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Let’s address the elephant in the room – Maison Margiela’s iconic split-toe tabi boots have sparked more fashion debates than a Kardashian at the Met Gala.
But while these architectural masterpieces might look like designer hooves at first glance (we said it), they’ve somehow morphed from an avant-garde oddity into the ultimate cool-girl status symbol.
From Cardi B’s effortless pairing with a textured brown leather jacket and perfectly slouchy jeans to that time Kylie Jenner stepped out in a dreamy cornflower blue tulle gown with crystal-embellished silver Tabis, these conversation-starting boots have proven they can work with literally anything!
So, for everyone who’s invested in these splurgy splits (or still sitting on the fence), we’ve curated 20 Tabi shoes outfit ideas – from dark academia to Y2K-inspired looks – that prove they’re more versatile than you think.
Trust us, there’s not a fashion-victim look in sight…
1. Tennis Club Meets Downtown
A masterclass in mixing prep with edge – the white lace tennis skirt paired with an oversized grey blazer feels fresh and unexpected. The white Tabis with socks add that modern sports-luxe finish while keeping the look grounded.
2. Rainy Day Ready
Brown leather Tabis give this shearling-trimmed aviator and grey denim look that perfect mix of cosy and cool. The specs and top knot add just the right amount of librarian-meets-downtown energy. (Plus, bonus points for the coordinating pup!)
3. Modern Minimalist
Head-to-toe tonal brown (including those butter-soft chocolate Tabis) proves sometimes the chicest statements come in the most understated shades. The pleated midi skirt and classic black knit create the ultimate sophisticated silhouette.
4. Coffee Run Cool
Serving major off-duty model vibes in an oversized striped button-down, casual chocolate denim shorts, and brown leather Tabis. The chunky tie and Miu Miu bag prove accessories make the look. Consider your café aesthetic sorted.
5. Golden Hour
Now this is how you commit to a colour story – metallic gold Tabis perfectly matched with a fluffy citron coat. The classic straight-leg jeans keep the bold combo feeling grounded. Pure fashion fantasy made wearable.
6. Neo-Noir Office
Taking workwear into artsy territory with a cropped white button-down and dramatic wide-leg trousers. The glossy black Tabis ground the look while maintaining that creative professional edge.
7. Parisian Poetry
This is how you nail that coveted French girl aesthetic – a crisp white graphic tee under a tailored blazer, paired with a powder blue midi skirt. The black Tabis with white socks add that perfect prep school twist.
8. Monochrome Moment
A masterclass in proportions with an asymmetric white top, slouchy black denim, and pristine white Tabis. The layered silver necklaces prove that sometimes less really is more – especially when your boots do the talking.
9. Varsity Remix
Taking the sporty-meets-sweet approach with a black jersey, white tennis skirt and those classic black Tabi flats. The oversized puffer tote adds that perfect dose of fashion girl practicality. School spirit, but make it luxury.
10. Vintage American Casual
A modern take on ’50s collegiate style – the boxy black shirt tucked into high-waist jeans hits all the right retro notes. Brown leather Tabis add that contemporary twist while staying true to the classic Americana mood.
11. The Dark Academia Edit
Serving major scholarly chic with a mesh top tucked into a voluminous black midi skirt, finished with patent Mary Jane Tabis. The plaid shirt tied at the waist adds that perfect borrowed-from-the-library vibe. Coffee shop studying never looked so elevated.
RELATED: Unveiling the Enigmatic Charm Of “Dark Academia”: A Viral Fall Trend
12. Academic Autumn (With a Side of Grandpacore)
Red velvet Tabi flats bring an unexpected pop to a classic fall combo: chocolate cable knit, windowpane check trousers, and a crisp collar peeking through. The whole look taps into that viral “eclectic grandpa” aesthetic we can’t get enough of right now – think cosy knits and sensible shoes, but make it fashion. File under: how to make preppy feel progressive.
13. Cream Dream Utility
Taking the chunky boot trend next level with cream canvas Tabis paired with distressed denim and an oversized ivory jumper. The leopard print bag adds just the right amount of pattern play. Street style gold.
14. French Girl Minimalism
Pure Parisian elegance with a slate blue knit tucked into a flowing black midi skirt. The cream Tabis and ivory Chanel bag nail that effortless Left Bank sophistication. This is how you do casual luxury.
15. Cottagecore Dreams
Channelling modern Little House on the Prairie vibes with a fitted denim jacket, flowing white maxi skirt, and black Mary Jane Tabis. The white lace frilly scrunchie adds that perfect touch of prairie romanticism. Countryside chic meets avant-garde.
16. Y2K Meets 2024
A masterclass in mixing decades – the dramatic white balloon-sleeve blouse and leopard vest feel totally modern with wide-leg denim and olive velvet Tabis. The micro-sunnies add that perfect millennial-meets-Gen-Z touch.
17. Off-duty Model
That perfect morning coffee run look – cropped sage cardigan meets perfectly slouchy light-wash denim. Black leather Tabis ground the laid-back luxe vibe. Sometimes the simplest combinations make the biggest impact.
18. Sunshine Statement
Bold yellow corset meets dramatic black maxi skirt, while red patent Tabis and lace socks create that perfect fashion clash. The matching yellow accessories prove that sometimes more really is more. Main character energy, perfected.
19. Snow Queen
All-white-everything gets the cool girl treatment with white leather Tabis and a quilted puffer. The black base layer creates that perfect contrast, while micro sunnies add that essential Y2K touch. Winter white done right.
20. Grey Matter
A masterclass in the grey-on-grey trend (affectionately dubbed ‘groutfit‘ by the fashion set) with a wool coat, matching cardigan, and washed black denim. The structured black Tabis and top-handle bag add polish to this perfectly calculated casual look. Minimalism at its finest.
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Wrapping It Up
From sleek monochrome moments to playful pattern clashes, these tabi shoes outfit ideas prove the iconic split-toe isn’t just for fashion’s inner circle anymore.
While they might raise eyebrows at first glance (and yes, maybe look a bit like designer hooves), Tabi boots have evolved from runway curiosity to versatile wardrobe hero.
The secret?
Treating them less like a statement piece and more like your favourite neutral – they really do play well with everything from vintage denim to evening wear.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
Confidence is key when rocking a shoe that sparks this much conversation.
Start with classic black leather if you’re feeling cautious, or dive straight into metallic finishes and bold colours if that’s more your speed.
After all, fashion is supposed to be fun – and nothing says ‘I know what I’m doing’ quite like turning Margiela’s most controversial design into your signature shoe.
