As I Get Older, I Wear Sneakers More - 3 Lessons

Sneakers are my Friends. Even as I Get Older. 

So obviously at 50+ I am not a "sneaker head" although I will admit to having more sneakers in my wardrobe than a lady of my age should probably have. And I know a few things about sneaker culture and the origin stories and all that. But definitely not a sneaker head. I just like them an awful lot and they are so comfortable. If you get the right ones, that is.

So I had a bit of a think about how to wear sneakers as I age, how to dress them up more formally to read professionally for work wear and, the trickiest of all, how to wear them with skirts and dresses so that they work with my whole wardrobe. I mean a good sneaker can be a bit pricy so you may as well get as much wear out of them as possible. And the more they can work across all occasions, the less you have to wear non-sneakers, aka uncomfortable shoes.

Jennifer Aniston, Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham Making Sneakers Look Grown Up

Lesson 1: Making Sneakers Look Grown Up

The obvious answer to this one is that if you buy designer sneakers, you will look more elevated, and therefore more sophisticated than standard takkies. Sadly, as with most things, it isn't this easy. I have a beautifully classic pair of Gucci Ace sneakers, and they are really not very comfortable, thereby destroying the entire purpose of wearing them. Sigh. But the entire lesson isn't lost. My view is that if you want to wear sneakers well into your later years, and not look like you are trying to look young, always stick with classics. A pair of Stan Smiths, a Superstar, a Gazelle for a bit of colour - all from adidas - maybe a Nike Cortez, are the wardrobe basics that will work. For more casual weekend wear, I also favour a super-iconic Vans Old Skool or could throw a New Balance classic in there too. I mean you remember wearing some of these as a kid, so it may even spark a great story, reminding the whippersnappers that you have been cool for longer than they have been alive. Always fun.

When In Doubt, Think Ellen. Ellen Degeneres Models Professional Sneakers Like a Boss.

Lesson 2: Making Sneakers Work for Work

I'm really clear on this one - if you are wearing sneakers and want to make them look professional, always stick to a pure white (maybe black) palette. Also, this is where the investment comes in. A pair of white Common Projects Original Achilles sneaker in leather is the ideal one to go for, but it is as expensive as pure gold, so it's a real decision. Almost as good is anything in white from Veja - sometimes with a soft accent colour on the 'V' - which is still pricey, but more accessible than the Common Projects. I always think that Ellen makes sneakers and suits a timeless combo, so when in doubt, channel Ellen for work and you can't go wrong. And remember - if the shoes are 'dressed down' make sure the top is sharp and sophisticated. I try and wear a suit jacket when I wear sneakers, just to elevate the look. I hope that helps you too.

Classic Sneakers Look Great With Dresses No Matter Who You Are, Or How Old. Gazelles, Supergas, Vans.

Lesson 3: Making Sneakers Look Great with Dresses

I've heard so often from my women-colleagues that they don't feel comfortable wearing sneakers with dresses and skirts, because they aren't cool enough to 'pull it off'. No man! You can do this, you are awesome. You just need to nail the right silhouette for you. For me, the Stan Smith tongue on the sneaker comes up too high to work with a frock, but the Superstars are the perfect balance of chunky and low. That's for my cankles. Other people look incredible in a Converse high top with their skirts - and if you are a bit boho and hippy, this may very well be the solution for you. Also, at my age I don't wear shorter hems, so I always wear my sneakers with a maxi length skirt. This is sometimes a little easier as a starting point - so maybe begin with this. It's all about trying different shapes out and seeing what looks best on you. So pop on a frock and head down to the sneaker store and try a few classics out. You can do this!

If it really came down to it and I had to rescue five pairs of shoes from my wardrobe, you can bet your bottom dollar it wouldn't include the Jimmy Choo heels, it would without question be a couple of pairs of my fancy sneakers. And maybe the Chanel ballet flats. I'm not completely crazy. As we edge into older age, and comfort and foot support is so important, I can't think of a better way to invest my clothing budget. Let me know if you have any questions. I am actively recruiting for the cult of the sneaker-as-we-age.