When are sneakers acceptable?

Jean Gray

I was thinking today that I need to find some cute (and cheap) sneakers that are also fashionable. Then I wondered...Is it EVER appropriate to wear sneakers with jeans? If not with jeans then what IS okay? Just wondering if I should bother.

16 years ago

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Jean Gray

Queen Mum

Veteran

how about converse?

16 years ago

Jean Gray

Active Member

I don't think so. Not yet anyway.
I was thinking something more like this:

These are just some I found quick, nothing I have my heart set on and not neccesarily the colors I would choose.
http://www.landsend.com/pp/Zip.....038;sku_0=::SPB&CM_MERCH=IDX_00009__0000000917

Or even these:
http://www.payless.com/store/p.....me=Womens+

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

those payless ones are really cute- a ballet flat sneaker. I like it.
why do you say no on the cons? $$? if so, you can get fake converse

but I do like the payless ones...

16 years ago

Jean Gray

Active Member

Actually, I think I did see some Converse I liked at Target. However, I have really erred on the side of dressing too young (at least in my everyday casual wear) for so long so I'm trying to get more of a grown-up polished look going first and then maybe I will feel more inclined to add Converse.

16 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

Hi Jean, I am looking forward to hearing the answers on this. I can't get my eye used to the look of converse either, I wore them too much in college

I personally wear ballet flats in summer and comfy low heeled boots in winter to avoid the whole issue.

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

what about something like this... I think this is a bit more grown up looking than the payless shoes you linked
http://www.zappos.com/naturali.....te-leather

I realize these are pricey, but you get the idea..... however, they are probably really comfy!

16 years ago

Jean Gray

Active Member

You know...they ARE cute...but not as sneaker-y as I had in mind.
Which makes me think...why do I want a sneaker? And also: Oh gosh, then I would have to have matching socks...and oh no...I definitely can't wear gym socks with those!
Yes, this is how far I have to go style wise.
I've been kind of depressed and overwhelmed as far as clothing/fashion goes the last couple weeks and today I was wearing terribly beat up sneakers which I guess is what made me think I need new sneakers. Maybe I have no business shopping for sneakers at all right now.
It seemed like a good MOTG staple at the time.
My mind is in Mall mode and my wallets in Goodwill mode and my schedule just isn't in shopping mode at all. So that's where the overwhelm is coming from and I have so far to go!
Sorry for the vent!

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Deep breath Jean

The key is always to take things slowly, in bite sized pieces. Don't worry about everything falling into place at once! Shopping online is a great way to counter hectic schedules and uncooperative wallets, btw.

Perhaps start here?

http://youlookfab.com/2008/05/29/slip-on-sneakers/

Cons aren't the only acceptable fashion sneaker. How about something like these? A little more refined but still comfy (I used to own a pair though they no longer fit me). I know the prices will make you scream, but I'm just showing them as a visual reference, not a price reference:

http://www.coach.com/online/ha.....038;tier=2

16 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

big sigh and a hug to you
I know it's overwhelming, and don't worry about venting- we all need to vent at times.

So, do you know why it is you're wanting sneakers? comfort? the casual look? I do think a comfy sportier looking shoe is great to have on hand. There are days that you don't necessarily want to wear a "smart" looking shoe, and that is when a cute sporty shoe comes in handy. I know the prices are high, but if you go to zappos and just do a browse through sport inspired shoes you might get some ideas of looks that would work for you.

16 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

Maya is absolutely right. Cons are not the only option. I absolutely love the coach sneakers that she posted. Here are some more affordable options:
http://www.6pm.com/michael-mic.....ter-pewter
http://www.6pm.com/ak-anne-klein-rory-pewter-multi
http://www.6pm.com/palladium-furore-pink-white

16 years ago

Jean Gray

Active Member

Okay this is my last reply tonight, I promise!
Thank you Maya. Visuals are good. I know there are usually similar styles in lower prices that I can find.
Queenie, I guess I want them for comfort and just errands like picking up/dropping off at preschool, groceries etc. I've been trying to dress my best and I'm so sick of wearing the same 2 or 3 tops and ankle boots that are already fallling apart from Target (got them in October!) that I've just crashed and burned lately.
I would really like to get some tall boots but I thought that sneakers would be a more inexpensive alternative to get me through for now. Plus I like the kind of sporty vibe. I don't have any casual skirts or dresses yet so jeans are all I have right now to wear them with hence the original question.
Thanks for all your support and help Queenie!

16 years ago

Carole

Veteran

I think the payless shoe is really cute and functional for how you'll wear it. A big step up from clunky tennies in my opinion!

16 years ago

Anonymous

I'm over 60 and loving my Converse with a Dr. Scholls insole added. Since finding YLF I rarely wear sneakers except to exercise. Even then it's usually Cons or athletic ballet flats. The look is so much more flattering and still just as comfortable..

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have nothing else to add. The gals have said it all!

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

I used to not be a sneaker girl (unless working out), but the ladies here have converted me to Converse and other fashion sneakers (I'm 44). I don't think they look too young if you wear them with the proper clothing -- basically bootcut, maybe some straightleg, pants. No skinnies, shorts, dresses, leggings, skirts.

Regarding socks -- if you haven't already, check out "invisible" socks, like these Hue sock liners:
http://www.hue.com/legwear/fab.....liner.aspx

16 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

Jean, you might look at the Clarks Privo line. They're not dirt cheap, but you can find them on sale at places like Famous Footwear. Mine were around $35 I think. They're SO comfortable and are a cross between flats and sneakers.

16 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Jean, I have to ditto Kristine. I own a pair of olive green Privos that are as comfortable as sneakers and that I wear EVERYWHERE when I need something sneaker- like ( I could hike in these things ). I am not a sneaker girl ( o.k. - middle-aged chick, really ).

I also like these

http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/c.....dId=193081

You could also revitalize your old ones. If they are leather, get some shoe polish, new laces ( maybe in gold or silver ).........if they are canvas scrub them with an old toothbrush.

With that said, I LOVE the Payless ones and they seem like a good stop gap measure while you are building you funds.

Hang in there. It is really tough having little ones and focusing everything on them.

If you need a pick me up maybe, instead of shoes, you could go to a movie by yourself or spend some time at the bookstore by yourself with a cup of coffee......

HUGS !!!!!

16 years ago

Active Member

I think sneakers are perfectly acceptable for casual days. I'm 47 and wear both cons and a pair of suede "faux Vans" that I got at Payless. I wear them with straight leg or boot cut jeans and cords as well as my microcheck pants. It all depends on your personal style and what you feel comfortable in. For me, they are more comfortable than ballet flats because of my fussy feet issues, and they also add a little funky-ness to my otherwise classic wardrobe, which suits my style (or the style I'm attempting to have, at least!).

16 years ago

fathenry

Veteran

Hi Jean, I LOVE Kristine's suggestion of the clark's privos because they are definitely a notch up from tennis shoes . I just had to make one last pitch for the comfy low heeled boots idea for winter months. I wear mine basically 24-7, they are my 8 hour walking shoes. They totally eliminate the whole socks issue and add an element of style that might punch up your wardrobe if it is primarily casual. I picked up a pair of aerosoles boots for around $20 at a discount store, I bet there are tons out there as we move toward spring. Depending on where you live, you could get a few months use out of them. Bonus - you can wear boots for other dressier occasions.

Again, I'm definitely not a tennis shoe gal but i love how my comfy boots make getting dressed for a busy day so easy. OK, I'll stop now!!

16 years ago

Jean Gray

Active Member

Thank you fathenry! You must have been reading my mind as I was posting!

16 years ago

Category