I expected to see big clunky Birks, but these are quite refined. It looks like the footbed is tan and they show lots of skin, so are really not so black taking in the total view. BTW, I just love your outfit!
I'd leave them alone and enjoy the comfort, bookending with a bit of black. Do you wear sunglasses? Also, how about a casual necklace on a thin black piece of leather? A few years ago Angie blogged about the casual necklace.http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....-necklace/

I have embraced the idea of a leather "chain" with a flat round pendant of glass, metal or stone. That on a narrow leather strip (here also found at bead places and hobby stores) is my favorite summer necklace when I want black. Black or dark beads would also work.

I think they look lovely on you....

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!

I'm a Birkenstock fan. My feeling is sometimes being comfortable trumps every other consideration. There is nothing stylish about sore feet imo I have these in metallic light gold.

http://www.bstore.com.au/birke.....l-lavender

Like other posters, I was expecting a pair of clunky Birks, but these are rather refined ( for the brand).

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?

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.

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.

I think they look great on you. Maybe you can find some metallic or neutral Birk's so you get that comfort factor.

Astrid, these are dainty, not dumpy-frumpy at all.
How would you feel about prettifying them further by slapping on some toenail polish to bookend the colour(s) in your outfit?

Well Astrid - I think I agree with you - these just aren't really all that fab - its the color, plus the thin straps. If Birks are the only sandals that you can find that work for your feet, I'd look for a lighter color!

Nothing new here--I agree about the lighter color.

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!

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.

Buy a bottle of lovely red, pink, or coral polish, put it on, and see if I'm right!

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.

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.

Thanks Biscuitsmom!

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.

Thanks Caro! Yours look very nice, but wow, are they expensive! That are about 100€, regular price here is 45€...

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.

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.

Thanks Cheryl!

Thanks Lantana! Yes, I really do have to take the time to do a pedi, it's a good idea.

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!

Thanks Adelfa! I'm going to try it.

Astrid, you need to move to my city because Birks/Mephistos/Think!/El Naturalistas are all the rage here! You'd fit right in - no problem!
I like these sandals on you and if they are comfortable, I would consider buying another pair in another color. 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? 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!

Birkenstocks

Hi Astrid! Everyone has really great ideas for your Birks. Thought I'd back up what's been said with some visual inspiration- birkenstock outfits.

My fave - with bright coloured pants and painted nails

http://d1535dk28ea235.cloudfro.....f3d5a6.jpg

with dark pants

http://www.afterdrk.com/wp-con.....birks3.jpg

with flared jeans

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.....lp3X4m14pB

with skinny jeans

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--v-m...../photo.JPG

with stripey pants

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B47J.....394827.JPG

rolled capri jeans ( wrong colour
birks, but you get the idea J)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpMZ.....ne27-4.jpg

with stripey skirt

http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/5F/.....6C3C81.jpg

with black belt and
black sunnies as accents (can’t see the the Birks under the long dress, but you
get the idea)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COQq.....Outfit.jpg

similar idea with black bag accent

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sct4.....3B246C.JPG

with lots of colour!

http://readinginskirts.files.w.....2011-4.jpg

with black top/jacket

http://i1075.photobucket.com/a.....BRACEL.png

The Sartorialist says Birks are now super trendy, when worn
with hiking socks.

http://www.thesartorialist.com.....and-socks/

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhlg.....2013+2.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dttU.....2013+6.jpg

What do you think of this look below? I really like it! I can easily imagine you wearing something along these lines….

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jaM.....1f7d8f.jpg

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 (http://shop.papillio.de/de/sho.....310&p#), but they do have the strap between the toe and are full price. We'll see.

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.