Less than five years ago, sleek sneakers were all the rage. Every stylish woman had a pair of white minimalist sneakers.
From the revamped Adidas Stan Smith to the streamlined Common Projects Achilles Low-Tops, this Scandinavian-inspired style was mass-adopted as the fashion shoe of choice.
Then Balenciaga changed the game.
Balenciaga shoes like the Balenciaga Triple S sneakers inspired the stolen-from-your-pops retro style. Seemingly overnight, this off-duty, laidback look transformed the dynamics of the fashion sneaker market, particularly the streetwear segment.
Lovingly referred to as dad sneakers, these chunky sneakers are part-running-shoe and part-statement-sneaker. Since debuting at Balenciaga’s FW17 show, designers like Gucci, Prada, and Alexander Wang have released sneakers with a blocky silhouette.
Though this trend debuted two years back, Balenciaga shoes and its counterparts show no sign of slowing down. Perhaps it’s due to their undeniable coolness factor. Or because they perfectly marry style and comfort making them ideal for both the office or weekend brunch.
Ready to make these so-comical-they’re-chic sneakers work for you?
Here are some tips to successfully incorporate orthopedic-thick-soles into your outfits.
1. Vintage throwback
Comfortable, on-trend footwear is not the only retro style that’s made a comeback. The thrift store bargain look can be a head-turning vintage find or wearable and low-key. Looking contemporary all depends on how you style your look.
Ease into the trend by styling a fashion favorite: the vintage band tee. Wear it with high-waisted jeans for a simple, classic look or tuck in your tee into a beautifully draped skirt. Finish the throwback look with a pair of vintage-inspired FILA chunky heel sneakers.
2. Denim days
If you’re borrowing footwear style tips from dad, why not continue the trend by donning a pair of dad jeans? These light, slightly baggy jeans can be worn with almost anything. From tucked-in slim-fit tops to faux-fur jackets, there are numerous ways to glam up your cute dad-esque jeans.
You can even go denim-on-denim to carry the dad look to perfection. When pairing with chunky sneakers, go for a more colorful variation. This adds a cool-girl twist to the ensemble and ensures your sneakers will be front and center.
3. Floral mash-up
Team your dad sneakers with its sartorial opposite, a floral midi dress. A feminine puffy-sleeved frock will offset the masculinity of the shoe, creating an effortlessly cool outfit. Throw on a denim jacket with an of-the-moment bag to complement the look.
To create the perfect juxtaposition between your ultra-feminine floral dress and chunky dad sneakers, go with a pastel-hued tone or a classic white or nude sneakers.
4. Power play
Take your business class look to the next level by putting your statement-making sneakers on display. By swapping out expected heels, your sneaker and suit combo becomes an in-vogue interpretation of individual style.
Complement your smartest power suit with a seriously sporty-style pair of sneakers like Alexander McQueen’s chunky runner sneakers or the Kenzo chunky sole sneakers. Or try the classic combination of pastels plus white. Both bring a cohesive finish to your new grown-up mood.
5. Jump around
In jumpsuits, that is!
A statement style as versatile as dad sneakers, jumpsuits are an all-in-one garment that can be worn for any season.
A strapless style or a knot-front candy-striped jumpsuit paired with sunglasses is an effortless way to beat the heat. Similarly, coveralls and a patterned silk scarf-on-the-neck style is the perfect modern desk-to-drinks look. Double-down on practicality during the colder months by polishing the look off with a belted coat or longline blazer.
Anchor a well-fitted jumpsuit with a bulkier shoe shape. The accented look of the chunky sneaker creates a dressed-down look that’s commandingly cool.
While the dad shoes’ misshapen silhouettes appear to be a seemingly awkward footwear trend, they have taken the center stage and become the epitome of stylishly cool. Their versatility and undeniable comfort mean they should be an essential part of your sneaker rotation.
So, how are you styling this footwear must-have?
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