Ask Chris Black: What’s the New Taupe Birkenstock Clog?
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Chris Black has returned to the Strategist with amonthly columnto answer all your burning questions, from super-specific style predicaments to workout and tennis recs to foolproof host-gift ideas that will get you invited back to the beach house.
What’s the new taupe Birkenstock clog?
This is a tricky question. The Birkenstock Boston in taupe suede is a certified classic (I still wear my black leather version) that has become too popular by no fault of its own. I don’t like slides, clogs, or mules that much because I live in New York City and walk a lot. I really don’t like Crocs for adults, but that is another issue. That said, easy-to-put-on footwear can be cool and has its time and place — some options to mull over below.
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These will be the most comfortable option. The look is unassuming and inoffensive with no holes to attach “Jibbitz,” etc. They are very well priced, easy to clean, and not as ubiquitous as Bostons or Crocs.
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This is a lesser-known but much cooler Birkenstock option. The Zurich went away for a few years but is now back with that same classic cork footbed and two-buckle closure. This lands somewhere between a Boston and an Arizona, which is a nice zone to occupy.
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I have the shoe version of these, and I love them. They are breathable and very easy to get on and off, and they come in several flavors. The cork sole is a nice touch.
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These are beefed up but similar to the classic Charvet slipper that is beloved for shuffling around the house. Stockholm’s Our Legacy uses a supple black leather and a proper rubber sole to make them street legal. The square toe is not too extreme and is a nice differentiation.
Best jackets for spring/early summer?
Spring is the best jacket season. The parka is parked, the puffer is in storage, and the double-breasted overcoat is no longer necessary. Reaching for something lightweight, rain repellent, or slightly cropped feels good, a sign of better weather to come.
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I just got one of these, and I absolutely love it. It’s a perfect spring weight and an excellent shade of brown that our British friends at Sunspel call “dark stone,” and it hits right above the knee. Get it oversize and you can layer as needed.
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This jacket from mfpen hits all the right notes. Made from deadstock Italian wool blend with a black tonal stripe, it has a slightly boxy fit that lands right at the waist. You will probably have to tuck in your shirt, but that may be a good thing.
[Editor’s note: mfpen lists its prices in euros; the USD price listed is an approximation.]
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I love this flannel jacket’s fit and earthy-brown color from Vancouver-based James Coward. The raglan sleeves make it easy to wear, and it is fully lined, which gives it a more upmarket feel.
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The classic mechanics jacket is often constructed with a thick canvas or cotton that takes years to break in properly. I love Noah’s version, made from a deep-navy nylon; the body is lined with 100 percent cotton flannel, and it is water repellent.
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This is the gold standard of spring jackets, made from medium-weight waxed cotton. This thing can be worn on a long walk in the Cotswolds or when getting coffee in Soho. Plenty of pockets to keep your personal effects in order, and the higher ones are placed perfectly for keeping your hands warm in a comfortable position. Any color works, the sage being the most classic.
Polo shirts? Classic only, or dork territory regardless of color/fit?
What an insane question. Polo shirts are the cornerstone of a warm-weather wardrobe, a classic that stands next to the tee and the oxford in the Shirt Hall of Fame. Plenty to consider, but don’t worry, I won’t let you show up in the Comme de Garçons Play polo or some synthetic sweat-wicking mess.
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Let me start by saying ERL is not a brand I usually gravitate toward (I do love founder Eli Russell Linnetz’s photography, but I digress), yet this polo shirt is the perfect shade of washed blue. Getting this fade naturally would take a decade of lying in the California sunshine.
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Lady White Co. does everything right, and this polo is no exception. Relaxed normal fit with a simple two-button closure. The breathable wool jersey is custom and knit in Japan. The black would look great under a blazer if you need to dress it up.
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If you want something with a little more personality, designer of the moment Jonathan Anderson has you covered. His collaborations with Uniqlo always yield results. This polo is a solid piqué, and the tonal logo makes it very wearable even in fun colors.
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Sid does all the staples quite well; the polo is a great example. This one is a bit slimmer and not too long. It also features a small embroidered “SM” logo at the bottom hem, which is a great placement. It has two buttons, no pocket, and a banded sleeve, and it comes in every color you could ever want. I have also been looking at thesebottle-green leather flip-flops.
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This is the OG of polo shirts, designed by René Lacoste himself in 1933, so I have to include it. I wear the navy long-sleeved version often. The fits can be sort of funny, so I would suggest sticking with this version and sizing up.
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
