Trend Report: Clogs

After many years of varied attachments and a brief on-trend stint a few years ago –  they were mentioned in a Fashion Captial trend forecast in 2006 – clogs are back on the fashion radar and have stomped down many a catwalk in recent months, remodelled in ways never seen before…

 

Clogs, as I’ve known them, have always been seen as part of a national dress of Sweden or Holland, and often found shrunk, decoratively painted and hung on a keychain or printed on a postcard. But clogs were, and sometimes still are, worn as safety work wear in countries worldwide. In Britain, clogs became the footwear of choice in mills, mines and metal works at the start of the Industrial Revolution in the eighteenth century, when workers needed durable, practical footwear.

Not my usual considerations for shoes, so it’s somewhat surprising I’m buying into this trend. But when you look at how easy clogs are to wear, really its no wonder style savvy shoppers have been snapping  the wooden wonders up, and will continue to do so all summer. Having appeared in S/S10 collections from Miu Miu to Chanel, clogs are the must have shoe of the season.

Look for rich, expensive colours, no sallow beige or cheap chocolate; go for a shade that’s just got an edge, a slightly green or orange hue, for that less obvious look. Thick leather and/or a wide surface area will help to balance out the sole and looks more avant garde, and be sure to pick up on bold, chunky stud or buckle detailing and contrast stitching to keep the look modern and fresh. Alexa Chung has already been spotted wearing her clogs, firstly on the cover of Vogue, then on numerous day to day occasions, showing there are endless ways to work your clogs: good old jeans (with obligitory turn ups), newly revived denim shorts, floaty floral dresses or an ethnic inspired cropped waistcoat, with any of the above.

You may look the part, but perhaps walking in, or is it on, blocks of wood might actually take a bit of an effort, even for the well practised heels wearer. The best piece of advice I’ve heard yet is to go barefoot, which seems to be the safest option. Oh and just don’t attempt to run in them, or walk long distances!