They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I am struggling to understand how ugly sneakers were trending on the runways of the latest fashion weeks.
Last year Balenciaga came out with the ugliest sneakers we’ve seen in years. It was a look I had hoped people would hate and move on. Then people actually started wearing them and even posting them on Instagram. I hoped it was a passing phase, but this is not the case.
Balenciaga sneakers. (Pic: Instagram)
It’s 2018 and they are apparently the coolest kicks around. If the severed heads weren’t bad enough, the shoes at the Gucci Autumn/Winter 2019 show certainly were. Wrapping rhinestones around them couldn’t disguise the fact that they looked like a cross between hiking boots and sneakers. Even if they come in metallics and covered it in glitter I still wouldn’t put a foot in them.
We saw sneakers wrapped in rhinestones at the Gucci Autumn/Winter 2019 show. (Pic: Instagram)
Just in case you don’t know what I’m talking about, all you need to do is look out for bulky, colourful sneakers with chunky soles. They look like the ones your grandpa wore back in the ’80s and probably still does. If your budget doesn’t allow for designer sneakers then borrow his and you’re good to go. My personal taste aside, I can’t deny that people are wearing them and even rocking them.
So how would one wear these sneakers? If you’re one of the die-hard trend addicts, then you’ll know that the sneaker will have to be the main focus of your outfit. Surely you didn’t buy them to simply complete a look. They ARE the look.
Wear them with dresses or skirts that are mid calf or shorter. If you’re wearing trousers or jeans, make sure they end above your ankles. Yes, it has to look like your pants have been pulled up too high or you didn’t buy the correct size.
Since the shoes are quite out there, there’s no point in holding back. You might as well go all the way out!
If the “don’t touch my ankles” pants don’t work for you, wearing super tight skinny jeans will create the illusion that the sneakers are bigger than they are.
One sure way to draw even more attention to your sneaker is to wear interesting socks. Bright colours, fun graphics or funky patterned socks are the way to go.
On the other hand, you could play on the bulkiness of the sneaker and wear oversized baggy clothes with them.
Here are a few looks found on Instagram to inspire you.
