Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Wore the Most Divisive Version of These Already-Controversial Comfy Shoes
Every new day, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proves to us that she's not afraid to go there. While her acts of boldness usually take place on the House floor in D.C., this weekend we got to see her bravery play out on the streets of her home state of New York, taking the most New York form possible: through fashion.
On a walk in Manhattan's Meatpacking district with boyfriend Riley Roberts, Ocasio-Cortez wore the most relatable outfit ever — all black everything from her leggings to her bomber jacket — with a couple of exclamation points in the mix. The first thing we noticed was AOC's oxblood Telfar bag that she's been wearing on repeat lately. We've crowned the bag one of the hottest of the season, and love the fact that the Congresswoman constantly stans the designer from her district that fashion insiders love.
Related: A photo of AOC has become the subject of creative memes
The second part of her look we couldn't not notice was her footwear. Birkenstocks have long been a point of divide with some parties dismissing them as "ugly shoes" and others celebrating them to the ends of the earth. Celebrities always draw attention when they wear the controversial shoes, so we were doubly impressed that Ocasio-Cortez took her Birks even deeper into divisive territory by opting for a pair that was both white and flip-flop styled.
White shoes draw a good deal of skepticism from would-be wearers who believe them impossible to clean, and the history of thong shoe-haters is well recorded. But who better to wear the most controversial version of an already-controversial shoe than the woman who's proven time and time again that she simply cannot be stopped? When AOC is in the room, not even the shoes on our feet stand a chance.
Get the look:
Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Flip Flop, White
Shop now: $100; nordstrom.com
Birknestock Gizeh Birko-Flor Flip Flop, Colors
Shop now: $100; nordstrom.com
Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Flip Flop, Mocha
Shop now: $100; nordstrom.com
Birkenstock Mayari Slide Sandal
Shop now: $125; nordstrom.com
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Shop now: $135; nordstrom.com
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal
Shop now: $150; nordstrom.com
Birkenstock Buckley Clog
Shop now: $140–$170; nordstrom.com
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
Shop now: $44; amazon.com
