Since last year, I noticed a shift happening in my personal style but couldn’t quite put my finger on how to define it. I was (and am) still interested in my usual classic-meets-minimalist neutral outfits, but I found my attention gravitating toward more laid-back looks that have an outdoorsy feel. For fall, I’ve been especially craving fleece jackets, plaid details, and relaxed jeans, and more than anything, I want to wear Birkenstock Boston clogs 24/7. It wasn’t until I came across a viral TikTok video last month from Kylie Cline, aka @koolieclone, that I finally had the perfect term to help describe my personal style as of late: granola-curious.
With that in mind, I set out to find outfit inspiration that reflects an aesthetic that romanticizes but doesn’t fully embrace a granola vibe while still incorporating my commitment to chic and classic ensembles. Keep scrolling to check out a variety of stylish outfit ideas that fit the bill, plus 62 elevated picks inspired by the TikTok trend to help re-create each look. This is essentially a guide on how to wear Birkenstock clogs for fall and winter, and I, for one, am not mad about it.
Stock futures posted modest gains Thursday ahead of a report likely to show that
U.S. inflation fell in September as gasoline price growth slowed and used-car costs declined.
If you were to take one look into my closet, you’d quickly get the idea that I am all about elevated basics with an injection of trendy and fashion-forward pieces. My favorite way to bring those pieces together is by creating simple and oftentimes elegant outfits. That said, I am always on the lookout for outfit inspiration that embodies that exact vibe. I don’t know about you, but the first place I always turn to for inspiration is my Instagram feed.
In fact, I recently set out to find a fresh set of fall outfit ideas, and I was not disappointed. I came across a variety of outfits that fit the bill, but some of them stood out thanks to the pieces incorporated into each of the looks. This includes a white button-down, a denim maxi skirt, a black slip dress, and much more—all of which could easily be mixed and matched into a capsule wardrobe. Scroll on to check out seven fall outfit ideas that are simple yet elegant and shop each look.
When it comes to shoes, I always prioritize comfort and practicality before style. I live in New York City after all, so finding the right pair of flats for commuting is essential. Although I love fashion, I often find myself sticking to the same few pairs of shoes. Finding a pair that marries comfort and style, while being versatile enough to wear with different outfits, can be tricky. It’s why the multitude of current shoe trends are so exciting. Whether you’re a fan of dadcore sneakers or are looking for your next perfect pair, there is a shoe trending for everyone and every style.
Luckily for us, flats are trending right now, a style that proves fashion and practicality can go hand in hand. Below, I’ve listed shopping picks you can dress up or down and that can be worn with any outfit, no matter your personal style. You’ll find pairs of ballet flats, the latest 2000s trend to make a comeback, as well as comfy clogs and chic slip-on shoes. Whether you live in warm weather and are looking for a pair of mules or need some extra warmth for cooler weather, scroll down to find 25 options to shop now.
When you scroll through Kendall Jenner‘s Instagram, you never really know what side of the supermodel and reality TV star you’re going to get. One day, she’ll post a selfie dump from Paris, where her wardrobe’s been cycling between vintage Gaultier and head-to-toe The Row and the next, she’s in a bikini, de-capping glass bottles on a jetski and proving once and for all that she’s “built as an athlete.” Clearly, the eldest Jenner contains multitudes, and we love that for her.
But of all the Kendalls that we have the pleasure of digitally witnessing on a daily basis, the one I’m personally most attached to is the rustic one, when she seems to ditch many of the luxuries in her life and opt for a simpler way of living—and in turn, dressing. Fortunately for me, this is the side that Jenner just shared, posting a slideshow with the caption “peanuts and beer” on Thursday that featured her hiking in the mountains and chilling cabin-side in cargo pants, overalls, and my favorite, Birkenstock clogs. Known for being comfortable and cool—having been worn by everyone from Sienna Miller and Zoë Kravitz to Jennifer Lawrence and Mary-Kate Olsen—it’s no wonder that Jenner would grab for the nearly 50-year-old flat style during her outdoorsy travels (not to mention at home in LA, where she’s regularly spotted in the slip-ons).
See her vacation photos and shop her go-to $160 Birkenstocks below.
In case you haven’t noticed, flat shoes are trending in an unprecedented way. Yes, ballet flats are the major player here, but loafers, sandals, and minimal slides are all also in the mix. For starters, all of these styles are dangerously convenient to slip into, and the best part is that they’re easy on the arches and balls of your feet. You can’t say that about high heels, can you? In 2023, it’s all about comfort, while still keeping things elevated, of course.
Nordstrom and Shopbop have a ton of options, from affordable styles to the luxe designer flats you’ve probably seen plenty of on your Instagram feed. Below, I rounded up 29 of the flat shoe styles that are in every stylish person’s closet. Classics like Converse, Birkenstocks, and Tevas are the mix, yes, but there are also finds from smaller brands like ATP Atelier, Tkees, and Ancient Greek Sandals that are known for delivering high quality and fashion-forward flats. Let’s just say that scrolling through all of these chic designs will make you want to book that European summer vacation stat. Scroll down and you’ll see what I mean.
In a time when an entire phenomenon can begin and end on TikTok in the span of 24 hours, tracking what’s viral is a full-time job. In many ways, it’s my full-time job, making me the perfect person to ask when you’re looking to get in on the newest, most of-the-moment trends. Since shoes just so happen to be my personal favorite genre of study, I thought I’d answer your footwear-related requests before you even submit them by putting together a list of the trends that are already defining the season ahead.
My favorite quality of this year’s most viral shoe trends is the variety. Some are timeless favorites that come back year after year, while others feel entirely fresh and unexpected. There are the mesh ballet flats from The Row that have sparked an internet-wide debate surrounding the importance of pedicures, the Adidas sneakers that I spot at least a dozen times every single time I step foot outside in New York City, and the shapely Bottega Veneta wedges that every last one of Who What Wear’s editors can’t seem to shut up about. But those are just the highlights. Ahead, scroll through and shop the 15 most talked-about shoes of the summer.
In recent years, Zoë Kravitz, like so many of us, has largely given up on heels, choosing to preserve her feet by prioritizing flat shoe styles that are both comfortable and undeniably chic instead. Mary Janes, ballet flats, thong sandals, and sneakers—if they’re flat and somewhat podiatrist-approved, the actress has probably worn a fashionable version. But her most recent shoe choice might be the best one she’s made yet.
Earlier this week, Kravitz was spotted walking to dinner in New York City alongside actress Margaret Qualley wearing a Canadian tuxedo from The Row with a Saint Laurent bag, The Row x Oliver Peoples sunglasses, and a perfect pair of suede Birkenstock Boston clogs. Known for their comfort and cool shape, the Boston clogs are among fashion’s favorite shoes, causing them to sell out year after year, especially during the summer. Luckily, Kravitz’s exact pair haven’t sold out just yet. Shop the $158 slip-on flats below.
As a muse to some of fashion’s most legendary designers and photographers, Cindy Crawford no doubt has every luxury brand on speed dial. But when she’s not walking a runway or red carpet, Crawford’s style is more relatable than you might think. Case in point? She just wore a low-key outfit while grocery shopping in Malibu.
Crawford wore the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandals ($140) with white jeans and a basic crew-neck sweater, resulting in an easy-to-copy outfit perfect for running errands. I particularly love that the Birkenstock sandals Crawford wore come in six colors and boast rave reviews on Nordstrom’s website. Keep scrolling to see Crawford’s casual outfit and shop her exact sandals.
A month ago I watched the NBA’s most fashionable player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, walk into the Crypto.com Arena in a cartoon-esque outfit. These round, fire-engine red boots paired with jeans that were intentionally wavy. It felt like you took some sort of psychedelic looking at him.
And I laughed, because of course this was just the tip of the iceberg for the Big Red Boot fashion movement. MSCHF’s newest headline-worthy drop was New York Fashion Week’s most talked about shoe. You remember their Satan Sneaker, you’ve heard of their Birkenstocks made out of Birkins — MSCHF (who are actually not designers, but a Brooklyn-based art-collective) loves to make a statement.
At the low price of $350, MSCHF offers an escape from reality with these boots via their press release:
“Cartoonishness is an abstraction that frees us from the constraints of reality. If you kick someone in these boots, they go boing!”
Look, if this is how you want to spend your money…don’t let me tell you not to. However, I have to wonder what the line is between fashionable clothing and viral fashion statements. Sure, I want to feel as cool as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but I don’t think wearing Big Red Boots will get me compliments at a bar.
In an article by Laura Reilly for The Cut, she dons a $1,400 Diesel belt skirt that was thrust into mainstream fascination by, of course, TikTok. The only problem, the rigid leather belt barely covers anything. She muses whether or not viral fashion is meant to be worn, or to just remain viral. The perfect example that comes to mind is Bella Hadid’s Coperni spray-on dress: the most viral fashion moment of 2022, but not meant to be worn in public.
“During New York Fashion Week last month, there was a lot of discussion about viral fashion and its place at the shows, and since a 59-second TikTok video can often lack critical context, I set out to see what would happen when I wore the skirt in the real world: Would people stare? Would they be outraged? Would they even know I’m wearing theeeee viral skirt?”
The answer seems a bit underwhelming for those who want to have that viral piece of fashion: not everyone is going to understand (or necessarily care about) what you’re wearing…even at NYFW. Sure, you’ll get attention from avid TikTokers who are keeping up with the trends, but you will get some side eyes from others who aren’t so knowledgeable.
Viral fashion has the same effect on me that most fast fashion does: I could wear it once, get a few photos in it…and then it’ll sit in my closet, never to be worn again, until I come to my senses and donate it. Much like Lizzie McGuire, I don’t like being called an outfit repeater, and viral fashion is too memorable and too niche to be a staple in my closet.
However, there are the rare pieces that catch the public eye, and stay there. So instead of obscure, camp-y fashion statements…here are some of my favorite viral fashion-inspired moments that won’t cycle out of your wardrobe in 2-5 weeks.
The Boston Birks are a classic, but constantly gripping my toes to keep them on my feet is exhausting. The leather Arizona Birks are perfect for summer weather…and won’t fly off your feet if you aren’t paying attention. Hell, they even look good for a socks-and-sandals moment.
Denim is thriving in the fashion world right now. Head-to-toe denim looks are all the rage, and these shortalls are just what you need. I like to wear these to the beach as a coverup, or just on hot days during the summer.
Weekend travel bags make packing easy, and BAGGU is one of the trendiest bag brands right now. Beloved by thriftshop afficandos, frequent fliers, and laptop-carrying girlbosses alike! This featherweight bag can compact down into a small pouch, but also fits everything you need for a weekend getaway. It also comes in fun colors like lime green and lavender, the perfect pop of color for your carry-on.
More pockets, less problems. These satin straight leg cargo pants mix comfort and style for your favorite warm-weather going out pants. They’re great for work and play, meaning you can wear them to the office and then right to happy hour afterwards.
The trendiest jacket of the spring is the bomber/varsity jacket. This one from Alo Yoga comes in neutral shades and has an oversized look that everyone is loving right now. It’s both cozy and functional.
Ready for the resurgence of “ugly” shoes? So are we. Sure, there have been specific styles that simply won’t quit (chunky loafers, we’re looking directly at you), but looking at the biggest shoe trends to hit this year, it seems as though we’ve reached the peak of the craze. Now that we’re in the midst of warmer days, it’s time to hone in on one particular shoe style that’s left a room divided: the Birkenstock.
Many brands have reimagined Birkenstock’s iconic Arizona sandals for a fashion-forward take on the podiatrist-approved shoes, and some, like Valentino and Rick Owens, have even collaborated with the brand for a high-fashion spin. But let’s be real: Nothing comes quite as close to the one that started it all—just ask fashion’s favorite It girls.
From Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner to the Olsen sisters—along with the chicest style-setters—Birkenstocks have become one of the most beloved pairs of “ugly” sandals in the closets of fashion lovers everywhere.
If you’re ready to get on board with the trend and want to sport your own Birkenstock outfits, scroll through to see how our favorite celebs and It girls are wearing the two-strap slide sandals now.
When the cold winds roll in and snow comes down, there are few better feelings than wrapping yourself in something warm from head-to-toe: lined boots and thick socks to keep feet warm, cute mittens to protect your hands (while still easily accessing your phone), dramatically chunky sweaters.
Winter is already a gray time, so I like using fashion as a tool for bringing in more joyfulness and color — an extension of dopamine dressing, if you will. There’s an air of exuberance right now, with that post-lockdown feeling and being “back outside,” and that extends to our cozy-season essentials.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the most fun cozy items money can buy, from Ugg mules to shearling scrunchies to Gigi Hadid-approved cardigans. Happy shopping!
Guest in Residence Cabin Cardigan, $645, available here (sizes XS-XXL)
Offline by Aerie Fluffy Sherpa Jogger, $59, available here (sizes XXS-XXL)
Another Tomorrow Merino Wool Knit Skirt, $490, available here (sizes XS-L)
When Jason Chen coined the term gorpcore in The Cut back in 2017, he wasn’t discovering a new trend — he simply put a label on an aesthetic we were already familiar with: fashion that leans towards the outdoorsy, informed by what you might see on a hiker or a camper, with an emphasis on the utilitarian. But it occupies a gray area between technical apparel and something a little bit more zeitgeist-y, like normcore.
Gorpcore went mainstream in the mid-2010s when celebrities like A$AP Rocky and Frank Ocean started wearing Adidas Terrex AX3 GTX Men’s Trekking sneakers and Arc’teryx jackets. Demand for these brands skyrocketed, both from consumers and other players in the market: This ushered in a series of collaborations — North Face and Supreme, Columbia and Opening Ceremony, Fjallraven and Acne Studios — that continue to this day. (Just last week, Reformation announced a capsule with Canada Goose.)
Gorpcore has flourished into its own subcategory in the market. And in recent years, it’s evolved to intersect with the luxury world on a whole new level.
Nylon accessories on the Prada Fall 2019 runway.
Photo: Imaxtree
Dior x Birkenstock, Jacquemus hiking boots, Prada’s hit nylon accessories — okay, the latter technically is a re-issue, but still: All of these are a testament to gorpcore’s popularity among shoppers. (The Lyst Index of 10 hottest products for Q3 of 2022 included both the Birkenstock Boston Clog and the Patagonia Better Sweater fleece.)
“Essentially, gorpcore became the new luxury streetwear,” says Lorna Hall, director of fashion intelligence at WGSN. “Its active functionality was truly performative to those buying into it — hence the infamous TikToks demonstrating a jacket’s waterproof credentials [by] standing in a shower or throwing bottles of champagne at it.”
It’s only growing in resale, too: Searches for “gorpcore” have been on the rise on Depop among its loyal customer base of teens and twenty-somethings, according to Augustina Panzoni, the company’s trends and category manager. Brands like Arc’teryx, The North Face and Salomon are driving greater traffic than ever, especially for vests, rain jackets, technical pants and bags. But Panzoni calls out Prada, Dior, Jacquemus and Loewe as luxury brands that have crossed into the space.
Patagonia Fashion Week?
Photo: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
Gorpcore gives these younger consumers the opportunity to mix and match different aesthetics together and express themselves. They tend not to be loyal to a single brand, nor can they necessarily afford an entire luxury wardrobe. By jumping (and cashing) in on this aesthetic, luxury brands have provided more aspirational options to those able to afford them; but it’s an aesthetic that’s still attainable on a budget.
TikTok has also helped. Panzoni points to the viral trend of people wearing Arc’teryx’s Gore-tex jacket in the shower while listening to “Arc’teryx” by YG; searches for Arc’teryx rose almost 200% in the last quarter on Depop.
Meanwhile, for the brands that originated gorpcore, this recent trend is an opportunity to expand their clientele and stay relevant.
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In 2021, The North Face teamed up with Gucci on a collaboration of groovy backpacks, colorblocked coats, Gucci-North Face monogramed puffers and heavy-duty boots. Launchmetrics reported that in just four months, the collection accumulated a whopping $15.3M in Media Impact Value. That same year, Arc’teryx partnered up with Jil Sander on a line of jackets, bibbed trousers and one-pieces that marry aesthetics and utility. More recently, on Sandy Liang‘s Spring 2023 runway, models walked out in ballet-inspired outfits paired with Salomon hiking shoes, creating an interesting juxtaposition between the designer’s über-feminine style and tougher footwear.
Sandy Liang Spring 2023.
Sandy Liang Spring 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
Teva has seen a similar resurgence in the age of gorpcore, embraced by everyone from Kendall Jenner to Chloe Sevigny — and it’s only kept growing since the pandemic.
“We carved out this unique space for ourselves in the fashion market with our statement sandals, and now with our lifestyle boots, but we really saw an acceleration of comfy-casual trends winning during the pandemic” says Julia Feldman, associate product line manager at Teva. (The brand alluded to a luxury collaboration on the horizon.)
Also on the footwear front, Collina Strada — a beloved New York label that’s often inspired by nature and driven by sustainability — introduced a collaboration with Melissa that’s generated a lot of buzz. Their Puff Sandal is futuristic-style hiking shoe that’s both funky and sporty, inspired by founder Hillary Taymour’s own lifestyle.
When it came to designing the shoe, it was equal parts about the aesthetic and functionality. “We made it so you could literally hike up rocks and jump into an ocean — it’s the coolest water-functioning shoe I have ever seen,” Taymour says. “Wear it with a pair of socks in the fall, with cargo pants or a dress, and it’s still a statement shoe. I feel like anything that’s multi-functional and can be worn for different types of outings is very much the Collina way.”
Collina Strada Spring 2023. Photo: Imaxtree
So what’s behind this new wave of gorpcore — one that toys with luxury — surging years after the trend first emerged? To a certain extent, it’s a reflection of our sociopolitical climate.
“In streetwear, the mood and mentality always fits the times, and there’s a very definite element emerging of ‘harderwear for hard times,’ which aligns the aesthetic and performance to the dark geopolitical and economic mood music” says WGSN’s Hall. “The narrative is less about outdoor pursuits and weather functionality, more about survivalism.”
As for what’s to come, some predict the next step for gorpcore is to go digital.
“Streetwear is also starting to respond to the meta economy, where we see performance streetwear increasingly being influenced by metaverse/gaming and fantasy aesthetics,” says Hall. “The question is: Should they lean into these shift, or is it a step too far from their true extreme/outdoor DNA and therefore too big a risk?” Only time will tell.
There are certain celebrities that I instantly associate with L.A., and one of them is Gwyneth Paltrow. Everything about her screams sophisticated Southern California, including her effortless-yet-chic wardrobe. Speaking of Los Angeles, it follows its own set of rules when it comes to fall and winter weather, and so do its residents when it comes to their fall and winter wardrobes.
Recently, L.A. resident Paltrow stepped out for an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in a Birkenstock outfit that made perfect sense for the oft-mild Los Angeles weather. It consisted of black Bermuda shorts, a red belted cardigan, and shiny black Birkenstock sandals. The combination proved to be the perfect fall-in-L.A. Birkenstock outfit, but if you live somewhere a little less mild than L.A. is in November, just add jeans or trousers (and maybe socks…).
Scroll to shop the pieces needed to create the look, as well as some of our favorite Birkenstocks.
While Dr. Khorramian named ballet flats as the most common shoes to cause foot-related issues, he explained that other unsupportive or painful styles are also worth avoiding. “Flip-flops can cause a lot of injuries,” he stated. “Pointy shoes can also cause corns and blisters because of the lack of circulation to the toes.”
Some of the most unsupportive shoes for your feet include classic ballet flats, flip-flops, pointed shoes, and precarious heels. So what are the best ways to protect your feet? “Always buy shoes that are cushiony underneath the soles of the feet and have enough toe room,” said Khorramian. And if you are planning to wear shoes with little support or high heels, he recommends carrying a larger bag where you can easily swap to comfortable shoes. “If you must wear heels, avoid wearing them while you’re driving, for long periods of time, and while walking.”
