How to Style Birkenstock Clogs: 5 Outfit Ideas

3 min read

Birkenstock clogs have never really gone out of style, but when skinny jeans were replaced with wide-leg and bootcut jeans, they firmly reclaimed their place on the shoe rack. Now that sneakers go way more places than the gym and the grocery store, you should give your Birkenstocks another glance and see your Bostons as a fashion opportunity.

Plus, Birkenstocks have gone far beyond the taupe Boston—the label has made clog variations like the Mary Jane-inspired Maria and modern Loma. Or if you’re still partial to the Boston, you can get the clog style in a variety of cool colors, like Oyster and Thyme, and variations, like big buckles or braided straps.

If you’re not sure how you can transition your Bostons from your throw-on, afterthought shoe, we’re here to help. Below, I’ve compiled some outfit inspiration for you and the pieces you need to re-create it.

Go Business Casual

Birkenstocks at the office? Absolutely—they are clogs after all, and people wear sneakers to the office all the time. Why wear those flats that give you blisters when your Bostons are right there? Pair them with a coordinating trench and white wide-leg jeans (because we haven’t been following that archaic white-after-Labor-Day rule all fall).

Off-Duty Styling

Even supermodel and Guest In Residence founder Gigi Hadid can’t resist a comfy pair of Birks. For a perfectly executed, effortless, and casual look, pair your Bostons with a graphic tee and bootcut jeans. Create some visual interest by tying your cardigan or sweatshirt like Hadid, instead of simply around your neck. Now that Bostons are everywhere again, opt for a color like Oyster to set yourself apart from the Taupe pack.

Pretend They’re Flats

Birkenstocks with a matching sweater set? Hear me out—I’m going to cite stylist Allison Bornstein’s “wrong shoe theory.” It’s been around for a while, but wearing a historically “wrong” shoe with an outfit is often so, so right. You probably have never thought about pairing your Birkenstocks with a skirt, but if you go monochrome, like I’m suggesting, it creates a visually interesting outfit. I suggest opting for Birkenstock’s Maria, a Mary Jane-esque variation on the Boston, if you want a sleeker silhouette.

Ultimate Errands Outfit

Everyone has a comfy errands uniform—myself included—but instead of slipping on those track pants or leggings with your Birks for the umpteenth time, maybe elevate your look with some silk pants and a designer suede tote or deviate from the Birkenstock Boston. I recommend checking out the Loma, a new wrap-style clog silhouette from the brand, a modern and playful take on the classic Boston.

Play With Textures

Take a page out of this off-duty model’s playbook. Don’t be afraid to mix neutral tones, like cream, black, and gray. The mélange of textures—the suede clogs, colored denim, heather polo, and quilted bag—creates an effortlessly cozy look. Trust me, you’ll be wearing this on repeat on the weekends this fall and winter.

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