It always puzzled me that clogs, which I wore to high school in the '70s, were practically unseen from the late '80s onward. They were comfortable, stylish, and seemed to go with just about any outfit. Finally—thanks in part to Chanel and Robert Clergerie, which have included them in recent collections—they are back in style.
Now, when I say clogs, I don't mean Crocs. Clogs are not plastic. And the nation's top clog expert, Cecilia Tidlund, claims Crocs are bad for your feet. She's a bit of a stickler, being Swedish and specializing in this form of footwear exclusively for the past three decades.
Her Clogmaster shop in Portland, Oregon—whose doctor's office ambiance telegraphs its conviction that clogs are physiologically good for the feet—makes each pair custom. Chefs and other people who work standing up return to Clogmaster time and again for new pairs. Once you have been fitted, you can order new pairs by phone or email. (Tidlund travels to conventions to fit people who don't happen to live in the Pacific Northwest.)
How to wear clogs? It's hard to go wrong. They look good with jeans or dress slacks, provided the shoes are as dark or darker than the pants. They are appropriate with A-line skirts and casual dresses, such as those by Rachel Pally. Leave them behind for more formal occasions or fitted suits or dresses.
