Fashion trends rise and surge in popularity so much that even those items you might have thought you’d never see again will likely come back. This has already come true with the jelly shoes trend and now Cat Deeley’s Wimbledon outfit has got me feeling nostalgic again.
The This Morning host attended with co-star Ben Shephard on Day 4 wearing a byTiMo floral mini dress with gladiator sandals. These open-toe shoes were especially popular in the late 90s and Cat’s laced up her legs and were secured just above her ankles.
I much prefer this style to knee-length gladiator sandals as the laces are already quite statement and shorter ones are better to wear in the heat. Cat’s shoes were a plain, tan colour which allowed the iconic shape to do all the talking.
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)
Shop Gladiator Sandals
Schuh Turner Tie Black Sandals
The Turner Tie Sandals have a cushioned design for comfort and are crafted with adjustable straps and a sleek black gladiator silhouette. They’re currently even more affordable now that they’re in the summer sale and they also come in a black and yellow version.
Mango Gold Lace Up Sandals
You tie these up at the ankle with pretty straps, and they also have a toe post to keep your foot extra secure. The metallic gold shade goes with so many other colours and feels special enough for these to be party sandals, as well as everyday shoes.
Russell & Bromley Strappy Sandals
Made from leather with a fun yet still-neutral snake print, these sandals are a great option when you want barely-there shoes. The fine straps curve around the foot and the ankle and secure with a buckle. This makes them quite a practical choice compared to the slightly more fiddly tie-up style of true gladiator sandals.
Although you could wear gladiator sandals under roomy wide-leg trousers, the lace-up detailing means they work better with shorter skirts and dresses. This showcases them more and woman&home’s Digital Fashion Editor, Rivkie Baum, thinks that Cat’s choice of a floral frock accentuated the 90s feel of her sandals.
“We know that the nineties and noughties are back in fashion, and Cat Deeley has just flown the flag for some long forgotten trends. Pairing a floral dress with tan gladiator sandals, this retro look feels chic and summery, with a healthy dose of what we might now consider a vintage aesthetic,” she explains.
Rivkie adds that whilst “florals are always a must when it comes to the best summer dresses” the way Cat teamed her look with these “late 90s sandals has got her feeling nostalgic”.
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)
Shop Floral Dresses
Nobody’s Child Floral Andie Dress
This mini dress is perfect for hot days and has a pretty cream-yellow background colour with delicate pastel flowers and covered buttons. Flowing angel sleeves and a V-neckline accentuate the femininity of this design.
Boden Samantha Scoop Jersey Dress
You can currently get this cerulean blue dress for £61.92 with the code SS25X10 at Boden. The Samantha dress features a scoop neckline, flared skirt and is made from a soft and comfortable jersey fabric.
Nobody’s Child Green Ditsy Dress
If you prefer a longer dress, this fern green one is worth picking up for your summer wardrobe. It’s got an Empire line waist, angel sleeves and a small split in the hem. Pair with white sandals and add a crossbody bag and you’re good to go.
“Fashion is cyclical, and so it’s worth holding on to key pieces you love, because you never know, as Cat Deeley’s just proven, when they’ll come back into circulation,” our expert says.
Cat’s mini dress had ruching on the bodice, which accentuated her waist and the short puff sleeves felt ultra-feminine. Running all over this piece was a floral print featuring daisies, scarlet poppies and blue blooms alongside green leaves.
Ditsy florals are often thought of as being quite vintage-esque and this complemented the gladiator sandals. She matched her shoes to her bag, which was a spacious tan leather tote that provided plenty of space for anything she needed to take to Wimbledon.
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)
Cat wore her blonde hair in a relaxed side ponytail and added a pair of subtle gold hoop earrings. With her toes on show in her strappy sandals, she also had her nails immaculately painted in a sorbet pink that’s a big summer pedicure trend.
To recreate her Wimbledon outfit and embrace gladiator sandals for 2025, consider pairing some with a delicate floral dress like hers. These kinds of frocks are a go-to for many of us this time of year anyway, and the classic feel of a flower print dress can help to balance the more out-there sandals.