Sneakers + nicer outfits

What do you think are the keys to make an outfit of fashion sneakers paired with dressier clothes work? E.g. Ellen Degeneres-style with non-jean pants and a blazer, or the recent trend of midi-length full skirts and sneaks. I like the look on others but when I try it I feel like an 80s secretary commuter (and not in the cool Working Girl way).

7 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

always trying

Veteran

I like it best with all white or black sneakers with white soles. l like the photos, but have not really seen it in person, or actually worn this look.. I am thinking of trying it though as I have some new sneakers that will work well for me to try.

7 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

I think the sneakers should be streamlined rather than chunky. They should also coordinate with your outfit.

7 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Sneaker's vamp: must be somewhat low (=not high).
Sneaker's shape: it's tricky, it's precise, it's everything. They have to be somewhat flat (even when platform), and relatively narrow. Narrowness and streamline quality are key. Think ballerinas, except not ballerinas but sporty sneaker.
Sneaker color: must be very, very clean.

7 years ago

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I'm appreciating your "Working Girl" reference. I had a reason to call-up that very image/reference just a couple of days ago

7 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

I think sneakers can work with dressier clothes as whimsy (high tops + a tulle skirt), but rarely with dressier work clothes. I think all-white or all-black can work for a casual but not-sloppy look, though (see pics).
I agree with krishnidoux's comments as well!

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7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I met a celebrity/actress recently and was surprised to see her wearing a navy boyfriend blazer, navy loose trousers, a white blouse unbuttoned at the neck, and white sneakers. It was the first time I've seen this look out IRL and she made it work, even though I could tell that outfit would look awful on me.

I think a sense of ease in the whole outfit helps make it work -- not making the overall vibe too tailored or studied. Minimal makeup, hair in a loose bun. Some other element besides the shoes that adds a little bit of casual nonchalance to the look: a simple tee, etc.

7 years ago

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

These Everlane shoes are the ones I often see featured in photos of casual shoe/suit outfit. My quibble would be that I view them more as casual loafers than as fashion sneakers. I'd wear them with pants or a suit, but not with a skirt. But...maybe a pencil skirt?

Everlane

The Leather Street Shoe

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7 years ago

Irina

Veteran

I wore my black Ecco sneakers (on white, thiner soles) with ankle length black pants and black high neck merino & silk sweater plus camel coat. I liked that look. Don't have an example with a blazer - I don't wear them in the winter time. The key pieces for me:
Thinner soles on sneakers, not too sporty
Solid color sneakers
Ankle or cropped pants
Dressier coat ( could be a jacket) for juxtaposition and a contemporary look.
I'm a recent convert to sneakers, bought mine a month ago but found it works for me.

7 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I'm very interested. Mainly in the pants/ sneakers but also simummercdress + sneaker. For pants, I could not do for regular workdays unless it might be all black, and then there might not be a point. But weekend work- dress pants and streamlined sneaker maybe. Right now I would wear my sportier version of Oxford, which is darn comfortable.

For summer I'd wear outside of work, a dress casually which others would wear with sandals, but I like closed toe. But would jump high buildings for sneaker comfort, so if it could look intentionally in style but not contrived... I would love to find my version.

Nordstrom

Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford (Women)

$200.00

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7 years ago

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