Though Crocs are a decidedly questionable trend, they are, indeed, a trend on the rise. Now that Crocs are widely embraced by celebrities [1] and high-fashion runways alike, the rubber slip-on shoes you thought would be a quickly passing fad have embedded themselves deep into the fashion lexicon. They feature a soft rubber exterior, open holes at the top, and a sling back that you can flip forward or back. Initially crafted as a boat shoe in the early Noughties, next to Birkenstocks, they have quickly become the comfortable, functional, and somewhat divisive pair of kicks incorporated into stylish wardrobes all over the world.
The Crocs brand has collaborated with designers such as Christopher Kane and Balenciaga, as well as celebrities like Justin Bieber [2], taking the gardening shoe into the style sphere with a vengeance. Seen worn by the likes of Pharrell, Nicki Minaj [3], and Ariana Grande [4], Questlove one-upped his fellow A-listers by taking them to the red carpet at the 2021 Oscars, choosing to wear a gold pair [5] with his classic black suit.
In short, Crocs have continued to be embraced by the fashion set, so it may just be time for you to hop on the Crocs bandwagon too. But whether you are a huge fan or still a skeptical onlooker, the question still remains: how exactly do you wear them to gain style points? They're oversized, colourful, and head-turning on their own. But that doesn't mean that they have to be the main event of your every outfit. In fact, street style stars, celebrities, and designers alike have taken to pairing Crocs with everything from tracksuits to evening dresses, and all that falls between.
Ahead, find our favourite instances of Crocs in the wild, gleaning styling tips and inspiration for how to wear the Crocs with your own wardrobe this season and beyond.
Printed Jeans + Crocs + Off-the-Shoulder Top
If you're feeling edgy, opt for a black off-the-shoulder top and printed jeans, like these with an abstract flower print. Finish off the look with a '90s shoulder bag, a newsboy cap, and a pair of platform Crocs.
Printed Set + Crocs + Leather Jacket
Play around with prints and textures the same way this patterned pyjama set is teamed with blue tie-dye Crocs. Add a classic black leather jacket and a bold pair of sunglasses like this chic yellow pair.
A Dress With Tights + Crocs + Puffer Coat
Put a unique twist on the all-black look by styling your Crocs with a deconstructed dress, an oversize puffer, tights, and a classic Telfar shopping tote bag.
Colourblock in a Monochrome Suit + Contrasting Crocs
Create a colourblock effect with a bold pair of Crocs, sunglasses in the same shade, and a striking suit in a different colour in between.
Bright Neon Jumpsuit + Colourful Crocs
Use your Crocs outfit to scream your affinity for colour, channelling the likes of Heidi Klum [7] in a bright-yellow jumpsuit and coordinated Crocs on your feet.
High-Waisted Cropped Jeans + Crocs + Bralette
Take a page from Rajni Jacques's style book, layering up over a bralette and high-waisted jeans with a longline blazer and puffy coat, finishing off the look with a pair of casual Crocs — in black, of course.
Neon Suiting + Barbiecore-Pink Platform Crocs
Whether you've managed to get your hands on one of those high-fashion collaborations or you've shopped one of Crocs's newest mainline platform additions, go big or go home with your height, pairing bright contrasting neon tones with ease.
A Printed Pyjama-Style Pants Set + Crocs
Rarely one to pass up a Crocs opportunity, Heidi Klum [8]'s Crocs outfit ideas are endless. If you love a bold print, use the rubber kicks to ground your look, opting for a bright white to style with a head-to-toe pyjama set, like the supermodel herself.
Play Up Your Crocs With Varying Textures, Like Leather and Nylon
With an all-black-and-grey look, now's the time to play with textures. Look to Emy Venturini's off-duty Crocs outfit, mixing a leather jacket with an oversize hoodie and throwing them on over shiny leggings and Crocs in a like tone.
Baggy, Low-Rise Jeans + a Baby Tee + Crocs
Crocs were invented in 2002, which makes the resurgence of full-blown early-aughts looks even better. Style a pair of low-rise jeans and a baby tee with your Crocs this season, taking the overall neutral palette and using it as an opportunity to reach for those printed or colourful versions of the shoe trend.
A Formfitting Knit Midi Dress + Crocs
Don't leave your Crocs behind when dressing up — think of them as a solution to easily dress down your dress or skirt all year long.
Tough Bomber Jacket + Bike Shorts + Crocs
Emy Venturini loves an all-black look, and Crocs make it into many. Channel the stylist by slipping into a pair of Crocs that go effortlessly with the sporty look of bike shorts and an oversize bomber jacket.
'70s Corduroy Trousers + Crocs + Colourfully Stitched Sweater
Crocs might not have been around in 1970, but that doesn't mean that you can't integrate them into your every retro outfit this season. Sonia Lyson surely thinks so, styling a pair of black Crocs with hunter-green wide-wale corduroy trousers and a colourfully striped sweater.
Liquid-Effect Leggings + a Button-Down + Crocs
Suzan Mutesi styles a layered look with ease, topping an oversize button-down with a neon bra top, adding eye-catching liquid leggings and a trench lined in the same dayglow tone. On her feet? Crocs that are coordinated with her look, printed in a colourful tie-dye that pays homage to her colour-loving outfit.
A Pastel Sweater Vest + a Button-Down + Crocs + Socks
The athleisure shoes get the ultrafeminine treatment in a rainbow of pastel hues, only aided further by the styling of the slip-ons with floral dresses and multitoned sweater vest layers.