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| Photo: Tommy Ton |
From Chanel catwalk to British Vogue, trainers are back on fashion's inside track. As a sporty kid I spent my life kicking around in cheap running shoes, and I'm still a fan of this laid-back look. Think Coco Chanel's wafting along the French Riviera in wide leg trousers, Mick Jagger's suit and sneakers in St Tropez and super-chic Parisian Caroline de Maigret (above) in Isabel Marant jacket and jeans. The French model and music producer has that fabulous Jane Birkin joie de vivre, that easy-going approach to style.
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| Chanel catwalk photo: style.com |
A random stocktake tells me that, over the years I've amassed approximately 20 pairs of trainers. Some hi-tech, some old-school, some older than Cara Delevingne. I can't help feeling a little uneasy when sneakers step onto the runway. Uncomfortable with big designer names and hefty price tags, when really it's all just a question of sport. So, sorry Karl but you know where you can stick your overpriced kicks.
Like Phoebe Philo I'll be opting for boyfriend style and a pair of proper pumps: Adidas Stan Smiths, back on sale after a two year hiatus. And coming soon in suede.
Are sports shoes for you?
Just can't do it. The closest I get is Converse. I have never been sporty, so I feel like I'm cheating if I wear sport shoes for anything other than going for a run. I appreciate the look on some people, but I really think it's hard to get right. Perhaps if you are tall, cool and dressed in Marant, you can do it :) I would just look like I'd forgotten to put the right shoes on.
ReplyDeleteI do like those pretty suede adidas, but like Tiffany, trainers just don't feel organic to me. I think for it to work, the overall look has to be kind of cool and slouchy, and that's hard to pull off. I will occasionally wear an old pair of grey converse with white jeans in the summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm still a Converse girl, lots of colors and a new pair every summer. However, I do love the trainers look and I'm tempted with some New Balance or Adidas ones.
ReplyDeleteDamn, I'm not really into any sports clothing. Thank god I bought those suede sneakers in leopard print last year. But next thing you know leopard print will be O-U-T.
ReplyDeleteI walk to a tube station rather than taking the bus, so I've been wearing trainers for my London commute for some time. The difficult thing is having to take them off at work to change into a smarter pair of shoes...Ps love the suede sneakers!
ReplyDeleteI have always been a fan of the plain white plimsole in the summer but I think I will give the full trainer a miss. A bit too 90s for me.
ReplyDeletei like the blog but I hate trainers!
ReplyDeleteI am proud to say that white tennis shoes are all I have ever allowed myself to wear.
oh dear....maybe I am showing my age at last!
Love them on others, but always feel trainers are too far removed from my own style. I never say never tho:)
ReplyDeleteLove 'em! I have several pairs and since I'm rubbish in heels, trainers are something I've opted for even when wearing a dress. Can't beat a pair of Nike Air for comfort (and style), but I don't think I'll ever buy super-pricey Chanel trainers, er, no. xo
ReplyDeleteI'm another no trainers gal, I'm afraid! I can appreciate a cool pair of Converse on other women, but not on me. And they are so expensive for canvas shoes! xxx
ReplyDeleteNo, no, no, a thousand times no! It just doesn't look right, and if you are not in your early years (20s, 30s) it looks plain ridiculous. The only place sports shoes should be worn is while engaging in sports. (Personal opinion here.) But you'll note that the model's scraggy hair, oversized (ill fitting) jacket and trainers only detract from her looks. If you are not as young as her, the "look" says, "I'm taking out the bin. And I can't be bothered."
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rose from www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
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ReplyDeleteI find this fashion style really funny because when us career women did this in the 80's because we did not want to mess up our shoes on our way to work in NYC it was seen as such a big faux pas. Now it's fashion!!! HILARIOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteI really dislike this new trend, and I hope it ends soon. The only time I feel it's appropriate is when one has to walk far to their destination, but then they should change their shoes. I really don't find it fashionable. However, occasionally it is done well ,like on the Atlantic Pacific blog post today.
ReplyDeleteIt does look adorable on the frisky models - on me, not so much. More like suburban middle aged church lady!
ReplyDeleteI have the tiniest inkling that this is a derogatory joke on fashionistas, and a nasty one at that. Like, "Ha Ha, let's see how crazy they'll get, to wear thousand dollar sneaks with a cocktail dress." No, not me, a thousand times no. Emperor's New Clothes, anyone?
ReplyDeleteI love everything that Phoebe Philo wears...including trainers. (we call them sneakers over here)And I love to wear my sneakers with skinny jeans and a big sweater, great road trip outfit. But I agree with other readers...it has to be the right combo. And definitely NOT the lace dress from Chanel.
ReplyDeleteIt's a look for the young and so-chic there is no doubt you're cool.
ReplyDeleteOn anyone else it's going to look frumpy.
There are plenty of cute flat comfortable shoes around, no need to risk clomping around in these.
Hi there!! I'm definitely a fan and will be in some type of trainers this season for sure, it's all about not looking too 'try hard' and 'not too frumpy' either!! Let me know if you've an upcoming Saturday timeslot free so we can go for our Affogato! xxx
ReplyDeleteNot a look for me. I just can't do it. I bought a couple of pairs two years ago and have only worn one pair, once. It's just not my style.
ReplyDeleteI like all of these looks, but somehow I think if I did it, the results would not be the same.
ReplyDeleteTrainers should only be worn by those who are out for a run in their track suit. Maybe a quick errand while in that outfit but then quickly home to change. The shoe makes the outfit and trainers look like one does not care or has given up. Jeans and tees look so good with a dressy boot or shoe. Dresses with trainers can pass if in your teens. After that only exception is when one breaks a toe or has foot surgery.
ReplyDeleteI love it. I love any trend that gives us all more options. Trainers not your style? Then you make an informed choice not to indulge. What any trend does is allow more options, more choice and more fun. The next trend may be your trend and not mine, and what it all means is that we can dress more precisely to our individual style.
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ReplyDeletenope. i have the feeling that wearing trainers at my age, outside a stadion, looks A) like i try to hard to look young or B) can´t walk in propper shoes........
ReplyDeleteChanel paired with trainers. Some trends are just to silly for words.
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ReplyDeleteWell, it's an ironic look, isn't it...and therefore requires a certain je ne sais quoi to pull off, but yes - I like the look for adding a bit of subtle humor to an outfit.
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea but always feel too casual rather than chic casual! Even in converse I only wear for nipping to the supermarket. I would be tempted by a satin pump which would add a bit more glamour
ReplyDeleteI'm convince that trainers (sneakers) are a good idea. I've now ordered these fabulous Adidas Dragons.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.zappos.com/adidas-originals-dragon-tribe-blue-joy-orchid-white
Can't wait to get them in the post.