In the past, sneakers always got a bad rep because they were deemed not as stylish compared to its other footwear counterparts. These days, we all know how the sneaker triumphed and prospered, making it such a covetable accessory for all different types of outfits. No longer is it necessary to solely wear your sneakers to the gym, now they are acceptable to style with anything from casual weekend looks to even more formal outfits. Regardless, it is a bit tricky to find an outfit that is perfectly balanced between casual and chic, so I wanted to round up some of the tips that I learned from my years of mix-and-matching all the pieces in my wardrobe. No matter what your style is defined as, I do think there is a perfect sneaker out there for you! To show you what I mean, keep scrolling below to discover my pro tips on how to dress up your sneakers with style.
Pro Tips on How to Dress Up Your Sneakers
My Favorite Sneakers
First things first, let me walk you through some of my favorite sneakers that I have collected throughout the years. I tend to lean towards more minimal, unassuming styles (surprise, surprise), so they have a greater versatility factor. Meaning that I can truly maximize their use and wear them with a multitude of different outfits. Pictured above is my go-to pari of black sneakers – these Asic Gel-Excite Running Shoes are so comfortable and I find the simple black colorway makes the ease of dressing them up even better. In terms of light neutral sneakers, I have been crushing on the Soludos Ibiza style – which offers a bit of a platform heel for an extra boost of height.
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1) Stick to Neutrals
My first tip on how to dress up your sneakers is to stick to neutrals. There is no denying that a classic colorway has the power of making an outfit appear more streamlined and chic, so I love sticking to specific color stories to create a cohesive look. In this case, you can opt for a lighter color palette such as the above outfit where I included shades of beige, cream, and white. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can choose to channel black or a combination of white and black for a similar effect. This is one of my most used tips when it comes to dressing up my favorite pairs of sneakers!
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Style with Tailored Pieces
When in doubt, you can choose to lean on tailored pieces as a way to dress up your sneakers. As mentioned, sneakers are held in high reverence and can even be made workplace appropriate with the right styling. One way to achieve a put together outfit is by incorporating classic items such as a blazer or a pair of trousers. The sneakers actually help to balance the tailored pieces so they look less stuffy and more relaxed. This combination is not only great for running to meetings or attending events, but also a polished look for any weekend festivities.
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Add a Little Bit of Leather
A little bit of leather goes a long way here. I love tacking on a leather separate with my casual outfit and sneakers to dress it up even further. Anything from a coat to pants will immediately elevate your shoes and take your look to the next level. This spring, a leather Moto jacket or blazer is the perfect outerwear piece to wear as we transition from cool to warmer weather, so be sure to style these pieces with your trusty sneakers for an effortless look. I promise you will end wearing this combo over and over again!
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Lean on Matching Sets
Matching sets are wondrous! I love relying on them when I am crunched for time and need to pull together a polished look with record speed. There is minimal thinking when it comes to a coordinated outfit, while also avoiding the extra step of worrying about styling mishaps. Given this, a chic matching set is a great place to start when attempting to dress up your sneakers. Anything from a cute tweed skirt set to a cozy athleisure combo will work really with a more minimal pair of tennis shoes.
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Top Off With a Structured Bag
Finally, my last pro tip to dress up your sneakers is to top off any outfit with a structured bag! The authority and fashion sensibility a bag can add to any outfit is truly powerful. When it comes to ensuring your favorite pair of sneakers appear more polished, a handbag is a surefire way to advance any old look. You guys know I tend to prefer designer bags because the high-quality and longevity of life, but more affordable alternatives work just as well here! I went ahead and liked some structured bags under $300 for you all to shop.
