
Women’s Kelsey Bone Pearl Buckle Sandals
- Cream sandals
- Faux-pearl buckle
- Non-marking, textured outsole
- Slip-on style
$20.99
From skeptical shopper to devoted fan – everything you need to know before buying these elegant summer staples
I’ll be honest with you – I wasn’t looking for A New Day Pearl Sandals when I first stumbled upon them. I was actually on a completely different mission, wandering through Target’s shoe section with my usual skepticism about finding anything remotely elegant in my budget range. But there they were, sitting on the display like little jeweled treasures, practically calling my name.
That was six months ago, and now I own three pairs. Yes, three. And before you judge me for my apparent lack of self-control, let me walk you through everything I’ve learned about these surprisingly sophisticated sandals that have completely transformed my summer wardrobe.
My First Encounter: Why These Sandals Caught My Eye
Picture this: it’s early spring, and I’m desperately trying to find something that could bridge the gap between my winter boots and my beat-up flip-flops. I needed something that looked intentional, something that said “I put effort into my appearance” without actually requiring me to put in tremendous effort. Most importantly, I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank.
The A New Day Pearl Sandals immediately stood out because of their unique design. Unlike typical sandals that either scream “beach vacation” or “hiking expedition,” these had an understated elegance that felt surprisingly sophisticated for their price point. The pearls weren’t ostentatious or costume-jewelry-looking; they were subtle, almost like little dewdrops adorning the straps.
What really sold me initially was their versatility. I could immediately envision them with everything from my favorite sundress to cropped jeans and a blouse. That’s rare for me – usually, shoes fall into very specific categories in my mind, but these seemed to transcend typical classifications.
The Design Deep Dive: What Makes These Sandals Special
Let me paint you a detailed picture of what you’re getting with A New Day Pearl Sandals. The base structure is elegantly simple – clean lines, minimal hardware, and a focus on the pearl embellishments that give them their name. The straps are designed to be both functional and fashionable, creating an attractive silhouette that elongates the foot without being overly complicated.
The pearls themselves are the real stars of the show. They’re strategically placed along the straps, creating visual interest without overwhelming the overall design. I was initially concerned they might look cheap or fall off easily, but after months of regular wear, I can confidently say they’re securely attached and maintain their lustrous appearance.
The color palette is thoughtfully curated. While the classic versions come in neutral tones like nude, black, and white, there are also seasonal variations that incorporate soft pastels and metallics. This range makes it easy to find a pair that complements your existing wardrobe while potentially inspiring you to try new color combinations.
The silhouette strikes a perfect balance between contemporary trends and timeless appeal. They’re not so trendy that they’ll look dated next season, but they’re not so classic that they fade into the background either. This sweet spot is exactly what makes them such a smart investment piece.
Comfort Analysis: The Real Talk About Wearing Them
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – comfort. Because what good is a beautiful sandal if you can’t actually walk in it? I’ve put these A New Day Pearl Sandals through their paces, and I have thoughts.
First, the good news: they’re significantly more comfortable than I expected for the price point. The footbed has a slight contour that provides basic arch support, which is more than you get with many fashion sandals. The straps are padded where they meet your foot, preventing that uncomfortable rubbing that can turn a pleasant day into a blister-inducing nightmare.
However, I need to be realistic with you about their limitations. These aren’t athletic shoes, and they’re not designed for extensive walking or standing. I learned this the hard way during a day of tourist activities that involved much more walking than anticipated. By hour four, my feet were definitely feeling it.
The heel height varies depending on the specific style you choose, but most versions have a modest elevation that adds elegance without compromising stability. I find this particularly appealing because it gives me a bit of height and improved posture without the instability that comes with higher heels.
For daily wear around town, running errands, or attending events where you’ll mostly be sitting or standing on even surfaces, they’re quite comfortable. For vacation walking tours or outdoor festivals, you might want to consider alternatives or at least bring backup shoes.
The Sizing Situation: Getting the Perfect Fit
Sizing is where things get a bit tricky with A New Day Pearl Sandals, and I wish someone had given me a heads-up about this before my first purchase. Like many Target shoes, they tend to run slightly larger than expected, particularly in the strap areas.
I typically wear a size 8 in most brands, but I found that a 7.5 was perfect in these sandals. The difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s enough that you might want to try them on in-store if possible, or be prepared for a potential exchange if you’re ordering online.
The width situation is somewhat limited – these are primarily designed for average width feet. If you typically need wide-width shoes, you might find the straps a bit snug, particularly around the ankle area. Conversely, if you have narrow feet, you might find them a bit loose, though the adjustable straps help somewhat with this issue.
One thing I appreciate is that the straps are adjustable, which provides some flexibility in getting the right fit. However, the adjustment range is limited, so if you’re significantly outside the target size range, these might not work for you.
I’ve noticed that the fit can vary slightly between different color variations, possibly due to different materials or manufacturing batches. This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to order multiple pairs online based on the fit of one pair you’ve tried.
Style Versatility: From Casual to Elegant
This is where A New Day Pearl Sandals really shine, and honestly, it’s the main reason I ended up with multiple pairs. The styling possibilities are much more extensive than I initially realized.
For casual daytime looks, I love pairing them with cropped jeans and a flowing blouse. The pearls add just enough sophistication to elevate what might otherwise be a very basic outfit. They work beautifully with sundresses, particularly those in solid colors that let the pearl details stand out.
But here’s where they surprised me – they’re actually quite appropriate for more formal occasions. I’ve worn them to summer weddings, graduation parties, and even semi-formal work events. The key is choosing the right color and styling them with more elevated pieces.
For evening looks, the pearl details catch light beautifully, adding a subtle glamour that works well with both little black dresses and more colorful cocktail attire. I’ve found they pair particularly well with fabrics like silk, chiffon, and other materials that have a similar lustrous quality.
The neutral color options make them incredibly versatile for travel. A single pair can work with multiple outfits, which is essential when you’re trying to pack light but still want to look put-together.
Durability and Quality Assessment
Let’s talk about longevity, because this is crucial when evaluating any shoe purchase, regardless of price point. After six months of regular wear across three different pairs, I have a pretty good sense of how A New Day Pearl Sandals hold up over time.
The good news is that they’re more durable than their price point would suggest. The sole construction is solid, and I haven’t experienced any separation or major wear issues. The pearl attachments have remained secure, even with regular wear and occasional rough handling.
The materials show wear gradually rather than suddenly failing, which I appreciate. The straps may show some creasing over time, particularly if you wear them frequently, but this happens gradually and doesn’t significantly impact their appearance.
However, I do need to set realistic expectations. These aren’t investment pieces that will last for decades. They’re fashion sandals at an accessible price point, and they deliver quality appropriate to that positioning. With careful wear and proper storage, you can expect them to look good for a season or two of regular use.
The sole provides decent traction on most surfaces, though I wouldn’t recommend them for wet conditions or uneven terrain. They’re designed for sidewalks, indoor floors, and other relatively predictable surfaces.
Color Options and Seasonal Considerations
The color range for A New Day Pearl Sandals is one of their strongest selling points. The core collection typically includes classic options like black, nude, and white, which form the foundation of any versatile sandal wardrobe.
The nude option is particularly well-executed – it’s a true neutral that works with most skin tones rather than being too pink or too yellow. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re only planning to purchase one pair.
Black versions offer classic elegance and pair beautifully with everything from casual denim to formal dresses. The pearls provide just enough visual interest to prevent them from looking too basic or boring.
White versions are perfect for summer styling and create a fresh, clean look that works particularly well with pastels and bright colors. However, they do require more careful maintenance to keep them looking pristine.
Seasonal variations often include colors like blush pink, soft lavender, metallic gold, or silver. These special edition colors can be beautiful additions to your collection, but I’d recommend starting with one of the classic neutrals as your foundation.
The pearl treatment varies slightly between colors, with some featuring more prominent pearls and others incorporating them more subtly into the design. This variation actually works in your favor, as it allows you to choose options that match your personal style preferences.
Price Point and Value Analysis
Let’s address the financial aspect directly, because value is crucial when making any fashion purchase. A New Day Pearl Sandals typically retail for under $30, which positions them firmly in the accessible fashion category.
At this price point, they offer exceptional value for the style and quality you receive. Comparable pearl-embellished sandals from other brands often cost two to three times as much, making these an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers who don’t want to compromise on style.
However, it’s important to evaluate them within their price category rather than comparing them to luxury alternatives. They offer great value for their price, but they’re not trying to compete with high-end designer sandals, nor should they be expected to.
I’ve found that the cost-per-wear calculation works out very favorably, especially if you choose a versatile color that works with multiple outfits. Even if they only last for two seasons, the price point makes them a reasonable investment.
For special occasions or if you only wear sandals occasionally, they provide an affordable way to add elegant footwear to your wardrobe without a significant financial commitment.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Proper care is essential for maximizing the lifespan of your A New Day Pearl Sandals, and fortunately, they’re relatively low-maintenance. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping them looking their best.
For regular cleaning, a soft cloth dampened with water is usually sufficient for the straps and footbed. Avoid soaking them or using harsh chemicals, as this can damage both the materials and the pearl attachments.
The pearls themselves require gentle handling. I use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) to gently remove any dirt or debris from around the pearl settings. This prevents buildup that could affect their luster or security.
Storage is important for maintaining their shape. I store mine in individual dust bags or tissue paper to prevent the straps from getting bent or the pearls from getting scratched by other shoes.
If they get wet, allow them to air dry naturally rather than using heat sources, which can cause materials to crack or warp. Stuffing them with tissue paper while drying helps maintain their shape.
For the pearl elements, occasional gentle polishing with a soft cloth helps maintain their shine and prevents dulling from natural oils and environmental exposure.
Shopping Strategy and Where to Find Them
A New Day Pearl Sandals are primarily available through Target, both online and in physical stores. This accessibility is one of their major advantages – you can often try them on in person before purchasing, which I highly recommend given the sizing considerations I mentioned earlier.
Target’s return policy is generally customer-friendly, which provides some peace of mind if the sizing doesn’t work out perfectly. However, popular colors and sizes can sell out quickly, particularly during peak sandal season.
If you’re shopping online, I recommend checking the product reviews for the specific color and size you’re considering, as customer feedback can provide valuable insights about fit and quality for that particular variation.
The best time to shop for them is typically early in the season when the full range of colors and sizes is available. Waiting until mid-summer might mean limited options, though you might also find some colors on clearance.
I’ve noticed that Target sometimes releases special edition colors or slight design variations throughout the season, so it’s worth checking back periodically if you’re interested in expanding your collection.
Final Thoughts: Are They Worth It?
After six months and three pairs of A New Day Pearl Sandals, I can confidently say they’ve earned their place in my regular rotation. They’ve exceeded my expectations in terms of style versatility and comfort, while meeting my realistic expectations for durability at this price point.
They’re not perfect – no shoe is – but they offer an compelling combination of style, comfort, and value that’s hard to find elsewhere. The pearl embellishments add a touch of elegance that elevates simple outfits, while the reasonable price point makes them accessible to most budgets.
If you’re looking for a versatile summer sandal that can work for both casual and semi-formal occasions, if you appreciate subtle details that add visual interest without being overwhelming, and if you want to add elegant footwear to your wardrobe without a major investment, these sandals deserve serious consideration.
My advice? Start with one pair in a neutral color that works with your existing wardrobe. Wear them for a few weeks, see how they work with your lifestyle and fashion preferences, and then decide if you want to add additional colors to your collection.
The A New Day Pearl Sandals have reminded me that great style doesn’t always require a luxury price tag. Sometimes, the best fashion finds are hiding in plain sight at accessible retailers, waiting for someone to recognize their potential. These sandals have become one of those unexpected favorites that I reach for again and again, proving that sometimes the best shopping discoveries are the ones you weren’t even looking for.


