Clogs are making a big comeback this season, with brands like Stella McCartney, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, and Bruno Cucinelli offering stylish yet pricey options. But figuring out how to wear them can be tricky. Their chunky design adds bulk to your lower half, so balancing your outfit is key. Instead of just grabbing whatever’s clean, a little styling effort can make all the difference.
If you’re up for the challenge, here’s a guide to rocking clogs with confidence, complete with outfit ideas and answers to common styling questions. Plus, a quick look at how clogs became a fashion staple.
### Finding the Right Balance
Before clogs became trendy, they were mostly worn by two types of people: those who loved their practicality and those who embraced their quirky style. Now that they’re mainstream, more fashion lovers are giving them a try. The key to pulling them off? Balance. Without it, you might end up looking like you stepped out of a ’70s sitcom.
To create a well-proportioned look, follow these three steps:
1. **Define Your Waist** – Avoid looking bulky from head to toe by highlighting your waist. A wide-leg pant with a loose top and chunky shoes can make you look shapeless. Adding a belt or opting for a tucked-in top instantly creates a more flattering silhouette.
2. **Show Some Skin** – Exposing a little ankle or leg helps break up the heaviness of clogs. Cropped pants, rolled cuffs, or midi-length skirts work well. If your clogs are particularly chunky, showing more leg can help balance the look.
3. **Choose the Right Bottoms** – Distressed jeans, frayed hems, or boyfriend jeans with rolled cuffs pair beautifully with mule clogs. Skinny jeans work well with clog sandals.
### Outfit Ideas
– **Casual Chic** – A lightweight, floral midi dress contrasts nicely with the boldness of clogs, creating an effortlessly stylish look.
– **Effortless Everyday Wear** – Swap out ankle boots for clogs in your go-to outfits. Jeans, a cute t-shirt, and a moto jacket make for an easy, stylish combo.
– **Street Style Vibes** – Pair bold clogs, like red or platform styles, with jeans and a structured top. Add oversized sunglasses and tousled hair for an off-duty model look.
– **Polished & Professional** – Cropped, straight-leg trousers with a tucked-in top and belt create a sleek, work-ready outfit.
– **Playful & Fun** – An A-line skirt, tights, and a blouse make for a youthful, stylish ensemble. Opt for bold colors for a fun vibe or neutral tones for a more sophisticated feel.
– **Summer-Ready** – Shorts and clogs are a great match. Try denim shorts with a fitted t-shirt or button-down, topped with a structured blazer or leather jacket.
– **Cozy & Stylish** – A sweater dress paired with classic clogs creates a comfortable yet polished weekend look.
### Common Questions About Wearing Clogs
– **Can you wear socks with clogs?** Yes, but it’s a bold move. To make it work, keep the rest of your outfit structured and polished. Avoid oversized or slouchy pieces.
– **Are clogs good for summer?** Absolutely! Opt for sandal-style clogs and pair them with shorts or a breezy skirt.
– **Can you wear clogs to work?** Yes! Mule clogs with cropped trousers, a belt, and a tucked-in sweater create a refined office look.
– **Do you have to wear socks with clogs?** Not at all. Mules and sandal-style clogs look great without socks. A little foot powder can help keep them fresh.
– **Can clogs work with leggings?** Definitely! Try black clogs with black leggings for a sleek, modern outfit.
### A Brief History of Clogs
Clogs have been around for centuries, originally worn by Scandinavian peasants in the 14th century for their durability and comfort. They didn’t become a fashion statement until the 20th century, when ABBA helped popularize them in the ’70s and ’80s.
In 2007, Viktor & Rolf brought clogs back into the spotlight with bold, colorful designs. Chanel followed in 2010, introducing platform clogs with buckles and metal studs, a style that quickly became mainstream. Today, clogs continue to evolve, proving that this once-humble shoe is here to stay.