https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-953901 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:16:54 +0000 Astrid 953901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Krista! I think I will be on the lookout in case I see a pair I like on sale. I've found some great brown ones online (<a href="http://shop.papillio.de/de/shopexec.htm?funcid=106&amp;script=002&amp;artnr=165051&amp;SizeFrom=225&amp;SizeTo=310&amp;pid=1370942810_20356_d_&amp;UserArg=shop-sandalen" rel="nofollow">http://shop.papillio.de/de/sho.....310&#038;p</a>#), but they do have the strap between the toe and are full price. We'll see.</p> <p>Thanks for all the great pictures, Lyrebirdgully! I don't think I could do the socks in sandals, but a lot of these look great. Now I want to make mine work. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-953188 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:01:56 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 953188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Birkenstocks</p> <p>&nbsp;Hi Astrid! Everyone&nbsp;has really great ideas for your Birks. Thought I'd back up what's been said&nbsp;with&nbsp;some visual inspiration- birkenstock outfits.</p> <p>My fave - with bright coloured pants and painted nails</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://d1535dk28ea235.cloudfront.net/preset_64/7894192594_5e83f3d5a6.jpg">http://d1535dk28ea235.cloudfro.....f3d5a6.jpg</a></p> <p>&nbsp;with dark pants</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.afterdrk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/afterdrk-outfit-birks3.jpg">http://www.afterdrk.com/wp-con.....birks3.jpg</a></p> <p>with flared jeans</p> <p><b><a rel="nofollow" href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqf6kAXN40YWm3JKm_mYikOvWlq149gLcY1Nm0b9lp3X4m14pB">https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.....lp3X4m14pB</a></b></p> <p>with skinny jeans</p> <p><b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v-m1Gq5A5A/TtNJ28fJc3I/AAAAAAAAMSE/JUDLev8BQsw/s640/photo.JPG">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v-m...../photo.JPG</a></b></p> <p>with stripey pants</p> <p><b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B47JCAC_z0o/TwYH_h9TsJI/AAAAAAAAM0I/haqpmwl5o8c/s400/IMAGE_3C34E9EB-6F01-4A3F-9A61-0726FF394827.JPG">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B47J.....394827.JPG</a></b></p> <p>rolled capri jeans ( wrong colour<br /> birks, but you get the idea J)</p> <p><b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpMZiifumXY/ThaE3YS7FkI/AAAAAAAAELs/Xf-fepdkEnQ/s1600/june27-4.jpg">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpMZ.....ne27-4.jpg</a></b></p> <p>with stripey skirt</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/5F/6D8F1D37DA133BC8A08F76C3C81.jpg">http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/5F/.....6C3C81.jpg</a></p> <p>with black belt&nbsp;and<br /> black sunnies as accents (can’t see the the Birks under the long dress, but you<br /> get the idea)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COQq-P5pirk/TdqEZOFczGI/AAAAAAAAAFA/i4GPSGJdDoc/s640/Outfit.jpg">http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COQq.....Outfit.jpg</a></p> <p>similar idea with black bag accent</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sct46w9RE7k/TwksLByvEmI/AAAAAAAAM4o/E_fmmIjtLwk/s1600/IMAGE_2148FDED-D930-4E36-AA11-80A07F3B246C.JPG">http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sct4.....3B246C.JPG</a></p> <p>with lots of colour!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://readinginskirts.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/jul-23-2011-4.jpg">http://readinginskirts.files.w.....2011-4.jpg</a></p> <p>with black top/jacket</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w422/olsensanonymous/ASHLEYOLSENDRAPELEATHERJACKETBLUESATINSHIRTWHITEFLOWYEMBROIDEREDSKIRTBIRKENTOCKSANDALSROUNDSUNGLASSESTHEROWNAVYBLUECROCBAGSIDNEYGARBERBRACEL.png">http://i1075.photobucket.com/a.....BRACEL.png</a></p> <p>The Sartorialist says Birks are now super trendy, when worn<br /> with hiking socks.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/if-youre-thinking-about-spring-birkenstocks-and-socks/">http://www.thesartorialist.com.....and-socks/</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhlg8RtGb9g/UVx6U4xaneI/AAAAAAAAE9I/DfohE6cWmCg/s1600/Nazca+Lines+Erin+Wasson+by+Mario+Testino+Vogue+Paris+April+2013+2.jpg">http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhlg.....2013+2.jpg</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dttU8ejNHyc/UVx6aMKskeI/AAAAAAAAE-E/SwNiAT1Ckrc/s1600/Nazca+Lines+Erin+Wasson+by+Mario+Testino+Vogue+Paris+April+2013+6.jpg">http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dttU.....2013+6.jpg</a></p> <p>What do you think of this look below? I really like it! I can&nbsp;easily imagine you wearing something along these lines….</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jaM8HDdxFk/UZ0ymXqfQAI/AAAAAAAAFSg/qZsr4GcizYs/s1600/0acb20646e9ed2730afa58064c1f7d8f.jpg">http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jaM.....1f7d8f.jpg</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-953129 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:22:39 +0000 Krista 953129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, you need to move to my city because Birks/Mephistos/Think!/El Naturalistas are all the rage here! &nbsp;You'd fit right in - no problem!<br />I like these sandals on you and if they are comfortable, I would consider buying another pair in another color. &nbsp;My go-to summer sandals are Mephistos - I've had 7 pairs and I just keep adding to my collection whenever I find a cute pair that's on sale. I know you mentioned they are not comfortable for you, but if Birks are "your" sandal, why not have more than one pair (if you can afford them) and make them part of your style?&nbsp;And Adelfa is right - a pedicure or a coat of polish in a cute color makes all of the difference. The other suggestions about bookending the accessories is also a good one - I have a pair of brown Mephistos that I felt were frumpy but I just found a gorgeous brown cross-body bag and now when I wear both, I feel pretty fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-953089 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:59:36 +0000 Astrid 953089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks elpgal! We do have a several stores here that have almost all the available models, that's practical. Although I probably won't buy another pair right now.</p> <p>Thanks Joy! I don't have time to look for a cobbler right now anyway, so I'm going to wear them some more as is for now. I love the idea of the "casual necklace", I have to see if I find something like that. I do have sunglasses and they are dark, but I don't wear them often because it bothers me to change them around. </p> <p>Thanks Biscuitsmom!</p> <p>Thanks Hil! Yes, a pedi is a good idea. I don't do it regularly because I have tiny toe nails and it's not easy to get it right.</p> <p>Thanks Caro! Yours look very nice, but wow, are they expensive! That are about 100€, regular price here is 45€...</p> <p>Thanks Runcarla! I do have a black belt, but only to wear with jeans and shorts. I did wear that one a lot with my shorts and the Birks last summer. I don't have a black belt that's short enough to belt in the waist.</p> <p>Thanks Suz! I guess I'll try to make them work until I have time to ask re the dye. I don't think I want to try it myself. I might have a look for ones in a lighter color, but I don't want to spend much money on a new pair. </p> <p>Thanks Cheryl!</p> <p>Thanks Lantana! Yes, I really do have to take the time to do a pedi, it's a good idea.</p> <p>Thanks Marley! I've not give up on finding more other more stylish sandals that work, but I didn't have any luck so far. But I'll keep looking!</p> <p>Thanks Adelfa! I'm going to try it. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-953045 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:24:53 +0000 Adelfa 953045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing new here--I agree about the lighter color.</p> <p>However I have to second most enthusiastically the idea of toenail polish! I think a pedicured foot in a Birkenstock is the cutest thing! Also, a friend told me a long time ago that if I hated my feet, polishing my toenails would fix it, and she was right!</p> <p>I have posted pics of me in Birkenstocks twice in the last week. I adore Birkenstocks and feel super fab in them. I wore them today. I have four pairs ranging in age from 7 to 20 years.</p> <p>Buy a bottle of lovely red, pink, or coral polish, put it on, and see if I'm right!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952985 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:24:02 +0000 Marley 952985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Astrid - I think I agree with you - these just aren't really all that fab - its the color, plus the thin straps.&nbsp; If Birks are the only sandals that you can find that work for your feet, I'd look for a lighter color! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952922 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:04:55 +0000 Lantana 952922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, these are dainty, not dumpy-frumpy at all.<br /> How would you feel about prettifying them further by slapping on some toenail polish to bookend the colour(s) in your outfit? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952915 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:37:57 +0000 cheryl 952915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think they look great on you. Maybe you can find some metallic or neutral Birk's so you get that comfort factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952872 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 23:31:59 +0000 Suz 952872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are nowhere near as bad as I was imagining from your description. I dislike the classic Birks so that is saying something, from me! These look quite good on you, in fact.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd either leave as is and keep hunting for a second better pair in a lighter colour, or I would try to dye them a lighter colour. I think you've bookended well here. I understand the issue. It's weird - I have an attraction to black sandals that doesn't make sense, given my colouring, but then of course I have to figure out how to style them! But a bit of black in a pattern in usually enough to do it, especially with the addition of sunglasses.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952871 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 23:31:38 +0000 Carla 952871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like other posters, I was expecting a pair of clunky Birks, but these are rather refined ( for the brand). :-)</p> <p>A red pedi with your fair skin and the black would up the style. Like others have said, try black accessories. I've not seen anyone suggest a black belt. do you have one? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952863 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 23:10:41 +0000 Caro in Oz 952863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a Birkenstock fan.&nbsp;My feeling is sometimes being comfortable trumps every other consideration.&nbsp;There is nothing stylish about sore feet imo I have these in metallic light gold.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bstore.com.au/birkenstock-mayari-graceful-lavender">http://www.bstore.com.au/birke.....l-lavender</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952820 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:53:04 +0000 Hil 952820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They're really not that bad!!! I vote for accessories in the form of sunnies, scarves and bracelets and of course make sure your feet look fab! A good pedi and lovely toe nail varnish! I think Zsa Zsa Gabor once said something about always needing toe nail polish because toes need all the help they can get! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952814 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:34:30 +0000 biscuitsmom 952814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think they look lovely on you.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks/page/2#post-952811 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:31:37 +0000 Anonymous 952811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I expected to see big clunky Birks, but these are quite refined. &nbsp;It looks like the footbed is tan and they show lots of skin, so are really not so black taking in the total view. &nbsp;BTW, I just love your outfit!<br />I'd leave them alone and enjoy the comfort, bookending with a bit of black. &nbsp;Do you wear sunglasses? &nbsp;Also, how about a casual necklace on a thin black piece of leather? &nbsp;A few years ago Angie blogged about the casual necklace.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/19/spring-2009-update-casual-necklace/">http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....-necklace/</a></p> <p>I have embraced the idea of a leather "chain" with a flat round pendant of glass, metal or stone.&nbsp; That on a narrow leather strip (here also found at bead places and hobby stores) is my favorite summer necklace when I want black. &nbsp;Black or dark&nbsp;beads would also work.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952801 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:16:13 +0000 elpgal 952801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, I am biased because I wear mostly Birks but I don't see a problem with what you are wearing. If you want to branch out into other Birk styles/colors, try the Birko-Flor models. They are less expensive and come in several colors. Check out Birkies and Papillo too, similar footbed and sometimes better colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952798 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:03:50 +0000 Astrid 952798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I'd rather have them. Or I'd feel like I forgot to change out of my slippers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952792 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:52:25 +0000 rachylou 952792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Are the ankle straps a must for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952780 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:20:56 +0000 Astrid 952780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mmh, I'm not sure what other Birks to look for, I can't wear the Gizeh styles and there are only those with the very wide straps besides. I've tried Mephistos, but they weren't as comfortable. Birks aren't as expensive here as overseas, but they aren't cheap either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952763 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:58:15 +0000 rachylou 952763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. Well, I have to agree with you, Astrid. They're not "I feel pretty shoes." I think it's the thinness of the straps, and also the black strap colour as Irene says. I'd look for another pair of birks with different straps. My birks are actually Mephistos, which are crazy expensive - but I think Birkenstock may be too? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952754 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:51:29 +0000 Astrid 952754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Una! Wise words...</p> <p>Thanks IK!</p> <p>Thanks Irene! I will try to find out if I can dye them. There aren't available in a color other than black and white and the white ones are reserved for health-care professionals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952744 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:35:09 +0000 Irene 952744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really, really, really like them for you and I don't think they make your feet look wide. However, I think black sandals are hard to pull off for most people and it is easy for them to look dowdy, especially if there is no heel or the straps are thick (which is not the case here, btw).</p> <p>Do you think you could dye them/find the same pair in another color? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952743 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:32:14 +0000 ironkurtin 952743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Birks.&nbsp; If you love them too, who cares what other people think?</p> <p>You look adorable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952741 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:30:36 +0000 catgirl 952741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think these are totally fine. &nbsp;Frankly I think with certain functional items the love comes after, not first. &nbsp;Like you love something because it works for you, rather than loving it and then trying to make it work. &nbsp;Most of my functional items are this way - I love them because they do what I want! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952737 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:26:00 +0000 Astrid 952737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Glory! I think one problem is that Birks come from Germany and they've been deemed "unstylish" by most people for quite some time. I just don't see many stylish people wearing them out and about! Most people that do wear them don't bother with fashion or style at all and look accordingly... But they ARE nice sandals. :)</p> <p>Thanks Rebekah! I do think that the Gizeh looks a bit more stylish (and I think it's the one most often worn by young people), but I can't do the strap between the toes. Naots aren't available here.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952729 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:16:59 +0000 rebekahphoto 952729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Astrid,<br />Birks are kind of in a class by themselves, I think yours are classic, almost like a saltwater sandal with support. But I know they are not everyone's cup of tea, and the granola-esque aspect can be hard to feel stylish in....I say yes to dye to change the color to something you like more</p> <p>I agree with others that perhpas a lighter color would make you feel more fab? <br />I have super fussy feet, and comfort is the #1 priority. no more flat pancake shoes, no matter how cute they are! <br />I have these in silver and the Gizeh is pretty popular even among the non-birk wearers:<br /><a href="http://www.zappos.com/birkenstock-gizeh-birko-flor-metallic-silver-birko-flor-trade" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/birkenst.....flor-trade</a></p> <p>Naots are another similar to birks (leather footbed + arch support) that are comfortable and the lighter color is more of a leg lengthening summery feel, if you feel you need another shoe:</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-paris-gray-lizard-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/naot-foo.....rd-leather</a><br /><a href="http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-cymbal-espresso-leather" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/naot-foo.....so-leather</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952728 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:16:57 +0000 Glory 952728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel birks are a style that you just embrace as is. They have a certain recognizable look and feel and are quite popular. Personally I would wear the heck out of these lovelies and when you are ready add a second daintier pair of sandals to the collection.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952720 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:09:12 +0000 Astrid 952720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Stacey! I love your reasoning. I think you're right and sometimes it's alright if comfort does come first. I'm not shopping at the moment, but I can try to use some of my accessories in the future. </p> <p>Thanks Khris! You're right that the color is probably the biggest problem. I agree that black can be difficult, some lighter color or a metallic would be great. I'm going to go and read up on leather dye. Although I do think I'd prefer asking a cobbler.</p> <p>Thanks Thistle! You're right about the happy feet...</p> <p>Thanks K! Love the Think sandals you linked to. I know Think (we do have a Think Store here) and some of their styles are really great, it's too bad they're so expensive. </p> <p>Thanks Rae! I did get the most dainty ones available, so it's true that it's not as bad as it could be. I think they work here with the tee, but some tops are more difficult. </p> <p>Thanks Sarah! I think changing the color might help a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952718 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:06:31 +0000 Sarah A 952718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are very dainty birks I agree with Rae. Like Claire if have used the Tarrago leather dye. It is really easy! I am off to take off my not great for walking shoes and put on my black birks now I think these will serve you well if you can come to terms with them or change the color if you and black dont find a way to get along... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952694 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:23:14 +0000 rae 952694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, but these are very dainty Birks, not what I was expecting from the read. I don't think they look frumpy at all. I do hear you about bookending, but you did that fine here with the thin stripes mirroring the thin straps. I think the comfort makes them a win. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-make-peace-with-my-birks#post-952692 Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:20:01 +0000 K. Period. 952692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think they look great! I guess I'm the opposite of poison eye with Birks. I think they have a distinctive look (like Fluevogs) and if you are wearing them, you are wearing them. Sometimes your feet just need sandals that are supportive and can carry you through a lot of walking. &nbsp;If they can be even slightly attractive, then all the better. Yours are pretty Birks!&nbsp;&nbsp;I have had my Gizeh sandals for&nbsp;about ten years and I still love them. &nbsp;I don't wear them all the time, but I can't imagine not having them for intensive summer vacation&nbsp;walking days.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do have a few other types of comfort sandals that I've worn, but I don't think they are much of an improvement in looks/support. &nbsp;The problem for me is that there is always a trade off. &nbsp;My Think sandals are lovely and very comfortable, but they don't have the same all-day support. Ditto Pikolinos. &nbsp;My Finn Comforts do, but honestly, if you think the Birks are ugly, Finn Comforts, wow. &nbsp; </p> <p>ETA:&nbsp;Okay, so went and ogled Think shoes and saw these sandals. Kinda cute, no?</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/think-zilli-80327-black">http://www.zappos.com/think-zilli-80327-black</a></p>