If loungewear was the mainstream lockdown fashion trend, sneakers were the reigning footwear as shiny loafers and high heels collected dust in wardrobes across the country.
Even with pandemic restrictions coming to an end, many of us aren’t about to say goodbye to our sneakers. In fact, sneakers are more fashionable than ever, but there are a few dos and don’ts if you want to look cool in your sneakers this summer …
1. Keep it simple with a costume
Adidas Stan Smith Cloud White Green
“Nothing says sartorial prowess these days more than a pair of well-matched sneakers and a crisp suit,†says George Sullivan, CEO and Founder of The Sole Supplier. “Keeping it simple with your choice of footwear will make all the difference – you’ll stay formal while showing off effortless style and reveling in your comfort. “
He recommends the “absolute classic†Adidas Stan Smith in white or the Veja Campo, a “big favorite of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton†as ideal options.
Sullivan adds, “Another thing to note here is making sure your dress pants are fitted and tapered so they don’t fall over the shoe, keeping the look sleek and finished. “
2. Make a statement with your sneakers
woman wearing suit and sneakers
Instead of thinking “what shoes go with this outfit?” »Why not start with a pair of trendy sneakers and work your way up?
“With any outfit, there should always be a centerpiece,†says Moses Rashid, founder of The Edit LDN. “It could be a Dior sneaker with the logo on it, but then you pair it with neutral tones. Or if you have something like bright orange sneakers you don’t really want to wear a bright orange t-shirt too, so wear them with cute blue jeans and a white t-shirt.
3. Experiment with trends
Idris Elba in sneakers on the red carpet
Wondering which one is better, classic kicks or the latest models? Sneaker brands make it easy for us to have the best of both worlds, â€says Sullivan. “With new colourways of classic silhouettes coming out every week, we’re spoiled for choice, giving us the option of having a pair of classic sneakers with a trendy twist.”
If you’re looking for something timeless, he suggests “a classic silhouette like the Nike Air Force 1 or Adidas Continental in simple colourwaysâ€.
As for the hottest properties right now? “Our recent report looked at the sneaker trending of 2021, Yeezy [Kanye’s collaboration with Adidas] and Nike Dunks are certainly on the rise, with many claiming 2021 to be “the year of the dunkâ€.
4. Customize your kicks
“One of the tips I would give you would be something like swapping laces,†says Rashid – replacing the black or white laces that come with the shoes with hot pink or neon green, for example. “That’s the beauty of sneakers, it literally depends on how you express yourself that day.”
5. Don’t forget your socks
Nike Jordan 1 High Moka
“Once thought of as an afterthought, socks have quickly found their way into fashion statement territory,†says Sullivan, who offers these three tips if you want to be on trend: “Pull them up; don’t buy the novelty; and don’t be afraid of colors.
Rashid says your basketball clothing and style should determine your choice of socks: “It all depends on who you are. If you are going to a festival and wearing shorts and wearing Nike Jordans, normally the look would be to have a pair of socks that are just a little higher than the top of the Jordan. The point is, it’s not just about the sneaker, it’s about the whole outfit.