https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 22:12:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss/page/2#post-926867 Tue, 07 May 2013 17:08:09 +0000 Ingunn 926867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for all your comments and opinions on this outfit. This has&nbsp;been an interesting experiment and a learning opportunity for me.&nbsp;<br /><br />I never loved this outfit in the first place, as I all too well&nbsp;realized that something were off from the beginning. I ventured into an area of dressing where I'm much less confident, and I also anticipated your responses to some extent. This is just fine, and I'm comfortable with that!&nbsp;Angie's advice is very reliable and wise, the outfit will definitely work better with Cons, and the bomber, too. I might very well try that soon. My challenge, however, was <i>to find a way to make the Nike Free's stylish</i>. They are hugely popular here, and people wear them with any kind of outfit. I commute, too, and I live near our larges city (which admittedly is very small compared to most cities in&nbsp;mainland Europe or the Americas). But we don't have a "commuter look" established in our society, as most people &amp; workplaces&nbsp;are a lot more casual than what yours are. This was a new concept to me, and interesting.&nbsp;<br /><br />Scarlet - thanks a lot for the link! You made my day, because it proves that out there, some people <i>are</i> in fact making this shoe stylish, so my mission wasn't entirely impossible, even if I didn't make it. I think your point about it being age appropriate for her is part of the key. It would probably take more to pull this off in my age. If I were 25, I would wear what she wears in a heartbeat. Another 45 years old urban, cool woman could, too, but I'm not her, and Nikes worn as fashion&nbsp;are not coherent enough with my style.&nbsp;<br /><br />Thank you, all of you, for giving me something to think about, and for making me take another step on my style journey. I won't promise that you never will see the Nikes again, though&nbsp;:) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss/page/2#post-926752 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:59:47 +0000 Elizabeth P 926752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Havent' read all the replies, but my two cents are that the shoes are too geary for this.&nbsp; Sneakers that are more "sassy" would work beautifully.&nbsp; I recently bought a pair of black patent sneakers, which I think would work better... heck, I may even copy you :)<br /><br />And fwiw, I like the shirt untucked, sans blazer.<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss/page/2#post-926732 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:22:04 +0000 Mochi 926732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Did not read others' comments. My first reaction was that this is by no means a failure outfit. It's pretty okay. I thought it could use more of a punch. Maybe you don't like Cons. But something, either colorwise or a bit edgier. The t-shirt, for me, is most problematic. It's just too much like athletic wear to juxtapose any really interesting element to this. Kind of like, "Yeah, I'm in my sneaks and a workout t, and happen to be wearing a skirt with this."<br /><br />I honestly think it's only a small change you need to do to make this really sing.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss/page/2#post-926714 Tue, 07 May 2013 08:52:00 +0000 lucyt90 926714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not convinced. I think it's a shame as it puts the clothes down.<br />If you wore it with a pretty pair of black or black patent ballerinas you could totally turn the look around.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss/page/2#post-926713 Tue, 07 May 2013 08:02:10 +0000 Scarlet 926713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, back, I still love it but I see Angie made some really great suggestions. This blogger wears exactly those shoes often. You can search for them by name on her blog. She tends to dress very young (age appropriate for her) but is very timely in fashion.<br /> <a href="http://thefashionguitar.com/" rel="nofollow">http://thefashionguitar.com/</a></p> <p>I have been seeing this kind of look a lot from European blogs where they probably don't have that 80s commuter association because they would never have worn sneakers like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-926711 Tue, 07 May 2013 07:52:12 +0000 Scarlet 926711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have to run, but I LOVE this is my gut reaction. I will come back to read through everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-926697 Tue, 07 May 2013 05:19:28 +0000 Elly 926697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly, I think the black and white sneaks look like gym shoes. A pair of the crazy colored sneaks, even in a running shoe style (so long as they tied back into the outfit) might have given more of a "purposeful and hip" vibe to the look, and slightly bolder/less sophisticated/younger accesories (a bolder or brighter purse) might have said "fun/sporty" interpretation vs. "commuter"--- I think it is very hard to pull off the "sporty sophisticate" vibe with actual gym sneakers, but with the right accessories I think it could work. <br /><br />Scarlet had a pair of flat black basketball (actual athletic sneaks) high-tops that she wore with skinny jeans in a somewhat hip and edgy way that many YLFs approved of. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925268 Sun, 05 May 2013 01:57:46 +0000 Mo 925268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I must admit my first thought was Melani Griffith in 'Working Girl', so, yes, the commuter look. &nbsp;<br />I totally agree different, non gear, sneakers would make it work. &nbsp;<br />I wear sneakers a LOT in Tahoe with my jobs, and I try my best to avoid the actual gear shoes. &nbsp;I wear my Asics to run in, period. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925267 Sun, 05 May 2013 01:56:43 +0000 Jaime 925267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is not that they look so bad, but I do think the outfit would look better with another pair of shoes/sneakers. Great top and skirt though! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925252 Sun, 05 May 2013 01:39:11 +0000 Peri 925252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See what I mean? Sad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925250 Sun, 05 May 2013 01:33:49 +0000 Jules 925250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #1 best. Like others said, the blazer makes it look like harried commuter. Without the tuck, it just looks very relaxed to me, like it's accidental. With the tuck, it seems more intentional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925145 Sat, 04 May 2013 23:11:41 +0000 Caro in Oz 925145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not a look I can relate to - it is hard to make it look intentional imo. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925073 Sat, 04 May 2013 20:44:11 +0000 CocoLion 925073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the sporty vibe of the top goes a long way to make this work. &nbsp;The clutch looks too refined and the blazer takes you in the commuter-by-foot look. &nbsp;If those two items are replaced with different items, this will work better. &nbsp;For example,&nbsp;a more sporty bag although as you point out the juxtapositions are on trend right now -- so take that suggestion with a grain of salt. &nbsp;Angie's idea of the bomber is brilliant.<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925045 Sat, 04 May 2013 20:05:43 +0000 Suz 925045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's always in the details, right? And the details can be so persnickety.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925037 Sat, 04 May 2013 20:00:29 +0000 Aida 925037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm this doesn't quite work to my eye because the sneakers really are running gear sneakers. I'd much prefer Cons, fashion wedge sneakers, or fun/fashion sneakers not made for real running. As for the outfit, I love #1 and think that's definitely worth playing around with some other sneaks. Like the idea of the bomber, too https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925029 Sat, 04 May 2013 19:54:48 +0000 Jenava 925029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It would work better if the sneakers were flat. &nbsp;Running shoes tend to have a slight wedge to them which, to my eye, says "I'm commuting". https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925001 Sat, 04 May 2013 18:32:17 +0000 Ingunn 925001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How interesting to read your replies! I love such small challenges, they make me stretch a little. Your analyses and comments are so valuable lessons. </p> <p>FWIW: This isn't an outfit I normally would wear, and I don't feel really comfy in it. If I changed for Cons it would help instantly, and the bomber would turn this into something else, which I would wear without hesitation. I can see why "corporate commuter" isn't a look to aspire to. I am very intrigued by the first of Angie's 2013 "rules", irregular outfit juxtaposition, which I find hard to do. This was an attempt of that, but I need to study harder, I think </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-925000 Sat, 04 May 2013 18:30:44 +0000 Suz 925000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think people's interpretations of this will depend a bit on how often they've been exposed to the business commuters in trainers look. It's been a standard look in the Northeastern US since at least the 80s. It's not so common in Canada. Or at least I haven't seen it as much around here for many years.&nbsp;<br /><br />You look so fantastic in the shirt that you could wear anything with it and it would look great! But for me, these shoes do still read too gear-like to be intentional. I would try with the Cons.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924982 Sat, 04 May 2013 17:49:23 +0000 Diana 924982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Zap that I see "corporate commuter" here as well.&nbsp; I think if you live in a big city with lots of corporate workers who take public transit, this is the impression you will make.&nbsp; If you don't live somewhere with public transit, it might easier to get away with it.&nbsp; <br /><br />So I think definitely NOT with the blazer, but it is OK with the more casual top.&nbsp; Angie's idea of the bomber is a good one.<br /><br />(As an aside, I really do not like the business wear w/ sneakers look, particularly when it's with trousers, because the trousers, if they are the right length for heels, will be too long and draggy w/ sneakers.&nbsp; Also, ew, pants dragging on the subway floor.&nbsp; Gross.)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924966 Sat, 04 May 2013 17:12:40 +0000 pil 924966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this totally works and I'm really surprised by that. I see it for weekend wear or the casual evening out, the clutch is a terrific touch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924960 Sat, 04 May 2013 17:04:44 +0000 Transcona Shannon 924960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the outfit all ways you have styled it but personally, I'm afraid I still find these sneakers looking like workout wear https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924946 Sat, 04 May 2013 16:40:07 +0000 krishnidoux 924946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It works because sneakers are black, and rather on the flat side. And because of the sporty tee worn with the suit. Unlike&nbsp;<br />Angie, I like it with the jacket too. Very very relaxed look, still business. The clutch brings a lot to the outfit. I don't know if I did it myself, I would look as confident as you.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924921 Sat, 04 May 2013 16:11:45 +0000 unfrumped 924921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think zap and Angie's comments are fascinating because the commuter look means that the pencil skirt/slightly corporate look + sneakers already carries a connotation that is hard to re-purpose into a quirky juxtaposition outfit of one's own making. One might just look like a harried working woman.<br /><br />Hence, having&nbsp;to intentionally divert from that look-- &nbsp;bomber or some similar twist--and a shoe which is not the choice of urban commuters.<br /><br />Somehow in the dim corners of my tiny fashion mind I think I can use this lesson....because though I am lacking a crisp style moniker, outfits that can combine either more casual footwear with tailored clothing in a way that looks intentional and smart (smart meaning practical--but with style), or more refined versions of low-heeled options--this kind of outfit is a style goal for me. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924906 Sat, 04 May 2013 15:58:00 +0000 Angie 924906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wohoooo! More Ingunn experiments :)<br /><br />I like the outfit sans the jacket best. More intentional. It needs your bomber - not a blazer. Your Cons will amp up the "iconic-retro-factor" of the outfit, which will make the look even more intentional. Try that too :)<br /><br />Love to see you have fun with your wardrobe pretty lady. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924902 Sat, 04 May 2013 15:49:50 +0000 Peri 924902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it...since these are the only kinds of shoes I can wear on a daily basis. I always wear pants and feel bad enough about that...I would be beyond happy if this look was deemed cute. I did buy a running type skirt and hope that it is sporty enough to blend with this type of shoe on casual occasions.</p> <p>But...I'm guessing from experience the majority will say no. It's been my sad experience that this kind of shoe gets the opposite of love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924897 Sat, 04 May 2013 15:43:28 +0000 MNsara 924897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also like it more than I thought I would, but not sure WHEN it would be the outfit of choice. &nbsp;Like Zap said, this is what I see when I'm in bigger cities where people get to/from work with some walking involved. &nbsp;And they have 'real' shoes for at&nbsp;work.<br /><br />I could see this being a fun look for a casual Friday, or at a less formal work conference, etc. &nbsp;I guess that pencil skirt still says&nbsp;'work' to me, in spite of the sneaks.<br /><br />You sure look cute in it - if that helps! &nbsp;So, your playful side is coming thru. &nbsp;And I LOVE that tee -&nbsp;a lot - especially faux&nbsp;tucked! &nbsp;<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924860 Sat, 04 May 2013 14:41:00 +0000 missvee 924860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it quite a lot, much more than I thought I would, probably because of the fairly monochromatic colour palette. I think the top looks good tucked or untucked. I like the clutch handbag, but I think a slouchy hobo or cross body would work too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924854 Sat, 04 May 2013 14:24:42 +0000 Ingunn 924854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, get it.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924853 Sat, 04 May 2013 14:21:37 +0000 Anonymous 924853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No, what I mean is that women here&nbsp;wear their office clothing with running shoes to commute, then change to their heels in the office.<br />Some people&nbsp;are OK with the&nbsp;look, others are not fans. I think the blog &nbsp;Corporette have had articles on this.<br />ETA: So I guess I have a poison eye for the look, however, I think you have an amazing sense of style. If you feel good in it, I would say give it a go. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-all-pencilsneakers---hit-or-miss#post-924851 Sat, 04 May 2013 14:19:51 +0000 Ingunn 924851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diane, I completely understand, and I find you very helpful