At my high school in Orange County, Calif., there were two kinds of people: those who wore Rainbow flip-flops, and those who didn’t. At a beach bonfire freshman year I looked down and realized I fell into the latter category. The next day I bought a pair to save myself from future embarrassment.

Seven years and many shoes later, I now know that there is more to life than wearing flip-flops. And this spring and summer I challenge you to do the same. Sure, flip-flops are comfortable and they go perfectly with the college uniform of jeans or sweats. But, there are lots of other styles out there that will keep your feet covered in style. Here are some of my personal faves for this season.

Photo by Emily Chow.

Gladiators

Gladiators may have been around for a few seasons, but these popular shoes are still making the rounds. More stylish than the flip-flop, the low-heeled version is comfy enough for trekking across campus. But wearers beware: Ankle straps can make your legs look stumpy. Unless you have long limbs like Heidi Klum, look for styles in nude colors that won’t cut off the line of your legs. For daytime, try the Penina pair from Mossimo at Target. Or for a night out, Nine West’s Kentaro heels are a great pick.

Photo by foot.dude on Flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.

Embellished

It’s all in the details with this style. With everything from jewels to flowers to ruffles, embellished sandals add a dramatic yet feminine touch. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and make your footwear the focal point of your ensemble. Try Nordstrom’s Cayman sandal, which comes in five different colors.

Photo by Julie Beck.

Wedges

Always a summer favorite, wedges give you the height you want without the pain of stilettos. Instead of an espadrille, try a cork wedge this season. The cork is a great neutral color that can be paired with almost anything. Bring out your inner bohemian and wear them with flared jeans, a maxi dress or a flowing skirt. If you’re brave enough to embrace the platform trend, try Steve Madden’s Caprie style. For a more practical option, try Rampage’s Bombshell sandal, available at Macy’s.

Photo by Lorri37 on Flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.

Slide

The most fashionable open-toed alternative to the flip-flop is the slide sandal. Wear a pair that has leather straps – but please don’t pair them with socks! It’s dressy enough to make it look like you put in some effort, but casual enough for everyday wear. Take a look at Frye’s Ludlow Slide. Or for a cheaper option there’s Guess’s Gilbert.

Photo by Julie Beck.

Boat shoe

Although close-toed, boat shoes are just as easy to slip on and off as the flip-flop. They work with both pants and shorts and are a timeless American style that can be worn until they fall apart. For the “authentic original”, visit Sperry Top-Sider’s site. Or, if this option is too preppy for your taste, try Vans’ Zapato del Barco. This pair is a little edgier, but still true to the original concept.