You have probably walked past them in every shoe store for years without giving them a second glance. They sit there quietly between trendy mules and strappy sandals, looking almost too simple to bother with. Yet the shoe style that most of us mentally filed under “gardening footwear” is suddenly turning up on the feet of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated style icons – and it might just be the most effortless spring pairing we have been overlooking all along.
Why clogs are reclaiming the spotlight in 2026
Meryl Streep, soon to appear in The Devil Wears Prada 2, was recently spotted in New York wearing a pair of clogs from Los Angeles-based designer Beatrice Valenzuela. The shoes were part of a wider outfit that leaned into several spring/summer fashion trends for 2026, yet it was the footwear that quietly stole the scene. While her bright green polka dot satin duster coat was undeniably bold, the clogs underneath did something surprising – they grounded the entire look with a relaxed yet polished energy that felt modern rather than nostalgic.
So how did a shoe most of us associate with comfort over style end up anchoring one of the chicest street-style moments of the season? Part of the answer lies in timing. This summer looks set to be the season of the clog, with comfortable closed-toe alternatives to strappy styles gaining momentum among fashion insiders. If you have been searching for a shoe that looks put-together without sacrificing ease, clogs are making a compelling case.
The resurgence also dovetails with a broader denim shift. After the interest in Ryan Murphy’s series Love Story and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s 90s style, straight-leg jeans have once again made it to the forefront of denim trends for 2026. That classic cut pairs naturally with the uncomplicated silhouette of a clog, and Streep’s New York outing proved the combination works just as well on a city sidewalk as it does in theory.
The details that make this pairing work
What stands out about Streep’s outfit is the balance. Her bright green polka dot coat is the kind of statement piece that is hard to pull off, but by keeping everything else pared back – straight-leg jeans, subtle accessories, and those sleek clogs – the look never tips into costume territory. It is a masterclass in letting one bold item lead while the rest of the outfit plays a supporting role.
The clogs themselves carry a pared-back and uncomplicated design that works in their favour. With traditional wooden soles or more flexible alternatives available, you can tailor the shoe to your own comfort needs without losing the aesthetic. A square-toe version in a super soft material, like options available from ASOS, offers a low-profile shape that is flattering on the foot and a natural match for straight-leg jeans. If you want a little extra height, a platform sole adds lift without the discomfort of stacked heels, and a heel strap keeps the shoe securely on your foot.
The versatility extends beyond denim, too. Clogs rank among the best flat shoes to wear with dresses, which means a single pair can rotate through most of your summer capsule wardrobe. Whether you reach for a bold dress or a classic jeans-and-blazer combination, this timeless shoe style will instantly elevate the outfit for the warmer months.
How to build the look without the designer price tag
If you have been debating between skinny and straight-leg jeans, Streep’s chic look might just be the deciding factor. Straight-leg jeans are not only timeless but easy to update with key pieces from your spring capsule wardrobe, and clogs slot into that wardrobe effortlessly. The beauty of this shoe is its simplicity – from classic wooden soles to soft slip-on styles, there is a wealth of choice at every price point.
Finding a duster coat like Streep’s on the high street is no easy task, but if it is the polka dot print or the gorgeous green hue that caught your attention, a reversible design lets you experiment with bold patterns while still having a solid-colour option on hand. Polka dots are a huge trend right now, yet if longevity matters more to you, swapping bold prints for eye-catching brights – like a vivid green – ensures you will still reach for the piece years from now.
The real takeaway, though, is that you do not need the coat to replicate the spirit of this outfit. A pair of well-chosen clogs beneath straight-leg jeans and a simple top captures the same relaxed confidence Streep demonstrated in New York. If Miranda Priestley would give her nod of approval, the rest of us can feel pretty good about the choice.
The bottom line
Clogs are no longer the forgotten shoe gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe. They are comfortable, genuinely versatile, and – as Streep just proved – sophisticated enough to anchor a statement outfit in one of the world’s most stylish cities. Whether you lean toward a traditional wooden sole or a softer slip-on version, this is the low-effort, high-impact spring update your jeans have been waiting for. Now the only real decision left is which style to pick.