Dakota Johnson wearing stylish elevated wedge flip-flops for autumn.
Fashion & Beauty

Dakota Johnson Proves Wedge Flip-Flops Are Autumn’s Coolest Shoe Move

The star makes a compelling case for keeping open-toed sandals in your seasonal wardrobe rotation just a little longer.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

Dakota Johnson is redefining late-season footwear choices with an eye-catching street style moment that bridges the gap between breezy summer aesthetics and early autumn layering. The Hollywood star has officially offered her stamp of approval to a controversial classic: the wedge flip-flop. As temperatures begin to shift and fashion enthusiasts prepare to swap out their open-toed collections for heavy winter boots, Johnson is demonstrating how to squeeze the very last drops of sunshine out of your warm-weather wardrobe. The *Fifty Shades of Grey* actress stepped out wearing the elevated thong sandals, proving that open toes still deserve a spot in late-summer and early-fall outfits. While traditional thong sandals often feel strictly tied to beach days or pool lounge setups, the added height of a sturdy wedge elevates the silhouette into a genuine style statement. It gives trendsetters one final window of opportunity to showcase a fresh pedicure before the frost forces everyone into cozy socks and heavy leather footwear.

Dakota johnson street style wedge flip flops

Platform sandals and chunky soles have been quietly staging a major comeback across Hollywood, but Johnson’s take offers a distinctly casual spin on the trend. By embracing a nostalgic shoe profile reminiscent of late-1990s and early-2000s street fashion, she managed to balance off-duty ease with effortless cool. Reports highlight how the star routinely elevates minimal, everyday pieces through clever accessory choices, turning simple casual wear into an instantly copy-worthy viral moment. Fashion watchers note that transitional dressing often poses a major challenge for style lovers trying to navigate unpredictable weather. Wearing elevated sandals alongside transitional autumn staples—like relaxed denim, oversized blazers, or lightweight knits—allows style devotees to extend the life of their summer favorites without looking out of place as autumn sets in. Johnson's latest shoe choice serves as an easy blueprint for anyone hesitant to pack away their thongs just yet.

How to wear platform flip flops in fall

The secret to pulling off a late-season thong sandal lies entirely in proportional styling. Pairing an open shoe with full-length trousers or sweeping wide-leg jeans creates an interesting contrast between seasonal textures. The wedge lift prevents longer hemlines from dragging while keeping the foot looking elongated and polished, making the shoe surprisingly versatile for casual daytime outings or low-key dinner dates. Johnson has long been celebrated for her relaxed, vintage-infused approach to modern fashion. Whether she is making headlines on major red carpets or casually strolling through town, her ability to make unpredictable footwear look completely natural remains unmatched. Her endorsement of the wedge flip-flop confirms that early autumn style can stay playful, proving you do not have to surrender your favorite warm-weather pieces the moment the leaves begin to turn.

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Dakota Johnson: The Career Behind the Style Spotlight

A Hollywood upbringing, a franchise breakthrough and a Gucci campaign put Johnson on the radar. Riskier roles and one awkward television exchange keep her there.

  1. 1989-10-04

    Hollywood runs in the family

    Dakota Johnson — Hollywood runs in the family

    Johnson is born in Austin, Texas, to actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Her maternal grandmother is Tippi Hedren, the star of The Birds.

  2. The family business becomes a film debut

    Dakota Johnson — The family business becomes a film debut

    Johnson makes her screen debut in Crazy in Alabama, starring her mother and directed by her then-stepfather, Antonio Banderas. Her first.

  3. Anastasia Steele changes the scale

    Dakota Johnson — Anastasia Steele changes the scale

    Johnson stars opposite Jamie Dornan in Fifty Shades of Grey, bringing E. L. James’s Anastasia Steele to the screen. The box-office hit makes her internationally recognizable; she returns for sequels released in 2017 and 2018.

  4. Gucci gives her a fashion platform

    Dakota Johnson — Gucci gives her a fashion platform

    Johnson appears in the launch campaign for Gucci Bloom alongside Hari Nef and Petra Collins. The fragrance campaign gives her a prominent fashion.

  5. A turn toward horror

    Dakota Johnson — A turn toward horror

    Johnson plays dancer Susie Bannion in Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria, a reworking of the 1977 horror film. Released the same year as Fifty Shades Freed, it marks a sharp departure from the franchise that makes her famous.

  6. 2019-11-27Flashpoint

    The birthday invitation becomes a flashpoint

    Dakota Johnson — The birthday invitation becomes a flashpoint

    During a televised interview, Ellen DeGeneres says Johnson did not invite her to her birthday party. Johnson challenges the account, and the conversation establishes that an invitation was extended. The awkward exchange goes viral.

  7. 2024-02-14Flashpoint

    Madame Web meets the backlash

    Dakota Johnson — Madame Web meets the backlash

    Johnson leads Madame Web as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic who develops clairvoyant abilities. The superhero film opens to poor reviews and disappoints at the box office, adding a high-profile commercial setback to her résumé.

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People also ask

What shoe trend did Dakota Johnson wear for fall?
Dakota Johnson wore elevated wedge flip-flops, bringing a retro warm-weather footwear staple into early autumn fashion.
How do you style wedge flip-flops during transitional weather?
Pair elevated sandals with wide-leg jeans, full-length trousers, or light knitwear to balance open-toed footwear with fall clothing.