7 Ways to Wear Clogs in 2021 …So You Don’t Look Like a ‘70s Throwback
Let’s cut to the chase: Clogs have emerged as the shoe of the summer. We were as surprised as anyone to find Hermès models strolling down the runway with these sensible shoes on their feet during fashion week. And the hyper luxe French brand wasn’t alone in elevating the easy footwear; Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Burberry also featured clogs in recent collections.
Searches for the ‘70s shoe on the global shopping platform Lyst are up more than 125 percent from this time last year, with wooden soles being the most coveted styles. Make no mistake about it, we’re super excited about the return of clogs. They’re incredibly comfortable and easy to walk in (unlike the heeled flip-flops we’ve also seen popping up on our Insta feeds). But what’s the best way to style them so you don’t look like you’re wearing a hippie Halloween costume? Allow these seven wonderfully stylish women to show you the way with seven equally fabulous clog-centric outfits.
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1. BOHO BLOUSE + MIDI SKIRT
Start easy with a breezy blouse tucked into a skirt that hits just below the knee. If your clothes are patterned, stick with solid-colored clogs. But if you pull together solid-hued separates, à la Coterie member Jessie Loeffler Randall, opt for shoes with a bit more detail, like leopard spots or exaggerated studs to add some interest.
Shop similar styles: Halogen top ($59; $33); Onīrik skirt ($178); Loeffler Randall clogs($395)
2. CROPPED JACKET + SHORTS
Hello, summer uniform. This outfit works best with flat clogs or those with a low platform or you risk looking like you’re walking in stilts (plus, both shorts and low shoes share a casual weekend vibe). Feel free to play around with denim cut-offs or linen shorts in addition to tailored cotton options, just being sure to opt for a silhouette that has an inseam of five inches or longer (but doesn’t extend past the top of your knee). As for your jacket? Aim to have the hem hit right around mid-hip to best keep your proportions in check.
Shop similar styles: Cinq a Sept jacket ($495); Everlane T-shirt ($30); Caslon shorts($49); Tory Burch bag ($228; $160); Sweedish Hasbeens clogs ($250)
3. OVERALLS + SLIM-FIT TOP + MINIMALIST GOLD JEWELRY
Worried that pairing overalls with a ‘70s staple, like clogs, will leave you looking like a Mamma Mia! cosplayer? Layer a fitted top under your overall straps (instead of a boho blouse) and keep your jewelry dainty, minimal and in shades of silver or gold rather than piling on the pearls or colorful beads. You can also try a clog with a slight heel, to give your ensemble an elevated feel (both literally and sartorially).
Shop similar styles: SOKO earrings ($68); Splendid turtleneck ($60); Faherty overalls($178; $129); Bryr Studio clogs ($282)
4. RELAXED BLOUSE + LEATHER PANTS
Tone down the board room vibes of a silk button-down and leather trousers with some ruby red clogs. Or, really, shoes of any color. To keep this look feeling modern, opt for looser silhouettes over faux-leather leggings or skinnies and keep your hair and jewelry on the casual side. You can even add another pop of color in the form of a stack of beaded bracelets.
Shop similar styles: Michael Stars blouse ($118); BB Dakota pants ($89); MIA Shoes clogs($89)
5. COLORFUL MAXI DRESS
Come mid-summer all we want to wear are floaty frocks and slip-on shoes, making this duo a trusty ‘fit. It’s easiest to pair like with like in terms of colors—so wear pale beige clogs with white or pastel frocks, and rock black shoes with deeper hues—but know that brown leather can work with a maxi of almost any color. Just be sure there are a few inches between the hem of your dress and your shoes to avoid being swallowed whole by the fabric and the clunky footwear.
Shop similar styles: Lilly Pulitzer dress ($328); ALDO bag ($60); Dansko clogs ($135)
6. TAILORED SUIT
As you’ve likely noticed, quarantine dressing has really blurred the lines between workwear and weekend-wear. Which makes it totally possible (chic, even) to pair a suit with wood-soled clogs. Select blazers and trousers in lighter hues (because it will give off casual summer Friday vibes) and shoes in classic black or dark brown with minimal embellishments or detailing.
Shop similar styles: Rebecca Taylor blazer ($495; $198) and trousers ($375; $150); J.Crew clogs ($178)
7. EASY T-SHIRT + CROPPED JEANS
For days when you just need a “throw on and go” look, reach for a crewneck T-shirt, tuck it into your favorite light-wash cropped jeans and slide into your comfiest clogs. We suggest opting for a looser fit of denim, like a boyfriend, straight-leg or wide-leg cut rather than a skinny to keep your look in proportion—though you could recreate this outfit with trousers of the same silhouette. Add a vibrant tote bag and you’re ready for a weekend full of farmers’ market stops or backyard reading.
Shop similar styles: Stylein T-shirt ($69; $41); Agolde jeans ($178); Baggu bag ($32 for set of two); Bryr Studio clogs ($294)
RELATED: 18 SUMMER OUTFITS TO WEAR ON REPEAT FROM NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY
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