This "Ugly" Shoe Trend Has Me Eating My Words (Because I Just Bought 3 Pairs)
This "ugly" shoe trend is one we cover a lot here at Who What Wear and for many reasons. The shoe style we are talking about is Birkenstocks. While Birkenstocks are obviously a brand (and the most popular one within this trend category, might I add), it is a brand so iconic that it inspired the design of chunky sandals around the world.
In my opinion, this shoe trend is any pair of flat chunky sandals that have one or more thick straps across the top of the foot. Up until recently, I hated this shoe trend. That's right—I said it. I hated it. I felt like no matter how I styled them, whether they be actual Birkenstocks or a similar style from another brand, I just couldn't get on board.
Well, my friends, people can change, and I am coming before you today to humbly admit that I have turned a new leaf and as of last week, I now love and own this "ugly" shoe trend. I hate to admit it, but it took this current time of quarantine for me to understand the DNA of this practical yet somehow fashion-girl favorite shoe trend.
Now that I am spending most of my time indoors, where my daily footwear consists of big socks, having my chunky sandals off to the side to slip into with ease has been a game-changer. Whether I need to run out to the store or take a socially distanced walk around the block, this is one shoe trend that has made my self-isolation 10 times easier.
The good news is that when it comes to shopping, this is one shoe trend that actually does cater to all style types (although two weeks ago, I would have told you the exact opposite). From all-black to designer logos, ahead, get ready to shop the best 24 Birkenstock-esque sandals on the market right now.
Pretty sure this shoe style was meant for spending long durations of time indoors, considering they allow for you to never take your chunky socks off.
The perfect finish to a casual look is a pair of Birkenstocks. My personal favorite outfit combination is jeans, a white tee, and some Birks, but this shacket situation has me changing my mind.
Whoever said this shoe trend was boring was highly mistaken. Get creative and let them be the focal point of your outfit by purchasing a fun color versus the expected natural hues.
Pairing these "ugly" sandals with tailored separates is a styling technique I stan so hard. Especially for spring and summer, I find the juxtaposition quite exciting.
You never knew you needed shearling-lined Birkenstocks before (that is until you saw the purple pair below).
Throw on that summer dress, a crafty anklet, and your new favorite shoe trend and you'll be set for a full day of outdoor activities.
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.
She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.
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