image: Getty / NCP/Star Max
Whether you wore them in the ’90s or cringed at them on your parents, the Birkenstock trend is a legit, widespread trend for 2014. Our favorite celeb mom style heroines first rocked them last year, and now my Instagram feed is filled with friends and their new Birks.
I’m *this close* to purchasing my very own pair, but I needed to feel confident that I could pull off the Birkenstock trend in a cool new bohemian way, versus an old hippie way. What would I wear them with? What would I NOT wear them with? After a glass of wine and an hour of Pinterest inspiration, I put together my favorite Birkenstock styling tips. Follow these and you’ll be as fashionable as our favorite celeb style icons this summer.
image: WENN.com
1. Always Ankles
Shorts, skirts, skimmer length jeans—whatever you choose to wear with your new Birkenstocks, be sure your ankles are always in plain sight. This keeps your look on the feminine—not frumpy—side.
2. Play with Print and Pattern
Birkenstocks skew masculine very quickly when paired with baggy, plain items and dark or neutral solid styles. To amp up the feminine side of your Birkenstock look, opt for a print or pattern of any kind. Fresh florals, nautical stripes, graphic geo, cute conversationals, and ethereal embroidery—from tops and scarves to shorts and skirts, prints and patterns are a Birkenstock gal’s best friend.
3. Awesome Accessories Are a Must
When searching for Birkenstock trend inspiration, every look I loved had a common theme—super fab accessories. From cool summer hats to glam retro-inspired sunglasses and eye-catching tote bags, punctuating your Birks with fabulous accessories instantly takes your outfit from good to head-turning.
4. Pedi Perfect
Following the golden rule of summer sandals, pick a bold polish for your pedicure. Warm whites, electric pinks, dazzling metallics, or a super-fresh nail art design—these fresh, fun polishes pump up your Birks look to a whole new style level.
Birkenstock “Arizona” Suede Sandal
Old Navy Rockstar Skinny Jeans
F21 Oversized Round Sunglasses
More Summer Fashion Trends: