No, Not Ballet Flats—This Summer I'll be Building my Outfits Around This Classic Sandal Instead
From matching co-ord sets to denim midi skirts, these are five outfits I'll be wearing with my trusty Birkenstocks this summer.
If there’s one shoe that returns every summer without fail, it's the trusted Birkenstock. A combination of it's minimalist style, our need for comfort and the enduring appeal for effortless dressing, it has always ticked every box and has firmly cemented itself as a summer wardrobe staple.
While sandal trends come and go each year, the Birkenstock is one that we see every time without fail. Both practical and cool at the same time, it’s the flat shoe option that provides comfort first, and whether it’s worn with linen trousers, matching co-ord sets, jeans or dresses, it’s one of those staple pieces that can be mixed and matched with any piece in your wardrobe.
Flat sandals are the foundation of my summer wardrobe and I have to admit, I do have the Arizona Birkenstocks in a number of colours (the taupe and black being my most worn). And when I'm going into the office, I often style my black pair with a tailored trouser for an elevated yet casual look. I haven’t yet bought a pair of their Boston clogs, but after seeing how Monikh and Emma Rose Thatcher style theirs, I have been converted and they’re now on my list for this summer.
Wondering why Birkenstocks are an enduring icon? Scroll on to see five summer outfits with Birkenstocks for 2026 that will get you ready to introduce them to your wardrobe.
1. White Blouse + Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Monikh’s look is such an effortlessly cool option. White blouses are the new summer staple, and pairing them with wide-leg jeans makes them feel more 'everyday wearable' as opposed to a overly pretty. Styled with the Boston clogs and a suede jacket, it’s the perfect look for a day of running errands or sitting in the sun getting lunch.
Shop the Look:
2. Cami Top + Denim Midi Skirt
Style Notes: A denim midi skirt is one of the most worn pieces in my summer wardrobe, and something I always take on holiday with me. Pairing it with a strappy cami top and black Arizona Birkenstocks creates a chic monochrome look and is one you can easily recreate this year.
Shop the Look:
3. White Summer Dress + Bright Bag
Style Notes: There’s nothing quite like wearing a white dress in the midst of the summer. Pairing it with a classic Birkenstock allows it to be a look you can easily wear all day with comfort and style at the forefront, and taking inspo from Taffy, finishing it off with a bright bag adds a joyous pop of colour for the sunniest season.
Shop the Look:
4. Matching Co-Ord Set + Oversized Accessories
Style Notes: A matching co-ord set is one of those quick and easy throw-on outfits that makes you look instantly put-together. It’s a chic option that is minimal effort but that has a maximum impact result, and paired with a Boston clog and oversized accessories, it’s a look that can be worn on repeat and guarantee compliments each time.
Shop the Look:
5. Strappy Top + Printed Trousers
Style Notes: There’s something about dressing in summer that makes us all a tad more adventurous. As someone who usually steers away from bright colours and prints, the hot weather has me embracing them and introducing them into my everyday wardrobe. Chloe’s look has ticked every box for me with a statement striped trouser paired with a strappy top and topped off with a Birkenstock sandal.
Shop the Look:
Chloe Gallacher is a freelance fashion editor based in Essex. After graduating from university with a degree in Journalism, she worked for print publications including Hello! Fashion and You Magazine and has ten years of experience within the fashion industry. She was responsible for trend forecasting, runway reports, curating elevated and engaging shopping pages and articles, travel features, producing still-life shoots and working on the set of editorial and cover shoots, alongside commercial shoots for brands such as Next, Radley, Wyse and Wacoal.
