Back in a former life {when I lived in Washington, DC and worked in a more conservative setting aka the Hill}, I rocked a classic business suit everyday. Even when I was faced with those frozen streets and mountains of snow, I swore I’d never been one of “those women” who wore tennis shoes with her work clothes. We make sacrifices in the name of style, right?!

How wrong I turned out to be! If only I had the fashion foresight to flip the stigma on its head and instead make rockin’ tennies with your work wear super cool. I’m seeing it everywhere I turn these days and have to say – I love the look! That’s because this version isn’t just about comfort. It’s about an easy cool style that exudes confidence. I, for one, am all for it!

vogueapt34-sneakers

There are two schools of sartorial thought in this foot-friendly trend: making your shoe the stand out accessory or going as incognito as possible with a sleek black sneaker. The key to making the look work is to keep your pant leg skinny and ideally cropped. Add crisp, easy layers on top for a simple, not sloppy look. The all-black Nikes have recently become a staple in my closet and I can attest, are a godsend on days I have to run back and forth to every corner of the city for meetings.

I feel I owe my feet an apology. Years spent dashing for subway trains and stomping down cobblestone streets in 4-inch heels was not kind. But I swear, I’m making it up to them now!cool-kick-apartment-34-sneakersI’d happily add these Nikes, these Vansthese Nikes, these classic Vans, or these bright beauties to my closet!

 

Are you ready to give your heels an extended holiday?!

 

images 1 voguevia |  3 by adrian mesko for glamour france via wit & delight | 4 via | 5 unknown

What do you think?

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16 Comments

  1. I am still in love with classic stilettos 🙂

    XX Luba
    Styling a camel coat, today on
    
http://www.well-living-blog.com

    1. As am I, as am i!! I’ll never ditch them for good, however much my feet want me to!

    1. Isn’t it a great pop of color. If you’re going to go outside the box, you might as well go all the way!

    1. Let’s hope “trend” turns into “default” shoes for the future. My poor feet could use it.

  2. I think everyone is the pics look adorable. However, I feel like if I tried it, I would look ridiculous- but maybe I don’t have enough layers on to be pulling off the look.

  3. i was lucky enough to have a super casual work dress code when i worked in DC, but i definitely saw my fair share of suits with sneakers. none nearly as chic as these though! my attire was heels with jeans so i guess i did casual the opposite way 🙂

  4. I agree that with the right tennies and right attitude, they can look smashing! xo

  5. I love the inspiration pics you posted, but I wouldn’t call any of these oufits a “classic business suit.” These are definitely more casual, and if I could rock these outfits at work, I would!