New York mothers have adopted a uniform of clogs and woven purse straps

Wealthy Brooklyn mothers have reportedly found a new go-to ensemble and it includes accessorising with two outfit staples that portray an understated wealth.

In the borough where the mainstream is often shunned in favour of unique style, The New York Times reports that many mothers have adopted a nearly identical uniform of clogs and colourful purse straps.

However, these aren’t just any shoes – as the newspaper reports the clogs in question are No 6 clogs, which cost around $300.

The point of the clogs, according to The Times, is to give “off the message that you’re very much interested in comfort and not so interested in appearance.”

And the purse straps, which come in various woven colours, are Salt – and cost $138.

The straps are meant to be worn by attaching them to an array of expensive designer purses – anything from Gucci to Celine.

But according to some mothers who accessorise with them, they aren’t just about appearance either, it’s also about supporting a “mum-owned business” or about “supporting a social cause” – as the newspaper reports the straps are made in partnership with artisans from the La Guajira region of Colombia and a portion of profits are donated to a Colombian non-profit.

On Instagram, the speed with which the straps sell out is a constant disappointment – with a recent preorder release selling out within minutes.

“Obsessed with this strap! Can’t wait until it’s back in stock,” one comment reads.

Another woman wrote: “I need one. I’m buying a new bag as we speak with the intention of pairing it with one of your straps.”

Others ask for purse recommendations to pair the straps with, or tag friends as a means of introduction to the brand.

While the idea may be to focus on comfort and utility rather than fashion, the uniform has deeper meanings.

According to Wednesday Martin, a social researcher and author who spoke to The Times, the idea of a group of women dressing alike is similar to the behaviour of Bonobo apes – who create female-orientated groups to survive.

“Through very canny social strategising, we survived as a species through affiliating with others and by making others feel like kin,” Martin said.

Additionally, the outfit is a subtle, tasteful way of displaying a certain level of wealth.

In some Brooklyn neighbourhoods such as Fort Greene, where the average price of a home is a little more than $1m, having the outfit portrays to other people that you are capable of fitting in.

Although it is not as obvious as driving a luxury car, discreet wealth is a status symbol, as Business Insider reports – and in Brooklyn, wearing the trendy clogs and purse strap prove your status.