While the fashion tribe may be favoring Birkenstocks ( in particular right now!) and this summer, I am remaining loyal to my gladiators, keeping them very much in the mix. They're classics, after all, and one can never go wrong with a pair with a few simple, narrow straps in a neutral solid (i.e., black, brown, metallic) with minimal details. Gladiators are also an alluring mate to a flowy dress or short shorts, and they emit summer's laid-back vibe. Some of my favorites this season wind up the leg a little (emphasis on little!), such as these lovelies by , , and . Other ones I like have a decidedly feminine edge such as this and this . I also like these classic versions from , , and .