It's True: These Affordable Sandals Make Every Summer Outfit Look Expensive
Not everyone has embraced the Birkenstock Renaissance with open arms. Sure, the divisive slides are a little less refined than a Chanel ballet flat or Castañer espadrille, but there's no denying their presence in many a cool person's wardrobe.
So, why is this basic sandal so beloved? Originally released in 1973, Birkenstock's two-strap Arizona style boasts one thing above all else: comfort. Until you've tried it, you truly can't comprehend the satisfaction of sliding your foot onto that cork bed and feeling it mould to its shape.
But there has to be an aesthetic reason, too—let's face it, if comfort was our only criteria we'd wear slippers to work (although arguably Birkenstocks are comfier)—and I think I've cracked it. It seems that adding these casual slides to an outfit instantly makes it feel effortless. Wearing a dress that feels too formal for a laid-back lunch date? Slip on some Birks. Spent hours curating an outfit but want it to read as relaxed? Only one sandal will do.
Below, you'll find six simple looks that prove just how true this is. If you've been sitting on the fence where Birkenstocks are concerned, we're pretty sure these outfits will convert you.
1. Linen Dress + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Is it even summer without linen? Our answer is a resounding "no", so we recommend investing in a breezy dress to keep you cool on hot days.
Shop the look:
2. Breton Tee + Straight-Leg Jeans + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Birkenstock sandals might be trending right now, but they can easily be slotted into classic outfit combinations such as a striped tee and blue jeans.
Shop the look:
This colour combination feels so fresh (not to mention très French) for summer.
3. Crop Top + Linen Trousers + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: I'll be living in this chic combination all summer long. Birkenstocks are a key ingredient in making it feel as fuss-free and everyday-appropriate as possible.
Shop the look:
I also love the idea of styling these with bright tangerine and cobalt hues.
The back strap offers extra support.
4. Waistcoat + Shorts + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: Fashion people are fully embracing the waistcoat this season, wearing it as a top rather than a companion to suiting. Add slides to give the smart style a down-to-earth spin.
Shop the look:
This would also look great layered over a T-shirt.
The chunky gold hardware makes these look far more expensive than they are.
5. Blazer + Athleisure + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: This is the perfect running-errands ensemble, in my opinion. It's polished, comfortable and on-trend in equal measure.
Shop the look:
The extra-thick waistband means these won't roll down as you're going about your day.
6. Maxi Dress + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: On sunny summer weekends, let your floor-grazing maxi dresses do the talking and keep the footwear simple. Enter Birkenstocks.
Shop the look:
I'm always drawn to this neckline—it's so flattering.
This neutral shade will go with literally everything.
Shop Other Birkenstock Styles:
Birkenstock's Boston clogs sit right up there with the Arizonas in terms of popularity. In fact, they may even surpass the sandals. Influencers like Monikh Dale, Francesca Saffari and Lucy Williams love wearing theirs all year round.
The Mayuri sandals might just be Birkenstock's slickest design. Featuring criss-cross detailing and a black footbed (as opposed to the classic cork), this shoe is just as comfy as the brand's other sandals with bonus style points.
This chunky-buckle style looks designer to me. Honestly, I've seen similar pairs priced at almost £700 (if you know, you know).
In addition to the standard two-strap Arizona sandal, Birkenstock has released a shape with three thinner straps. Crafted from high-quality suede with matte buckles, the Florida sandal has a more elevated feel.
Flip-flops are the sandal of the summer, particularly leather and suede versions that look much more expensive than the average pair. Flimsy plastic flip-flops, be gone!
Next Up: Trust Me—These 5 Sandals Will See You Through the Entire Summer
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
-
5 Elegant Sandal Colors You're Going to Want to Own This Summer
No neons here.
By Allyson Payer
-
The Pretty Shoe Styles Fashion People Are Wearing With Black Dresses
These combinations are so major.
By Taylor Augustin
-
I Have a New Favorite White T-Shirt, Sandals, and Denim Shorts—Here's the Tea
I just needed to tell someone.
By Allyson Payer
-
This Is the One Outfit Formula Cool Scandi Girls Wear on Repeat
Get ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Hailey Bieber Wore Summer's Cutest White Minidress With Perpetual It Sandals
It can be yours for $160.
By Allyson Payer
-
Martha Hunt's French Sandals Have Had a Cult Following for 90 Years
So chic.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
I Just Went Nuts in J.Crew's Shoe Section—21 Pairs I Can't Believe I Found
From Birkenstocks to ballet flats.
By Eliza Huber
-
Celebs With Simple Style Wear These 7 Sandals Nonstop
Hitting repeat.
By Anna LaPlaca