UGG Boots From Fad to Fashion



"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."
-Coco Chanel

Runway Footwear Fit For All Occasions

It's becoming a classic battle: are UGGs fashionably comfortable or unfeminine and ugly? In the past, UGGs were typically attributed as the favorite of pop fashionistas and those who idolize them. However, there is a new presence among adults of all ages who herald these boots for their comfort, versatility and, let's be honest, status. Regardless of the rivaling public opinions about UGG boots, it clearly hasn't negated the brand's popularity; since 1998 when UGG was re-introduced as a US fashion label, the brand has become a must-have item on runways and city streets alike.

The brand was initially trendy in Southern California. Its fame was swiftly followed by derision due to the teenage girls and young women sporting mini skirts with Classic UGGs. This look became "the reason" to dislike UGGs, and at one time I joyfully ridiculed this style. Surely a lack of pertinent brain cell matter must be missing to think that winter footwear makes sense with the shortest of skirts. This stereotypical So Cal look and the disdain associated with it has become a trendy opinion. However, this mindset starts to lose its reasoning power as you learn more about the boot. The UGG was not necessarily designed as a winter boot; it was first worn by surfers in and California, which are hardly locations known for their bitter cold seasons. Sure, a mini skirt/furry boot combo may be a little unorthodox, but if you're dying to wear that new cute outfit, UGGs will keep you at a nice temperature to do it.

Los Angeles as a city sparks quite a few cultural associations: mocha Frappacinos, deeply tanned skin, and let's not forget the ever-riveting yet painful Real Housewives of Orange County. It's easy to disregard LA fashion as a fluke due to excess sun and too much plastic surgery. However, you can't dismiss UGGs as a temporary California craze.

Like Los Angeles and New York, London is a well known hub for fashion. There you will find London Fashion Week, the British Fashion Council, model Agyness Deyn, and perhaps most notably Kate Moss, who has even started her own fashion line with Top Shop. Needless to say, London is a city well established as a fashion mecca. It's hardly surprising, then, that UGG has proudly opened flagship stores in Westfield and the famed Covent Garden (you know, that area of London with lots of theater and lots of shopping.) Their newest location was in 2008 in a 43-acre luxury mall just outside The Village, where UGGs are sold alongside other brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Mulberry and Tiffany.

Still think those Classic UGGs just belong on a beach in Santa Monica?

As most men will avidly agree, fashion is rarely about pure function. Look at the haute couture looks presented on runways, which are often more conceptual and artistic than ready-to-wear. For a fashion item, UGGs are incredibly comfortable and accessible, and certainly far more versatile than those fire-red stilettos you've been eyeing. Three inch heels have their place, but you'll probably get more day to day wear from a pair of UGGs.

A great deal of fashion is about social status, a thing UGGs have plenty of. In February 2004 the Accessories Council of America granted UGG the coveted honor of being the "It" accessory of the year. Just last month UGGs were incorporated into the runway collections at the 2009 Berlin Fashion Week. The appeal of comfortable fashion is clearly rising. In the past 6 months UGG sales have steadily climbed, despite the current economic situation. Even MSNBC.com featured an article entitled, “The UGGconomy: What ugly, utilitarian footwear says about the country’s financial future.” Although we should be hesitant to accept fashion advice from a news site with information on real estate and politics, it does say something when even the news side of NBC acknowledges the validity of comfortable style.

Perhaps it's due to the current financial environment, a desire for comfort, or a simple rise in celebrity endorsement but people are loving their UGGs. They are so versatile; for the price of one boot you can create an incredible variety of outfits. You can even think of it as a way to help the economy; support a small company and keep communities thriving as you strut around in a pair of boots that will last you well into next season. Not only are there more styles available now than the Classic, but they've expanded their collections to include sandals, purses, gloves and hats.

Best of all, people are finally realizing that there's more to UGGs than short skirts and surfers. They're perfect for traveling; easy to take off at airport security and comfortable and warm for the flight itself. You can pair the Classic's with jeans, either tucked in or out, or even with a pair of capris. I saw a girl wearing a mid-length A-line skirt with Classic Cardys and I was pleasantly surprised at how the boots pulled her whole outfit together. If you want something a little different take a look at some of the newer styles UGG offers, like the deeply fabulous Raya. Even if all you're looking for is trendy item to add to your wardrobe UGG is a good way to go, and significantly cheaper than a pair of Manolo Blahniks.