – who shared their tricks for finding your very own perfect bob. From blunt micro bobs to shaggy, layered cuts, we've rounded up the ultimate inspo and stylist-approved tips for every texture and thickness. Ready to meet your new signature cut? Let's bob and weave, bb. "Straight hair lends itself to classic, sharp bobs easily," Tom Smith, Cosmopolitan Contributing Hair Expert, says. "Sleek straight styles work well with minimal daily effort, but if you want a choppy or voluminous bob, bear in mind you'll need to style waves and movement into your hair." Tom's pro tip: If your hair is fine and straight, the tucked bob style, where one side is tucked behind the ear, is a great way to increase the illusion of thickness. Wavy hair types work great with bobs that are designed to be worn with movement. Tom says, "Anything flipped over or where flicks or texture is desired will be easier to achieve here." This includes the French bob, bottleneck bob, Italian bob and bell-bottom bob. Jordanna Cobella, Cosmopolitan Contributing Hair Expert, also adds that introducing some front pieces can also help type 2 hair bounce. "Just be sure to cut it longer than anticipated to account for the bounce, as when dry, it will sit shorter than the wet length," she says. Jordanna's pro tip: Use a curl cream to enhance type 2 waves. The Wella Professionals Nutricurls Curlixir Balm is a firm favourite. But remember: Depending on your curl pattern, you may need to cocktail a curling balm and a mousse or a cream. Apply when wet and avoid brushing; simply scrunch dry upside down and air dry or use a diffuser for extra lift and curl. Curly hair lends itself to curved and rounded bob shapes. In particular, Tom says that "bob-shag hybrids can work really well thanks to the natural curvaceous quality curls have." Confirming this, Jordanna says that it's the layered, textured aspects of these cuts that bring the curls to life. Jordanna's pro tip: Embrace the triangular shape that curly bobs sometimes fall into as it gives width and is flattering. Styling-wise, the same rules apply to wavy (see above), but product choice is key. You may have to vary the products in the different parts of your hair; the front generally has tighter curls, whereas the roots and top part of the hair tend to be more frizzy. So, with that in mind, a stronger curl cream is essential. Coily hair textures are best suited to sculptural, shapely bobs. "Side partings can really help to allow textured hair to be stretched out into a shape which feels more 'bob' like," Tom says, while Jordanna adds that a tapered bob is the way to go. "The key is to cut it dry in its natural state for the true account on the shape it will take," she says. Jordanna's pro tip: When it comes to styling a coily bob, hydration is key; make sure your shampoo and conditioner are curly hair friendly, as some can be quite drying. Utilise a leave-in conditioner and oil for twist-outs or finger coils, and for a more defined curl, use curling balms or creams. The great thing about a bob haircut is that there are so many interpretations and adaptations (if you hadn't already gathered!). There's something to suit every hair type, as well as hair texture and density. Tom breaks down his advice for the best bob depending on your hair texture, below: Sharp laser-cut bobs help to build density in thin hair types. The blunt cut clusters the hair together and creates weight and the illusion of thickness at the ends. Long layered bobs reduce bulk in thick hair but maintain the short shape. Unlike thinning hair, fine hair types are suited to a textured, choppy chin-length bob. This style adds volume, body and movement. High-density hair refers to a large number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp, so even if you have fine strands, you may have a lot of them. This means you have high-density hair. For those with this hair texture, a hidden layering lob is a great option. The longer bob style is defined by subtle layers to add texture without being visible and blunt ends. (Read: Ghost layers). An a-line bob (longer at the front, shorter in the back) with invisible layering gives structure to those with frizz-prone hair, all without puff. Victoria Beckham's iconic look is a great example of this cut. What are the 4 different hair types? According to the hair-typing system, there are four main groups of hair. Here's the basic rundown of the categories: Each category also has three a, b, and c subcategories (for example: 3a, 3b, 3c, or 4a, 4b, 4c) that break down each hair type even further. Tom Smith is a renowned hairstylist and trend forecaster known for his innovative eye and detailed understanding of global beauty movements. With years of hands-on salon experience, a keen sense for emerging trends and experience working with brands including Olaplex and evo hair, Tom has become a trusted voice in the industry. His unique ability to blend artistry with data-driven insights makes him an authority on what's next in hair. Jordanna Cobella is a distinguished hairstylist and salon owner based in London, celebrated for her exceptional skill and innovative approach to hairdressing. As the Creative Director of Cobella Salon in Kensington and Wella Hair brand ambassador, she has garnered recognition as London Hairdresser of the Year for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). Her expertise encompasses advanced colour techniques and styling, honed through extensive experience at prestigious events such as London, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks. So, now that you're swotted up on all things bob, what are you waiting for? It's time to book a salon chop! I'll be waiting... Follow Lia on Instagram. Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she's an expert in recognising the season's next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You'll usually find her putting TikTok's recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it's true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Never a dull' moment for Glastonbury volunteers
Tickets to the UK's biggest festival are notoriously hard to come by, with hundreds of thousands of fans trying from around the world - and only 210,000 people succeeding. But there are also thousands of people who secure tickets by swapping a few hours a day for shifts to help keep Glastonbury Festival running smoothly behind the scenes. From Oxfam and Shelter, to campsite crews and sensory calm spaces for people with neurodiversities, volunteers help every summer in return for a free ticket. The BBC spoke to some of the volunteers about why they do it, and how it is more than a free way into Somerset's Worthy Farm. Stuart Saunders has volunteered every year since 2007, starting as a Park Stage fire steward, and now is one of a dozen supervisors who look after more than 300 volunteers at the same site. The area around Park Stage famously includes the ribbon tower, the Glastonbury signs on the hill, several music spaces and areas and more. Although he said he has met some of his heroes while volunteering, he said the best part has been watching the area "evolve into being a part of something". "There's a team of people who work really hard to make it all happen, knowing them and they're such a diverse bunch," he said. "All walks of life, all backgrounds. And the only thing they have in common is they just want to deliver an amazing show and just being part of it is, in a small way, is a bit of a thrill. "Every year, there's little changes and it gets a little bit better. Better for the crowd, better for the people working there." Joel Aughey volunteers for Diverse UK, which sets up the sensory calm spaces dotted around the festival for neurodiverse people who are feeling overwhelmed. Since 2022, they have gone from one space to five and now has thousands attending across the festival's five days each year. Mr Aughey, who has ADHD, says the spaces are "vital for neurodiverse people". "It's been so interesting and fulfilling for me," he said. "Things are happening that add additional stress to a neurodiverse brain. "People would come in overwhelmed, and you get to take them in and put them somewhere where they can recuperate for a time, and then watch them come back out smiling, thanking you and getting back into it. "People say 'I would've gone home if this wasn't here' or 'I'd be back in the campsite'." She said it was people's responses and the feedback after they leave the space which makes it "so fulfilling". The spaces are in a white gazebo. Inside is low soft light and comfortable seating, and volunteers stand outside to speak to anyone who may need to use the space. Anyone who enters are given ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones, sensory aids such as fidget toys and a weighted blanket. Mr Aughey said they don't "exclusively let people in who identify as neurodiverse". Mary Palmer has volunteered at the Hawkwell campsite as a crew member near the Pyramid Stage since 2015. From giving directions to counselling heartbroken festival-goers, she said she has helped anyone with just about anything. "There's never a dull moment," she said. "Just being able to help people, and people going away feeling better than they were or leaving with more of a smile on their face." Ms Palmer and the campsite crew volunteer from Tuesday to Monday, working six hour shifts per day across a 24-hour period. "It sounds like we turn up, have a good time. But there is training involved, there's a lot of health and safety based training and crowd control training. "It's not just turning up and doing a few shifts and going home again. There's a lot more to it than that." Glastonbury Festival will open its gates at Worthy Farm in Somerset on 25 June until 29 June. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Glastonbury ticket sales cut to avoid overcrowding Couple in 80s thrilled to be Glastonbury volunteers How to get into Glastonbury without a ticket Brain injury survivor volunteers at Glastonbury Glastonbury 2025: Full line-up and stage times revealed Glastonbury Festival
Elle
19 hours ago
- Elle
Dua Lipa Reveals the Custom Details That Make Her Engagement Ring ‘So Me'
Six months after Dua Lipa first sparked engagement rumors with a shiny new ring, she finally addressed the speculation in British Vogue: 'Yeah, we're engaged. It's very exciting.' The singer confirmed on June 12 that actor Callum Turner proposed—and that the diamond ring she has quietly flaunted on Instagram since Christmas Eve is, in fact, the real deal. Lipa told the magazine that Turner tapped her sister, Rina, and a few close friends for intel before having the piece made. 'I'm obsessed with it. It's so me,' she said. 'It's nice to know the person that you're going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.' While the couple has not revealed any exact specs, independent jewelers have weighed in. Bridal experts at Brides estimate the ring features a 'round brilliant or old European cut' diamond set into a wide yellow-gold band, a design that 'most likely cost $65,000 to $85,000 on the low end and $125,000 on the high end." The silhouette lands squarely in this year's bigger-is-better trend of chunky engagement rings, featuring substantial metal, flush-set stones, and a profile designed for everyday wear. Lipa and Turner went public with their relationship last year, and became Instagram-official in July at Glastonbury, where Lipa headlined. The pair isn't rushing to walk down the aisle yet. At the moment, Lipa is focused on her Radical Optimism World Tour and Turner is filming his next projects. 'I've never been someone who's really thought about a wedding,' she admitted to British Vogue. 'All of a sudden I'm like, 'Oh, what would I wear?'' Until their schedules align, the newly engaged stars are enjoying the moment—sparkling, custom gold ring included.
