Garden Clogs: The Trend That Conquered the City?
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What if we told you that to be trendy this autumn, you should not rush to Manolo Blahnik but to Truffaut? Yes, for several months now, a new fashion twist has been taking over our footwear… Gone are the colorful Gazelles and shiny babies; now, garden clogs have become THE pair to wear for a chic look. Adding a touch of nature and groundedness to our outfits, these shoes take over from our Birk’s, giving us that laid-back gardening apprentice vibe even in the middle of the urban jungle. It just goes to show that ugly shoes are more than ever on point!
Garden clogs, the shoes for style?
While November often invites the return of Wellies, this year, our little finger tells us that another pair will take center stage: garden clogs. Far from being worn for their primary use (namely gardening), this pair of shoes is here to give us a nature-inspired, relaxed-chic style this season. Continuing to ride the ugly wave of items we once thought impossible to wear outside, they are making their mark.
After the popularity of workwear blues and fisherman shoes, here comes another item that is repurposed from its original function to become a style and fashion object! But then, is it just about style, or is it about living vicariously through a lifestyle we would like to embrace? This raises an interesting question!
In any case, garden clogs are replacing our loafers, Crocs (now ultra-fashionable), and their wooden clog counterparts, which were adored by trends not long ago but leaned more towards a bohemian summer vibe. Here, the essentials of the vegetable garden bring a more “roots” and natural aspect to our outfits, evoking an English countryside feel, a Sunday in the country, and a slow living atmosphere.
Worn as indoor shoes or for a stroll in the city, garden clogs are no longer limited to garden plots!
How to wear garden clogs outside the vegetable garden?
Easy and quick to slip on, garden clogs can be worn without much thought amid carrots and potatoes. However, when they complement our city outfit, a bit more thought is required, though the main idea is to maintain a laid-back vibe!
Worn in their signature fir green hue, in a more subdued brown, or on the contrary, in a flashy color to fully own them… Garden clogs come in various profiles and colors, as well as different styles.
For a 100% nature and countryside look, pair them with a waxed jacket like a Barbour. Complete the look with a pair of raw jeans and a knitted sweater. A more urban vibe can be achieved by wearing them with a trench coat, a skirt, or straight trousers.
The choice of socks will remain the most important, between trendy colors and cozy materials!
When garden clogs become couture
Of course, as soon as a “regular” item from our wardrobe finds itself at the heart of trends, it doesn’t take long before designers reimagine it to give it a couture twist – and at the same time, capitalize on it. Thus, d’Aigle to The Row, garden clogs have come a long way!
The “success story” of garden clogs echoes the enthusiasm observed last year for mesh Chinese slippers. Indeed, this pair of “utilitarian” shoes, initially sold at “low prices” in DIY/supermarket-type stores, has undergone a real trajectory over the past 2-3 years and is now more suited for cobblestones and catwalks than for turnip fields.
After an appearance at Emily Bode’s SS 2020 show, some brands gained popularity by offering garden clogs with traditional lines, while betting on French manufacturing, mid-budget pricing, and eco-conscious materials. This is notably the case for the clogs from the brand Plasticana, made of hemp in the workshops of our famous jelly sandals.
Moreover, some creators have incorporated these shoes into their ready-to-wear lines by giving them a high-end spirit. Notably, we can mention Aimé Leon Dore with the Diner Clog, released in the last two years (made in the USA, waterproof and washable, made of bio PVC, and sold for over €100). A sporty element was introduced in a collaboration between Sorel and Proenza Schouler last year, while The Row brought its minimalist spirit and Ganni offered a reinterpretation of the pair while staying quite faithful.
Now it’s up to you to find the clogs that fit your style!
Photos: Pinterest – cover © Plasticana
