In a surprising twist, Birkenstocks have defied expectations and experienced a resurgence in popularity since the turn of the 21st century. Despite being considered unfashionable by many after their heyday in the 1970s, these iconic shoes with their signature wide straps and big buckles continue to captivate people’s hearts. The fact that they’re often perceived as unattractive doesn’t seem to deter fans from embracing them with pride.
In fact, even style icons like Ashley Olsen, Jessica Alba, and Vanessa Hudgens have been spotted rocking Birkenstocks on the streets and at high-profile events. The mystique surrounding Birkenstocks’ enduring appeal lies in their unique ability to straddle comfort and trendiness, making them a rare breed of footwear. While many might think they’re not the most stylish option, the fact that people continue to buy and wear them with confidence speaks volumes about the brand’s timeless charm.
If you’re hesitant to join the Birkenstock fan club, consider this: even the style-conscious can appreciate these shoes’ understated cool factor. Learn how to style your Birkenstocks to tap into their effortless, laid-back vibe.
Get Loose
When it comes to pairing shoes with a classic slouchy outfit, Birkenstocks are an unbeatable choice. Their chunky and laid-back design makes them a natural match for comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. To create a relaxed yet put-together look, pair your Birks with mom jeans and an oversized sweater. For added visual interest, incorporate one piece that showcases your figure – such as tucking in a fitted tank top into high-waisted boyfriend jeans.
Finally, add a slouchy knit cardigan to bring balance to the outfit and emphasize your shape with the help of a belt.
Balance it Out
While it’s true that Birkenstocks have a distinct bulkiness, this characteristic doesn’t dictate their stylistic limitations. In fact, with the right approach, anyone can effortlessly rock Birks regardless of foot size or body type. The key to pulling off these iconic shoes lies in achieving balance within your overall look. Failing to do so can result in an unflattering presentation that accentuates the perceived size of your feet.
To avoid this, it’s essential to harmonize your outfit with your Birkenstocks. Avoid pairing them with extremely slim-legged pants, as this can exaggerate the appearance of your feet. Instead, opt for straight-legged pants or consider cuffed skinny bottoms to create a more visually appealing and balanced look.
Go Cropped
For those unsure about styling their Birkenstocks, consider pairing them with cropped bottoms as the solution. The risk of foot size distortion often associated with full-length jeans and leggings is eliminated when wearing cropped bottoms. A great way to achieve balance with Birkenstocks is by combining them with loose-fitting, cropped jeans that exude a casual style reminiscent of boyfriend or mom jeans.
The loose fit of these bottoms effectively counters the bulkiness of the shoes, creating a harmonious overall look. Try pairing your Birkenstocks with cuffed, straight-legged, or flare jeans featuring a cropped cut. The wide leg and cropped cut of these bottoms complement the sturdy design of your Birks, providing sufficient visibility without drawing excessive attention to them. For added depth and interest, opt for distressed jeans that maintain a balanced, casual finish.
Get Dressy
When it comes to styling Birkenstocks, many people might be surprised by how well they pair with skirts and dresses. One great way to incorporate them into your outfit is by wearing a short, loose-fitting sundress in place of traditional sandals for a carefree, effortless look. Alternatively, you can create a trendy Bohemian vibe by pairing your Birks with a midi or maxi dress or skirt. Just remember that there’s one key combination to avoid: form-fitting dresses of any length.
Wearing bulky Birkenstocks with a tight, clinging dress can throw off the balance of your look and draw attention to the size of your feet, making it a less flattering pairing overall.
Wear Socks
Despite their reputation for being fashion faux-pas, the pairing of socks and Birkenstocks has surprisingly become a trendy combination. The key to pulling it off is finding the right balance between the two. For a throwback look, try layering thick, high-cut neutral marled socks under your Birks. Alternatively, modernize this classic combo by pairing your Birks with detailed socks featuring lace, buttons, or bold colors.
To avoid overwhelming the outfit, avoid pairing it with jeans or short shorts and instead opt for loose, knee-length or shorter skirts or dresses that don’t add too much depth or texture.
Take Style Risks
When it comes to making a statement with your outfit, Birks can sometimes feel like the perfect accompaniment – but did you know they’re also experts at blending into the background? When paired with an edgy ensemble, Birks have the ability to subtly balance out its boldness. This is largely due to their timeless nature, as well-established classics that immediately ground your look in a sense of practicality and understated style.
While they’ve earned a reputation for being low-key, Birks still possess enough trendiness to keep your outfit from feeling stale or uninspired – the perfect foil for when you want to make a memorable impression without drawing too much attention away from the rest of your look.
Take Advantage of Their Versatility
Birkenstocks are renowned for their adaptability, allowing them to seamlessly merge with a wide range of outfits. By striking the right balance, you can effortlessly combine these iconic shoes with almost anything, ensuring they never appear out of place. In fact, Birks can be strategically used to manipulate the overall aesthetic, effortlessly transitioning from a delicate, feminine look to a more laid-back, semi-formal setting.
Alternatively, pairing them with a simple outfit creates an intriguing focal point that enhances the overall simplicity without disrupting its harmony. When styled correctly, Birkenstocks can be used to craft a diverse array of trendy looks that prioritize comfort and versatility, all while keeping your feet happy throughout the day.
