A woman can be sexy, charming, witty or shy with her shoes, said Christian Louboutin. But, in a pair of wonderful sneakers, a woman is probably downright comfortable. There is something so relaxed, yet stylish, about sneakers that one can’t just wear them only to the gym. Trainers, keds, tennis shoes, kicks and sometimes even called tackies, sneakers come in different avatars. Essentially crafted with a rubber sole, you can lace up your sneakers or slip them on, or even have a little fun with velcro fastenings. Most importantly, you can also do high-fashion with sneakers.
When Karl Lagerfeld’s models sashayed down the catwalk-converted-supermarket aisle at the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2014 show earlier this year, the sporty-chic theme conveyed the hard-edged consumerism of our times. Sneakers were essential to the message. Crop tops and tunics teamed with candy-coloured tweed jackets over leggings and sneakers to boot uplifted the banality of everyday life.
“Sneakers and keds are the coolest way to do a sports chic look. Thanks to Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel couture sneakers, this trend has picked up enormously.
This is absolutely perfect for the current fall/winter season as it gives a cool girlie spin to a layered winter outfit,” says popular fashion blogger Devina Malhotra. Several Bollywood actresses too have embraced the relaxed look, pairing their sports shoes with feminine dresses, skirts and maxis.
“It’s a great travel style,” says celebrity stylist Khushnaz Turner, “but it really comes down to individual style. Some like actress Esha Gupta carry it off well, but it’s really not everybody’s cup of tea,” she says.
Whether hightops, lowtops or slip-ons, there is a multitude of colours, prints and designs to choose from — Chanel’s tweed and suede sneakers with metallic embellishments and the quintessential rubber sole, Kenzo’s multi-colour slip-on variety, Stella McCartney’s platform shoes with chunky rubber soles. The classic all-white and black with white-rimmed sole are favourites too.
While the traditional sneaker shape may be all too sporty for some, slip-ons give out that relaxed skater vibe. Whether plaid, chequered or with animal or floral prints, slip-ons are easily more versatile.
“I think white tennis shoes are a classic. You can pair them with short dresses or outfits with floral prints. They look lovely and can be easily chosen over ballet flats,” says Khushnaz, who has styled actresses Vishakha Singh, Priya Anand and Huma Qureshi.
Denims, maxis and layered looks with skirts and dresses are great outfits to take your sneakers out for a spin. “Even when it comes to a body-con dress or a flared skirt, one can ditch those high heels for a comfortable, yet effortless, fashion staple — sneakers. They add the perfect peppy vibe to a boring ensemble and look super cute with a well-fitted dress as well. In any wardrobe, finding an alternative is the key; that is why slip-on sneakers and platform keds are absolute must-haves,” says Devina.
“Just because it is winter, it doesn’t mean that one should forgo wearing maxi skirts. Simply pair them with printed trainers or converse sneakers with a loosely-fitted sweater for a comfy, no-fuss look. A standout look doesn't have to end with your clothes; one can add some adventurous sneakers, like the metallic ones, for an eclectic statement,” she adds.
