The streetwear trend has amassed a huge following among even the chicest of fashion people over the last few years, and where it was once fairly uncommon to spot a comfortable pair of shoes at Fashion Weeks around the world, now it’s basically become the norm. Three years ago I underwent double foot surgeries and at the time the sneaker trend had really just begun to pick up some serious steam. This all came about at a welcome time for me, as once I was actually able to wear something other than a surgical bootie, my only option was sneakers. This gave me an excuse to dive right on into the sneaker trend, and once I started I simply couldn’t stop. My sneaker collection is probably the only thing that has begun to rival my handbag collection, and I’ve acquired over 10 pairs over the last couple of years. Like a great handbag, I love how versatile sneakers really are. They’re not only comfortable and incredibly stylish, but like the perfect handbag, the right pair of sneakers can change any look.
I’m clearly not the only one that has embraced this trend, and a few years ago when I was obsessed with the idea of getting Yeezys—please don’t judge me!—I joked that sneaker heads were way more committed than fashionistas! Snagging my Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag back in the day was easier than trying to cop a pair of Yeezys on drop day. Though I have a couple of pairs that are a bit on the basic side so to speak, like my Adidas Stan Smiths and my Adidas Superstars, most of the time I like my sneakers to be a bit elevated—like most things in my life! My Converse high-tops are leather, and my favorite Nike Air Force 1s aren’t the same basic white ones that everyone has. If I’m going to do the sneaker trend, I’m going to do it my way. Lately I find myself wearing sneakers more and more, and when I’m picking out my outfit, I often pair my sneakers to the handbag I’m carrying and continue to build my outfit from there. I love my sneakers like I love my bags. Shop my favorite pairings below—a mix of personal favorites and combos I’d love to have!
Saint Laurent Baby Sac de Jour
Pairs well with…
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 PRM LX Sneakers
Vintage Dior Saddle Bag
Pairs well with…
Adidas x Stella McCartney Stan Smith Seakers
Gucci GG Marmont Shoulder Bag
Pairs well with…
Converse Platform Leather Sneakers
Chloé Textured Leather Drew Bag
Pairs well with…
Common Project Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
Chanel Gabrielle Backpack
Pairs well with…
Nike Air Force 1 Sage Low
Pretty sure any of these bags will pair fine with WHATEVER I have. 😉
I bought the black converse sneaker. They are gorgeous, yet the material around the top of the sneaker is abrasive and cuts into my skin something awful.
Still glad I managed to nab a pair in a 7.5
The tongue does bother me too on the converse, but as long as I make sure my sock covers it’s ok. I also think as they loosen up it might be better.
AGREED! I wore my superstars with EVERYTHING this summer! But with current weather its UGGS! Ugh!
Your SdJ is such a stunning red. Lovely photo of it.
I saw someone wearing the Yeezy breds and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since. Dying for a reissue ?
Thanks I’m soo happy with my SJD! I still kinda want Yeezys too. *shrugs*
If you can handle white shoes, you can definitely handle a white bag! 😉
HA! I baby my sneakers WAY more than my bags actually 🙂
Nice collection but I hope you will do a column soon on slip-on sneakers, which are one step up from the traditional lace sneaker and can fit a little more easily into the business world, especially if they come from a good designer. I have slip on sneakers from Max Mara, Prada, Etro and Tod’s and they all look fine in the office. As a woman over 45, if I came to work in a pair of lace-up Converse sneakers, I’d get some raised eyebrows, but the slip on sneakers blend in easily and I see several other women my age wearing them.
Will keep in mind! I like slip on ones too, Vince makes great options!
loving sneakers! But…how do you all clean them?
I use the Natural Huggies Baby wipes 99% water on all my sneakers
Dish soap and water if they are leather. If they’re not I just baby them a TON more so than my bags!
Call me old fashioned but I sometimes think carrying a super girly bag while wearing sneakers is a mismatch. Of the bags above, I think only the Dior saddle bag can be done so. I think the rest matches better with a different shoe.
I agree. I do it all the time myself because I walk a lot. But I can’t say it looks particular good. High quality loafers or a plain flat show looks better. And I still don’t like the mismatch of colors. I like the handbag and shoes to match it’s color. I hate seeing a Pink bag with brown shoes etc. Looks awful.
The Dior saddle I personally have (saved it from way back!) and wore it that exact way with a dress, I liked the look overall. Personally I like the contrast of a girly bag with sneakers, but I never thought I would say that to be honest, so I totally understand your POV
These pairs are awful. Stop trying to make it happen.
I always get compliments when I wear my bags this way! 🙂
I love that you can respond in such a positive, professional way to comments that I would perceive as offensive. 🙂
They are differing opinions and matters of taste. Why would you be offended?
IMO, the 1st sentence is a shared opinion, the 2d an attack.
Neither in the kindly manner of Emily Post 🙂
I think it’s more delivery – the line saying “stop trying to make it happen” could for sure be worded differently to show a difference of taste versus coming off harsh/rude.
We’re pretty good about receiving negative comments and I rarely delete anything (only if it’s so over the top or libelous etc). Everyone is entitled to their opinion and most of the time people share it nicely/constructively!
Still not offended. Not harsh or rude either.
Surely as adults we have more of a backbone than to be crushed by a comment.
Why are you policing the comments in such a controlling manner, anyway? You aren’t’ even the author of the article. If you want comments, lively discussion, and debate then allow your readers to express themselves.
Wow! You are getting pretty worked up! Give it a rest, relax!
That’s a really gorgeous Sac de Jour in the main picture ;p
Hate sneakers. Never wear them except for in the gym – where they belong.
“Snagging my Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag back in the day was easier then trying to cop a pair of Yeezys on drop day” shouldn’t it be “easier thAn “?
Thanks for catching, I missed it! Fixed!
Yes.
Thanks.
Love these pairings, Kaitlin.
I only wear sneakers with my bags. You should try some Allbirds!
Vlad, me and Millie all have Allbirds and love them!!
I like this style on Millennials ( sorry, I really don’t like this label), but I prefer wearing my Chanel or Gucci flats since they are a more comfortable fit and I like the overall look. For me it’s like the mini dress which is really cute on a younger person, but not on me. 🙂
I agree.
YES YES YES YES YES. Similar to you, Kaitlin, I had to have ankle surgery about two years ago, and was so thankful for the resurgence of the sneaker trend. I’ve also kind of gone overboard since then. In the past couple of years, I’ve probably purchased 25 pairs – a good mix of designer and not designer. I pair them with my Chanel/Gucci/LV bags, and I personally LOVE the way it looks. Just today, I’m wearing Golden Goose glittery black high tops with my Chanel flap, and see no issue whatever with the way it matches!!! <3
I am not sure there is any shoes more comfortable than the nike AirForce1!!!!
Oh there are many way more comfy!!
I LOVE the Roger Vivier sneaky Viv, esp done in bottle green satin. It is a mistake to not include them here!!
Back in the 80s, we replaced our pumps with sneakers to/from work. That’s the last time I considered “tennies” outside sports, yard work, or boating. So, I appreciate the fashion guide, Kaitlin!
However, since I’m not a senior-aged, skinny, former super model, I don’t like the look for me. Bc well, ok…. I am a senior. AARP card-carrying. And I fear the impression I’d make wearing white sneakers and the regurgitated
fanny bag trend.
I am eligible for my card but trust, it does not stop my love for a good converse. I have come to realize that some in my age group will rock loafers and flats but I will be the card carrier with the limited edition Converse Pink Leather sneakers with an awesome suit. It’s my uniform and I think we have to be real with and comfortable with our authentic selves
I’ve been fan of sneakers since the late 80’s, kept all my og pairs from back then, I probably have more than 300 pairs left to this day. Then handbags since early 2000’s with a smooth progression (from Longchamp, Lancel, to Céline, Balenciaga, to Dior, Chanel, Hermès) so I always combined the 2. But I’ve actually never worn more “shoes” than these past 2 years. I’m sick of this trend (which I think is more than a trend). Must be too old… Damn Millennials, I blame you! :p