We didn’t see this one coming. Scrap that. We saw it coming but never thought it would get a decent reception. Leather slides like Birkenstock sandals are macho-looking; some even think they’re ugly.
They’re unglamorous and not sexy. They’ve been around for as long as we can remember, but fashion people haven’t been very fond of them until recently.
Now, we’re seeing Birkenstock lookalikes left and right. Sure, it’s a call of the trend. But perhaps it’s also because of the comfort factor. After all, no one can resist taking a break from high heels once in a while.
Mena Suvari elegantly pairs her sandals with a chic black dress at Suzanne Felsen Jewelry Store in Los Angeles on July 9, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
If you want to wear a pair of slides this summer but haven’t figured out how yet, read on.
You can rock leather slides with almost any outfit, but one really cool way to style a pair is to wear it with a maxi dress — just like how Mena Suvari wore her slides on Wednesday.
The American Beauty actress sported a long black dress with the sandals while buying a gift at Suzanne Felsen Jewelry Store in Los Angeles.
The dress was cut low on the sides, which exposed her black bra, and it also came with a sexy split-back detail. Essentially, it was the perfect combination of naughty and nice.
Mena Suvari shopping for a gift at Suzanne Felsen Jewelry Store in Los Angeles on July 9, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
By wearing chunky leather slides instead of the usual thong sandals, Mena Suvari was able to infuse a cool-chick vibe into her look.
Mena Suvari adds a trendy twist to her ensemble with chunky leather slides (Credit: WENN)
The pair she wore was crafted with wide black patent leather straps, a perfect choice in our opinion since the high-shine material gave the sandals a more glamorous feel.
Up close with Mena Suvari’s sleek patent leather slides (Credit: WENN)
Do you like Mena Suvari’s take on one of summer’s favorite shoe trends? Will you take the cue and wear a pair of slides with your dress?
Wearing leather slides with a feminine dress is a great way to tone down a look. However, you do have to consider the kind of leather slides to use.
Ensure it is not too shabby, and don’t go with overly chunky (or thick) “flatforms” either. The idea is to ensure you still look put-together even while in a pair of macho sandals.
Birkenstock “Mayari” Black Patent Leather Slides, $90
To experiment with styling your leather slides this season, keep things monochromatic. In other words, stick to one color like Mena’s all-black outfit. Once you get the hang of it, you can try color styling.
Also, make sure you pick a feminine dress that is not overly decorated. The key is to create balance. The sandals are slightly chunky and masculine, so you must “neutralize” that and vice versa. The dress length will depend on your preference, but we recommend the maxi because it is the most graceful.
re:named Splatter Maxi Dress, $58
Finally, complement with extras in the same color family. Mena wore a black drawstring bucket bag with her ensemble. To copy her style, you can use the Tory Burch bag below.
Generally speaking, monochromatic attire always looks more polished and elegant. It is also the easiest one to pull off. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with these simple guidelines, you’re all set to look chic in your slides.
Tory Burch “Marion” Quilted Small Backpack, $450