I was wearing my Papillio by Birkenstock Chunky Arizonas as I walked out of SolidCore class with Shana the other day, and she remarked on how cool they looked. Me? The Eileen Fisher-wearing, maxi dress-loving, comfort shoe-wearing, rule-following friend of Shana’s …wearing something “cool”? I’ll totally take it.
She asked me to put together a quick post on how I’m actually wearing these chunky “cool” Birkenstocks on a daily basis. As a Birkenstock lover, she knows I’ll jump at any chance to profess my love for pretty much all things Birkenstock.
Papillio By Birkenstock Chunky Arizonas: Add Oomph To Everyday Outfits
Birks | Jeans (30) | Similar Sweater
Shop More Chunky Birks
You guys know I love the Big Buckle Birkenstock Arizonas and the Big Buckle Birkenstock Madrids. If you’re like me and wear Birkenstocks on the daily, the big buckle version (especially the shiny leather ones) have a more sophisticated, classier look than other Birks. They make most outfits take on a more polished feel with the extra shine and pretty hardware.
Turns out, if you’re a Birkenstock-lover… you can wear the chunky Arizonas the exact same way as the big buckle version. They just add a totally different vibe — A more on-trend, modern, playful look.
I was definitely fascinated by the idea of the Papillio By Birkenstock Chunky Arizona at the beginning of the summer, but didn’t know for sure if I would actually wear them that much.
Turns out…these chunky Birkenstocks are exactly what I want to wear out the door when I want my outfit to feel more casual…or when I want it to feel less precious…or I want to add something interesting to an otherwise simple (some may say boring) look. The chunky Arizonas add a little “oomph” to any basic look.
***If you want the actual details on the pros and cons and comfort of tons of different Birkenstocks (including these chunky Arizonas), check out my Birkenstock Guide (and review) post here.
8 Ways I’m Wearing Chunky Birkenstocks This Summer
I took a few quick selfies to share how I’ve been actually wearing these chunky Birkenstocks out the door this summer. My answer to Shana is basically…I’m wearing them with everything. Dresses, jumpsuits, gauze pants, workout clothes, and all sorts of denim. It’s less for me “do these chunky Birkenstocks look good with the outfit”, but more of…”do I want to add a more casual or modern vibe to whatever I’m wearing?”
Let’s get started…
1. With A White Tee & Interesting Jeans
Birks | Tee (4)| Jeans (29S) | Earrings | Bag
I lean heavily on the jeans-and-a-white-tee outfit formula every summer. I like how the chunky tread sole of these Birkenstocks peaks out beneath the bottom of the jeans. And the “more interesting” denim goes perfectly with the “more interesting” Birks.
2. With A Breezy Print Dress
Birks | Dress (XS) | Bag | Earrings | Sunnies
Gah…I just can’t stop with this dress. I wear it (and the solid black version) all.the.time. When I want either of these dresses to feel more casual and “less precious”, I often pair them with rubber flipflops or these chunky Birks.
3. With A Tank & Relaxed Jeans
Birks | Tank (M) | Jeans -Ankle Length (30) | Earrings | Bag
Just wore this outfit out for drinks with the TME team. Such a super simple jeans and tank combo, but the chunky Birkenstocks and cute bag make it look a bit more interesting.
4. With Gauzey-Pants & A Gauzey Top
Birks | Pants (S) | Tank (M) | Shirt (S) | Bag
I wear a variation of this combo at the beach or around any water, but I also wear it around the city too. Basic, simple (per usual)…but adding the chunky Birkenstocks adds just a little oomph.
5. With Leggings & A Capelet
Birks | Top (OS) | Similar Leggings
I’m not a leggings person (I’m a total joggers gal!), but this summer I’ve been wearing leggings quite often to solidcore (unfortunately, I do find my form is better when I’m not hiding in joggers). I throw on my chunky Birks and a big capelet or oversized tee of some sort, and I’m out the door in the mornings.
6. With Lightwash Jeans & A Gauze Top
Birks | Shirt (S) | Jeans (30) | More Sizes | Bag | Earrings | Sunnies
One of my many variations of the trusty jeans and a white tee winning outfit combo. This summer…it’s often lightwash crop-ish jeans (I chopped them to the right length) and my favorite gauze button down shirt. Adding the chunky Birkenstocks definitely adds a more playful, modern vibe to this otherwise very simple combination.
7. With a Fun Top & Wide Leg Jeans
Birks | Top (2) | Jeans (8) -sold out ( but here and here in other washes) | Similar Bag | Earrings
I’ve been wearing both of my one-shoulder Rails dresses on repeat, so I picked up this one-shoulder top for an option when I’m tired of my white (or black) plain tees. This is another circumstance where if I want to dress up a bit and wear something more playful, but I don’t want it to feel to precious….chunky Birks DEFINITELY make sure of that.
8. With My Fav Black Jumpsuit
Birks | Jumpsuit (M) | Bag | Earrings | Sunnies
Anyone who has followed The Mom Edit for a while (and my selfies) knows that I can’t NOT wear this easy jumpsuit every.single.summer. Adding the chunky Birks to this very simple jumpsuit is a no-brainer…because….why not. Comfy +comfy = happiness.
Let us know if there’s something you’ve seen any of us wearing that you’re curious about…and want us to grab quick shots of how we actually wear it on the daily. Kind of a fun series we’re playing around with (similar to our previous Everyday Edit). Thanks for reading!
-Linzi
