Hermes Oran Sandal Women Swift Calfskin Black Natural

The black-and-natural pair is the one I would keep if I could keep only one. Black swift calfskin up top, a natural leather edge below, and the H cut-out in between: two colours, no ornament, and a combination that works with absolutely everything in my wardrobe, including clothes that clash with each other.

The heel is low, about a centimetre at the back with half a centimetre of drop to the front, and the lining is lambskin, so there is no barefoot rubbing even in July. Swift is smooth and soft rather than stiff, which means the sandal moulds to the foot quickly and stays there. Sizes run 36 to 41 and the sandal is made in Italy.

I have worn this pair to work, to dinner, through airports, and to a beach wedding where the ceremony was on gravel and the reception on a deck. Black hides what pale sandals cannot, and the natural edge gives it just enough warmth that it never looks severe. With a black dress it is a single clean line; with white it is a graphic one.

There is very little to complain about here. Black swift will fade slightly at the toe crease over time and the natural edge will darken, which is simply what leather does. A drop of cream worked in with a cloth once a month, and they come back. My most worn pair, by a distance.