As someone who has spent all of her life living in sunny California, a good sandal has been the number one shoe staple in my closet. And living blocks from the beach has made me somewhat of a flip-flop expert. I don’t know about you, but I like my sandals uncomplicated. I just want to slip them on and go – no frills, no buckles, no adjustment. Flip-flops get that job done. But flip-flops, or “thong sandals,” while easy and convenient, don’t usually have the flash to take an outfit from day to night. Here are some hot sandals that can easily make the transition from beach to club, all under $50.

Rampage Ramira Sandal

A fun thong sandal with edge stitch details and a fun rose embellishment, the fuchsia color has enough pop to liven up a simple spring dress without looking like you’re trying too hard. Available at Piperlime for a cool $45.00.

Diba’s Shana Sandal

Available in black or gold, these sexy sandals have just enough edge to add some toughness and glamour to your pretty pink pedicure. Heels.com will hook you up with these for only $49.99

Wanted Akhet Sandal

These cute sandals feature an adjustable buckle slingback and super fun braided detailing on the straps. I love the two-tone color in the braiding, since black and white match nearly everything. Pair up with some cute short shorts and get outside! Snag them on Piperlime for only $29.99!

Payless’ Scarlet Fringe Sandal

Woah, Payless. You’ve out done yourself. These hot commodities come in black or a ridiculously hot skyblue shade, are only $19.99 and have some really fun gladiator-meets-fringe influence. Grab yourself a pair before they’re sold out everywhere!

Mossimo Supply CO. Winna Hurache Sandals

Ooh, Hurache’s are back? Love it! Being Mexican-American, I’ve worn these my whole life. Target takes them one step further with multi-color details. I own these, and they are so comfortable and so fun. They work with so many outfits and really complement any color pedicure. I may have to buy another pair in white, just in case I wear these out! And at only $19.99 a pop, they won’t break my bank.

One of the best times I can recall, was being in college and going on “spring break.” It didn’t matter if it was to Florida, Mexico or beyond, as long as I was getting away from the books and dismally cold weather up north.

If you are lucky enough to be spending a week in the sun, whether you are in college or not, you are going to need to begin a checklist of the necessary footwear for this trip. I will save you the melodrama and actually make a brief list for you myself!

Item #1 : Flip Flops

You are going to be spending an awful lot of your daytime in a basic flip flop. Whether it’s poolside or on the beach, you want something that is comfortable, versatile and works best with water. Make it bright, bold and adorable, like with this Magnolia Jelly Sandal from BCBGirls.

Item #2 : Casual Sandals

If you are opting to go for a laid back evening (laid back on spring break, what?!), maybe just dinner and a show, you’re going to want something a little less subdued than your usual 4 inch party heels. Steve by Steve Madden’s Laplaya Sandals are a sunshiney way to relax. The loud yellow color also works well with a variety of sundresses.

Item #3 : Party Heels

What would spring break be without the endless partying? You are probably going to need more than one pair of party heels, but here’s one to get you started. Skip the lifeless forms of black leather pumps. Instead shimmer and shine, and dance the night away, in these Bracelet Heels by Charles David.

Item # 4: The Tag-Along

Spring break is made for the pedicure. You live to give your little piggies wiggle room this time of year, but it isn’t a bad idea to bring along with you, a pair of closed toe shoes, as well. Tropical regions tend to get rain here and there, and nobody wants you to leave your feet out in the cold, wet weather. These Betsey Johnson Viva Flats are a pretty pink color, perfect for spring break wardrobes, but also function as a convenient slip-on shoe, for when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Now unless you are the most simple minded in fashion sense I have ever met, you’re probably going to need to times each item on this list, at least once. I know that a shoe fashionista as myself would never get along with only 4 pairs of shoes during spring break. However, it can be done! We hope this sits as a nice starting point for all you lucky spring breakers out there. Bon voyage and be safe!

For all the girls that love wearing flip flops everyday, designers have created some glam models that will give you a bit of height and a lot of style. Jessica Simpson‘s “Tania” sandal features sparkling gold fabric and a metallic stripe through the platform sole. Wear these with all your casual summer clothes to step your outfits up a notch. Available for $44.99 at Heels.com.

Leave it to Baby Phat to create one of the fanciest flip flops. From the crystal encrusted front decal to the gold logo imprinted on the cork wedge sole, these flip flops are anything but casual. The “Anna” wedge is available for $54.99 at Heels.com.