Gone are the days when Birkenstock's cork sandals were relegated to aunts and dads. Like the chunky sneakers, these once-"ugly" footwear have become a favourite of the fashion-forward in the past few years. And whether you're in favour of its bulky silhouette or not, these sandals have made it clear that they're here to stay. After all, the German brand's signature slip-ons have become quite valued for their comfort and simplicity. But to give fans of the footwear more choices besides the beloved classic tones already available, Birkenstock partnered with New York-based fashion label Proenza Schouler to give the versatile piece an update.
The Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock collection does away with the metal buckles traditionally seen on the slip-ons. Instead, Velcro straps are used as closures, and most pairs feature a black leather footbed, replacing Birkenstock's famous suede footbed. Lastly, to make them pop, the hyper-functional pairs were embellished with thick stitching that contrasts the main colourways.
So how can you incorporate the elevated utilitarian vibe Birkenstock sandals have for the perfect "cool girl" look? Ahead, we list down a few ways to style 'em chicly.
Dress down the midi
Left: Pomelo Midi Pleated Satin Skirt, SGD39/~USD28.05 (Photo from: pomelofashion.com); Right: Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Arizona topstitched glossed-leather sandals, SGD355.13/~USD255.45 (Photo from: net-a-porter.com)
We all love the elegant femininity midi skirts and dresses offer. Yet sometimes, wearing them can feel a bit too dressy for an everyday affair. Keep it casual with a shirt and this stark white Arizona sandals from the Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock collection.
Laidback and easy
Left: RE/DONE Stove Pipe Comfort Stretch cropped high-rise straight-leg jeans, SGD250.04/~USD189.86 (Photo from: net-a-porter.com); Right: Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Arizona topstitched glossed-leather metallic sandals, SGD241.38.13/~USD173.56 (Photo from: net-a-porter.com)
For days when you're feeling lazy but don't want to spend much effort dressing up, the solution is quite easy. You can simply throw on a plain top with a pair of dark jeans, and these metallic Arizona sandals will do the work of elevating your outfit for that perfectly carefree aesthetic.
Casual workdays
Left: Mango Long Printed Jumpsuit, SGD89.90/~USD64.67 (Photo from: shop.mango.com); Right: Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Arizona topstitched glossed-leather sandals, SGD291.67/~USD209.80 (Photo from: net-a-porter.com)
Ease into the hustle and bustle of the week by pairing your office outfits with the classic sandals. Got no time to carefully think of an outfit on a busy workday? Go ahead and wear your go-to jumpsuit and slip into the yellow Arizona slip-ons. With that, you can start the day bright with a hassle-free commute.
Weekend power-dressing
Left: Pomelo Stripe Double Breasted Blazer, SGD41.30/~USD29.71; Pomelo Stripe High Waisted Shorts, SGD20.30/~USD14.60 (Photo from: pomelofashion.com); Right: Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Milano topstitched glossed-leather slingback sandals, SGD387.41/~USD278.67 (Photo from: net-a-porter.com)
The blazers we wear during the weekdays add a quite a boost of confidence to our days, don't they? So in case you might want to carry over that power over to the weekend, you can opt to pair your co-ords with these Milano slingback sandals from the collection. Guaranteed, this will give your off-duty look a dressed-down sophistication.
Slip it on for sunny days
Left: WYNKA Cherry Blue Dress, SGD679/~USD488.31 (Photo from: society-a.com); Right: Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Arizona topstitched glossed-leather sandals, SGD355.13/~USD255.52 (Photo from: net-a-porter.com)
Summer is coming! Surely, you can already feel the heat rising up these past few days. Living for so long in the tropics, you already know that the key to fashionably surviving days under the sun are sundresses. So go ahead, pick out the most dainty and colourful piece from your closet and grab these black Arizona sandals that can easily be worn with anything.
Can't wait to try out these carefree ensembles? Get the functional pairs of the Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock collection exclusively at Net-a-Porter starting today, before it launches on Birkenstock and on Proenza Schouler on 20 March.
(Cover photo from: @proenzaschouler)
Next, here's how to match your Sunnies Face Play Paints to your OOTD.
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