As a devoted Ugg boot loyalist for over two decades, I’ve been looking for an alternative that isn’t as heavy but still has the same slide-on-and-go purpose. The shearling-lined Birkenstock Boston clog has piqued my interest for a few winters now, especially since the gorgeous warm-brown “mink” suede colorway tends to sell out in my size if I'm not quick enough, and isn't always easy to find new secondhand. There had to be a reason they were so popular—and I needed to find out.
I’ve dabbled in and out of wearing Birkenstock sandals since high school, but they never really stuck around as a mainstay in my wardrobe. However, I was ready to give the clogs a shot. I finally got my hands on a pair, and, upon first wear, I understood why the supremely comfortable cork-soled cuties have been a cult-favorite since the late 1970s: Add in a little shearling, and you have a perfect winter mule.
Admittedly, the curved toe shape kind of threw me at first. It felt a little elf-like. Or even hoof-y? I got a little nervous! My mind went straight to, "Are they too weird?" And just like that, I was reminded of my high school German teacher, Ms. Nugent, who wore them unironically with linen apron dresses and nubbly wool cardigans, in perfect a German gnome-core way. I had to shake that memory off and put on my styling cap.
After unboxing, I threw on the Birkenstock clogs with the wool socks and jeans I was already wearing, and they looked great. Cozy but cool. I fully get why they’re worn so casually and look great on Zoë Kravitz and Katie Holmes while they’re running errands.
To make them work for me, I wanted to not default them as a basic shoe to wear with sweats. I like any piece of my wardrobe to be able to be worn in many different ways, from casual and more polished. I needed them to work a little harder, so I had to push myself a little out of the box with some more unexpected outfit pairings. This styling experiment might have gotten a little kooky, but, in the spirit of investigative fashion journalism, I had to share my findings.
How to wear clogs... with a suit!
I had to start off easy with integrating these clogs with something not super out-there right out the gate, so I went with my trusted baggy suit. The Birkenstocks are mostly covered up by the long hem of my go-to trouser, which makes it less of an aggressive look. I'll usually wear the suit with a chunky sneaker, but swapping for the clog feels a little less Copenhagen and more New England—dare I even say Boston! I leaned further into the coastal vibe with a light brown striped tee, tan silk scarf, and a little leather pouch. I can easily wear this look for work meetings into a playground playdate.
How to wear clogs.... with a shirt dress!
One of my favorite closet staples is a Sacai shirt dress. I wish I could gatekeep these, but I feel like it’s my duty in this column to share my sustainable wardrobe secrets. I literally have collected seven of them, and have worn them on repeat for years.
The brand does these mish-mosh dresses that mix textures, shapes, and prints every season, with new twists based on the theme of the collection. They require very little effort but always look polished and garner compliments. I popped on long argyle sock, as per my usual vibe, but I got a little worried the clogs would pull this into Ebenezer Scrooge pajama territory. With my tweed jacket, belt bag, and leather beret, I think it ended up veering a little more more “eccentric collegiate” than “colonial grandpa”—you tell me! I love this look for city errands or cozy drinks with the girls, when I want to feel pulled together but not too fussy.
How to wear clogs... with texture!
For the final look in my clog closet challenge, I channeled the late and great Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give: I piled on as much white texture as I could find—turtleneck, button-up, vintage Chanel lace skirt, mohair cardigan, quilted bag, ruffle sock. The hope was to have a monochromatic base for the clog to really pop, and also to draw attention to the shearling lining detail.
This one is definitely unexpected and kooky, but it felt really fun to wear. The mix of textures is grounded by the freshness of all white, and I definitely felt very “lady” wearing it. I’m not sure if the clog would have been the most ideal choice for this look, but I do think it’s fun. I would definitely brunch or shop for antiques in this outfit, but probably wouldn’t let my toddler anywhere near this one. Sorry, kid.
