Garden Clogs: The Trend That Conquered the City?
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What if we told you that to be hype this autumn, you shouldn’t rush to Manolo Blahnik, but rather 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 are becoming THE pair to wear for a trendy look. Adding a nature-inspired and down-to-earth vibe to our outfits, these shoes are taking over from our Birks, giving us a laid-back gardener vibe even in the heart of the urban jungle. It just goes to show that ugly shoes are more than ever on point!
Garden clogs, the shoes to give you style?
While November often calls for the return of Wellies, this year, our little finger tells us that another pair will assert itself: garden clogs. Far from being worn for their primary purpose (that is, gardening), this pair of shoes is here this season to give us a nature-inspired, casual-chic style. Continuing to ride the ugly wave, but trendy, of pieces we thought impossible to wear outside the house.
After the popularity of work blues and fisherman shoes, here’s another piece that is diverted from its original function to become a style and fashion object! But then, is it simply a question of style, or are we living vicariously through a lifestyle we wish we could indulge in? This raises an interesting question!
In any case, garden clogs are replacing our loafers, Crocs (now ultra-fashionable), as well as their wooden-clog counterparts, which were adored by trends some time ago but leaned more towards a bohemian summer vibe. Here, the essentials from the garden bring a more “roots” and natural feel to our outfits, with an English countryside vibe, a Sunday in the countryside, and a slow living atmosphere.
Worn as indoor shoes or for strolling around the city, garden clogs are no longer limited to garden plots!
How to wear garden clogs outside the garden?
Easy and quick to slip on, garden clogs can be worn without too much thought among the carrots and potatoes. However, when they complete our city outfit, a bit more thought is needed, although the main idea is to maintain an effortless vibe!
Worn in their signature fir green hue, in a more subdued brown, or conversely, in a flashy color to fully embrace them… Garden clogs come in various profiles and colors, as well as different styles.
For a 100% nature and countryside vibe, 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 spirit can be achieved by wearing them with a trench coat, skirt, or straight pants.
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” piece in our wardrobe finds itself at the center of trends, it doesn’t take long before designers rework it to give it a couture touch – and in the same breath, capitalize on it. Thus, from 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 shops, has undergone a true trajectory over the last 2-3 years and is now more suited to cobblestones and fashion shows than to turnip fields.
After an appearance at the SS 2020 show by Emily Bode, some brands gained popularity by offering garden clogs with traditional lines, while focusing on French manufacturing, mid-budget pricing, and eco-thoughtful composition. This is notably the case with the clogs from Plasticana, made from hemp in the workshops of our famous jelly sandals.
Furthermore, some designers have incorporated these shoes into their ready-to-wear collections by giving them an elevated 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 sportswear vibe emerged from a collaboration between Sorel and Proenza Schouler last year, while The Row infused its minimalist spirit, and Ganni offered a reinterpretation of the pair while remaining quite faithful to its roots.
Now it’s your turn to find clogs that fit your style!
Photos: Pinterest – cover © Plasticana
