How to style Birkenstock clogs - from loungewear to summer outfits for work

Wondering how to style Birkenstock clogs? You've come to the right place. You only have to look around on your morning commute to see that the Birkenstock Boston clog has been one of the most sought-after buys of 2024, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. But for first-timers, it can be tricky to know what to pair them with.

A practical yet chic capsule wardrobe staple that the fashion crowd can't get enough of, clogs are comfortable and versatile - which isn't something we can often say about shoes. They offer all the comfort of a slipper - if you've ever had a pair of Birkenstock sandals, you'll know how comfortable the footbed is - with a trendy outdoor appeal.

Even in the unpredictable weather, this silhouette has you covered for casual days off or summer outfits for work. Available in a neutral colour palette of beige, brown, khaki and grey, as well as classic black or statement blue, they will slot effortlessly into almost any wardrobe and suit a multitude of styles and tastes.

But for many, the look and shape of the shoe is divisive. Mirroring the ultimate love-to-hate silhouette of Crocs, it can be challenging to imagine how to wear Birkenstock clogs in a fashion-forward way. However, celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Garner have all been spotted sporting a clog for off-duty days, proving that practicality can still be stylish.

They take some getting used to when you first try them, but I wouldn't be without my Birkenstock clogs now. When you look down your feet feel really wide at first, and they take some adjusting to, but they do look great on. The very best thing to wear them with? Confidence!

What is the Birkenstock clogs trend?

Birkenstock Boston clogs became somewhat of an overnight sensation in 2022, thanks to posts on TikTok that demonstrated the versatility of the shoe and the various occasions they can be worn for. However, the brand has been building itself for decades to be one of the most trusted footwear labels on the market. The Boston style actually first launched in 1979, and has slowly been growing in acclaim ever since.

After reaching a peak in the '90s and early 2000s, the clogs fell out of favour when platform, strappy numbers came back into fashion. But today, in an era when '90s fashion trends and Y2K looks are firmly back on the style map, we are finally ready to welcome the Boston back into our wardrobes.

Known best for its open-toed Arizona sandal, there are fashion aficionados who will only be seen donning Birkenstock shoes in the summer months. But these classic sandals don't work for every season, and can be impractical if you live somewhere with a cooler climate. As we start thinking about an autumn capsule wardrobe, there has never been a better time to start working closed-toe Birkenstock clogs into your rotation for unmatched ease that will see you through the season.

How to style Birkenstock clogs

Despite what you may think, they are probably one of the easiest shoes to style. Thanks to the closed toe, they look just as good with socks as they do with bare feet, meaning they are the ultimate transitional piece. Whether you want to team your pair with jeans, skirts, or even wear them to the office, there is a trendy and sophisticated way to do so.

1. How to style Birkenstock clogs with dresses

Style Birkenstock Boston clogs with a dress for the ultimate nod to the Coastal Grandmother trend. Opt for a light coloured and floaty number, layered over or under a knit to make this style weather-appropriate.

Pairing with dresses doesn't only create a chic outfit in two simple steps, but also allows the silhouette of the clogs to shine. We love the layering potential with dresses and clogs: throw on a denim jacket and some statement sunglasses for a pub date, or layer with a white tee and white socks to keep things bright.

2. How to style Birkenstock clogs with jeans

Perhaps the easiest way to style Birkenstock clogs, jeans are a versatile item to team with your Bostons. A trousers silhouette, in general, will allow your fancy footwear to peek out from under the hems, making a subtle yet stylish statement that can be worn for so many different occasions and works no matter the season.

If you're asking can jeans can be business casual when teamed with clogs, the answer is yes. Whether you're heading to a meeting or you want an easy outfit for running errands in, there is no end to the versatility of the combination that is jeans and clogs.

3. How to style Birkenstock clogs with skirts and shorts

In a similar vein to dresses, styling your Birkenstock clogs with a skirt really allows them to sing. And they can be worn together as a stylish combo, whatever the weather. Midi or maxi, any length and cut of a skirt can work with clogs, so don't be afraid to experiment. And that goes for shorts too!

Keep it simple with a white tee or shirt to streamline your silhouette, and help balance out the chunkiness of the clog's toe. You can also layer with a knit or leather jacket for evenings out.

4. How to style Birkenstock clogs for the office

Think that Birkenstock clogs are just for casual days? Think again. One of the key selling points for this brilliant shoe is that it can be styled formally just as easily as it can be dressed down. From post-work drinks to regular days at your desk, the Birkenstock Bostons can do it all. With the comfort of slippers or sandals but with trend appeal, you will feel like you are still in the comfort of your home whilst on the morning commute.

It's always worth having a pair of footwear that can ease the transition between seasons, and Birkenstock clogs fit that brief almost too well - we won't blame you if you want to purchase a separate pair for work and play. Opt for a darker colour to keep things extra smart, or use your footwear as a pop of colour when styled with more monochromatic outfits.

5. How to style Birkenstock clogs for casual days

When it comes to styling Birkenstock clogs casually, you'll be spoilt for choice. The clog shape lends itself perfectly to slouchier styles, such as joggers and loungewear, and make a great alternative to trainers.

When considering which pair of Birkenstock clogs to go for, there is no wrong answer. However, it is worth considering where you will wear them most. If you're likely to be out and about running errands, a leather pair might suit you best. For a pair of shoes that will work year-round, the suede finish is the most popular, although you should consider suede protecting them to help prolong their use. But we especially love fur-lined versions for days at home or relaxing with friends, and they will save you from swapping between slippers and shoes when dashing out the door.

The best Birkenstock Boston lookalikes

Though we think the Birkenstock Boston clogs are a very worthwhile investment, they are towards the pricier end of slip-on footwear spectrum - and of course, thanks to their popularity, they're increasingly hard to get hold of. If you're still unsure about the trend and want to experiment with a cheaper alternative before you take the plunge, then we recommend giving the best Birkenstock clog lookalikes a go first. Here are our favourites:

The best socks to wear with Birkenstock clogs

Now that you've found the perfect clogs, you need the perfect socks to go with them. Forget all preconceptions you have of socks and sandals. Trust us - try it!

FAQs

How long do Birkenstock clogs last?

As with all shoes, how long your Birkenstock clogs will last largely depends on how you take care of them. For the longest lifespan, we recommend using a suede protector spray or Birkenstock's shoe care range so they don't get prematurely ruined.

It will most likely be a couple of years before you begin to notice serious wear on the soles (depending on how often you wear them) but when this time comes, it doesn't mean that your Birkenstock clogs have to be thrown away.

They can be re-soled by a cobbler which will give them a whole new lease of life, but make sure to take them for repair before any cork is exposed. The high-quality design really does speak for itself, but keeping them cleaned and avoiding water will help, too. When cared for properly, they could last you years.

Do you wear Birkenstock clogs with or without socks?

In short, either!

A cosy pair of socks will see your clogs through to autumn/winter (trust us, they're so comfortable you won't want to part with them when the weather turns cold!), but it's also a huge trend to wear them with socks at the moment.

Some people say they fit that bit better with the addition of socks as well. Certainly, it makes dressing between seasons easier, and besides, who wants cold feet?