How to Dress up Sneakers and Still Look Cute
Sneakers are so comfortable to wear, but most people have a hard time dressing with them and still looking fashionable. Here’s how to dress up sneakers right.
Sneakers used to be the footwear of choice for running errands or running on the treadmill. Not anymore. Now, instead of being reserved for the gym or relegated to off-duty dressing, sneakers are helping to bridge the gap between the formal and informal.
Sneakers offer a dose of casual-chic to make even the most dressed-up outfits look more accessible than they would with heels. Not to mention, sneakers are a lot more comfortable!
So, if you’re feeling inspired to dress up sneakers but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Read on for some great ways to dress up with sneakers.
Two-Piece with a Twist
Take inspiration from supermodel Bella Hadid and dress up your sneakers with a skirt suit. In one of her boldest looks, Bella opted for a red mini skirt and structured jacket, combining the two-piece with some chunky black and white sneakers. She was also seen wearing a pink skirt suit with pink sporty sneakers.
Paired with heels, these looks would have seemed formal and business-like. Sneakers, however, make Bella’s outfits look chic and fashion-forward, with an extra dose of cool. Try this style out for yourself with some chunky sneakers and a colorful two-piece skirt suit.
Make it Monochrome
Not sure where to start when it comes to working sneakers into your everyday wardrobe? Pairing some sporty sneakers with a monochrome look is always a winner.
For a simple summer look, combine black silk shorts, a white tank, and these black Adidas Ultraboost sneakers. In the colder months, the same sneakers would look great paired with black leather pants and either a tight black sweater or a silky white shirt.
Or, if you’re keen for your sneakers to take your look to the next level, add these pink Nike beauties to a simple monochrome outfit. A bright pop of color in the form of sporty sneakers is a surefire way to elevate your style and make an impression.
Mix with Print
Who doesn’t love to dress up cute in printed dresses and rompers? But, whether you’re a fan of stripes, polka dots, animal print, or florals, it’s fun to add contrast to these statement-making styles with a pair of sporty sneakers.
We love these box-fresh white Yeezy boost sneakers paired with just about any kind of pattern or print. But they look especially cool worn with something unexpected, such as a floral tea dress or a spotty romper.
Another way to play it is to choose sneakers with colored details that complement the print. For example, the pink and blue details on these sporty Nikes would look perfect combined with a blue and pink patterned dress.
Slip on a Slip Dress
Slip dresses are slinky, sexy, and definitely not sporty. Which is why pairing a silky slip with a pair of sneakers is the coolest way to go.
If you’re not sure how to dress up with sneakers, go for a simple white slip dress and pair it with a trusty pair of Converse sneakers. The white takes away the sexy edge of a slip dress while the sneakers add a dose of nonchalance.
If you go for a black slip dress with sneakers, wear a simple white t-shirt underneath your dress or throw on a chunky cardigan. A patterned slip dress with some plain white kicks is also an ideal summer city outfit. Just add sunglasses and you’re good to go!
Suit Up
While your office might not be ready for sneakers and suits, pairing sporty sneakers with a pantsuit is ideal for weekend dressing.
For a more subtle take on this look, combine these pale suede Nike sneakers with a navy pinstriped suit in a looser fit. Or, you could opt for slim-fitting cigarette pants paired with these bold black and fuchsia Nikes and a cropped ’80s-style jacket.
Grey and camel suits pair perfectly with sneakers too. Opt for white sneakers to achieve a clean, understated look. Or, go for a complementary color such as beige or pale lilac for an even more modern twist on this new classic look.
Add a Romantic Touch
Sneakers might pair just as well with sleek suits as they do with yoga pants. But we really love the juxtaposition of mixing sneakers with more diverse styles and details. And nothing is more unexpected than wearing sneakers alongside delicate details such as lace, ruffles, and frills.
These kinds of romantic details are often a key trend for spring and summer. Yet wearing them with sneakers creates a whole new look that’s fresh and modern.
That said, there’s no need to go all-out with chunky or bright sneakers if that’s not your style. A simple pair of Stan Smith sneakers are perfect for adding a subtle hint of casual to an otherwise floaty, feminine outfit.
Maximize a Midi
Not only are is the midi fashion’s current favorite length, but skirts and dresses that fall somewhere between the knee and ankle are the perfect way to dress up sneakers. The longer line makes midis more demure than shorter skirts, while this length is just short enough to show off a fresh new pair of kicks.
Play up to the ladylike length of midi dresses and go for a contrasting look by pairing a silky midi dress with a pair of bold and sporty sneakers. We love these Adidas Ultraboost sneakers paired with a black midi dress, while white sneakers look great with colorful and patterned midi dresses and skirts.
Inspiring Ways to Dress up Sneakers
As these ideas show, there are lots of different ways to dress up sneakers while making a serious fashion statement.
Beyond the casual edge that sporty sneakers can add to more formal or feminine pieces, pairing sneakers with any outfit is a surefire way to ensure your efforts to dress up cute never go unnoticed.
Keep up with all the latest trends in sneakers by checking out our new arrivals, or feel free to contact us for more information.
Photo Credit: bloglovin, bikinis & passports
