Hermes Oasis Sandal Women High Heel Sandal in Suede Goatskin Yellow Jade Yellow

Yellow sandals have a reputation for being difficult, and most of it is deserved — but the problem is usually the wrong yellow. This jade-tinged shade leans green and soft, and against skin it looks warm rather than acidic. It is a shade that looks lively on darker skin tones and soft on pale ones. Worn with stone and white it reads like lemon sorbet; anything louder turns it sour.

The suede goatskin has a short, even nap, and the edges are cut straight so the two-inch-heel silhouette stays crisp, with a 1.8-inch drop to the front. Six sizes, 36 to 41, from Italy. The suede has enough body to hold the heel line without a stiffener.

My rule with this pair is to let the sandal be the only colour in the outfit: white, stone, pale denim or navy, and nothing else competing. Worn that way it looks considered; worn against a print it can look accidental. For a holiday in the sun it becomes the only bright thing in the bag. With a black dress in August it looks deliberate.

Two honest notes. Suede needs protecting before the first wear, not after the first mark. And a pale yellow deepens where the sun hits it repeatedly, so I keep mine in their dust bag rather than on an open shelf. Brush the nap after wear and store them unstuffed, not packed tight. If it rains, blot rather than rub, and dry them away from heat.