I am guilty of only wearing sneakers for one reason and one reason only: exercise. (And typically, I’m only exercising so that I can eat french fries and drink beer afterwards.) But despite my luke-warm love of the casual kicks, even I must jump on with the new shoe trend of spring: sneakers.
One of my favorite Downtown Frederick shops, Velvet Lounge, threw me into the sneaker-fire when I went in to shop this past week. In fashion, spring starts in January (even though I can still see my breath when crossing the street). So amidst the lovely warm-weather dresses and clever graphic tees, I found myself surrounded by colorful, bold trendy sneakers.
It’s not hard to fathom that this is popular trend is once again being showcased at the bottom of a fashion model’s long, beautiful legs; any of us can think of those ever-popular white Keds that seem to stick around, and each year a new celebrity athlete comes out with their own line. What I was not ready for is ‘dressy’ kicks that you wear with dresses, rompers, skinny jeans + more.
Velvet Lounge donned several different styles and name brands, ranging from Dolce Vita, TOMS, Steve Madden and more. (Oh, and did I mention velvet is back in, too? Yes, you read that correctly: velvet low-top sneakers.) These brands host a variety of options in high-top vs. low top, solids vs. prints, etc. Check out the classics like Adidas, PUMA and Marc Jacobs. If you’re looking for something contemporary + fresh? Try Golden Goose.
Wear this trend by dressing up your ensemble with your kicks. Get out of your black athletic Nike comfort zone (yes, talking to myself, too) and find a pair that compliments your outfit just like any pair of wedges or heels might do. (Author’s note: I am 5’3″, 5’4″ on a good day, so giving up my clutch spring wedge in trade for a high top kick is not exactly something I was prepared to do.) Fashion is all about risk, so I bought my first pair of ‘stylish sneakers,’ pictured below.
I chose to pair mine with leggings and a cozy sweater, though as it warms up, these camel-colored Steve Madden gems will go great with a tunic dress or maxi. So, as a stylish-sneaker-virgin myself, I challenge you to hop on this trend’s bandwagon and get yourself a cool pair of kicks. You won’t be sorry when you’re looking gorgeous and can keep your shoes on all night long because they’re so darn comfortable. (Plus, that means you can stay out longer for a few extra drinks, right?)
Cheers,
K Lo