Karlie Kloss’ Thong Sandal Throwback Proves She Was Decades Ahead of the Trend

Claudia Miller
·3 min read

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Karlie Kloss celebrated Teacher Appreciate Week with a retro photo from her days as a grade-schooler with one of her most beloved teachers.

The now 6-feet-2-inches tall model was already hitting a growth spurt as she posed next to her dad and her fifth-grade social studies teacher, Mrs. Burchett. In the photo, Kloss smiles while holding tight to an ice cream cone in a white camisole, pink and orange paisley shorts and a bright pink pair of thong-toe sandals.

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This is me and my 5th grade social studies teacher, Mrs. Burchett. I often talk about how I started my career in high school, but what I don’t often mention is that skipping chemistry because I was working in Paris really complicates graduating on time. Enter Mrs. Burchett, the type of teacher who poured her heart and soul — and pennies — into creating experiential learning opportunities for her students. It’s because of her passion and commitment to making sure no student got left behind, that I was able to graduate with my peers AND pursue my career. On #teacherappreciationweek, I celebrate and applaud Mrs. Burchett, Dr. Clarke, our Kode With Klossy instructors and the thousands of teachers— our heroes each and every day.

A post shared by Karlie Kloss (@karliekloss) on May 8, 2020 at 4:59pm PDT

Though the photo is years old now, the same footwear style has returned to the celebrity footwear scene as one of spring and summer’s biggest trends. Be it classic flip flops or thong-toe heels, the easy-to-wear silhouette falls in line with a ’90s-inspired revitalization of fashion and shoes like square-toe styles and pops of neon color.

You can find thong-toe sandals on the likes of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani as well as from brands including Gianvito Rossi, Yeezy and Balenciaga.

As for Kloss, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel is no stranger to high-fashion brands and top trends; she has starred in campaigns for everyone from Kurt Geiger to Dior to Versace. She serves as Estée Lauder’s Global spokesmodel as well as has worked as an ambassador for Swarovski, Carolina Herrera Fragrances, Express and more. Beyond fashion, she started her own company Kode With Klossy, empowering girls to learn to code and become leaders in tech.

For thong sandals that echo Karlie Kloss’ trendy pick, check out these pink styles.

havaianas, pink flip flops
havaianas, pink flip flops

To Buy: Havaianas Flip Flops, $18.

kate spade new york, pink flip flops
kate spade new york, pink flip flops

To Buy: Kate Spade New York Nova Sandals, $24.

tory burch, pink flip flops
tory burch, pink flip flops

To Buy: Tory Burch Miller Sandals, $130 (was $228).

Click through the gallery to find more stars who love the thong sandals trend.

All products featured have been independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Launch Gallery: 10 Celebrities Wearing the High-Heeled Thong Sandal Trend in 2019

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