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Thursday, 5 March 2015

How to wear trainers without looking like an overgrown teenager

Jenna Lyons photo: I am Koo

Inspired by the post on snazzy sneakers last week, my latest piece for the Guardian explains how to wear trainers without looking too 'adultolescent' (new made-up word). Here are some grownup women who do it best. Starting with Jenna Lyons, of course.


 Neneh Cherry in a standout coat and Stan Smiths. Adidas owe Phoebe Philo, big time:


Though I've noticed that J.Crew are selling classic Puma Courts, £65, available HERE:


 Grace Coddington's a big fan of CĂ©line's ponyskin pumps:

Photos: Guardian

Last year I bought a pair of gold Vans originals - they make the perfect evening shoe with black coated jeans, a tuxedo shirt and velvet jacket. Now available in silver metallic, £60, available HERE.


Photo: whowhatwear

Tip: if you're opting for fancy footwear keep everything else chic and pared-down.

Read my full Guardian post HERE.


15 comments:

  1. Will they work with skirts? Specifically a flared midi skirt that according to my mirror needs a heel. My dilemma is that I need to be able to walk to leave my house to show off said lovely skirt and cannot do this in heels. I love the Lily Allen ball gown and nike airs look from back in the day but am forty six - any advice?

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  3. In the latter days of the last millennium, I wore red Converse high tops with a tuxedo. Like these looks. Heading into the stretch on the book...:)

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  4. Jenna and Grace can do no wrong. Love your gilded Vans. xo

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  5. I think they're OK with Jenna, the length of her pants creates a break, a slim ankle, then shoe. To my eye Grace Hoddington's pants are too long and too flared to create the right look and she ends up looking like a middle-aged woman with foot problems.

    In keeping with the idea that they need a slim peak of skin to keep them fresh looking I wouldn't wear them with a Midi skirt because the skirt is going to hit at mid-calf then you'll have the heavy shoe. That's two horizonal visuals creating a wedge at your base.

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  6. I love Jenna Lyons - she rocks it like no other. Great post. And also comfortable!

    www.wardrobeangel.co.uk

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  7. I love those last ones they are so much fun!

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  8. I've always been in Grace C's camp and this Jenna Lyons is far too gimmicky.

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  9. Lucy - I like that Lily Allen look too, reminds me of the 80s (in a good way). I always think: give it a go! You can always try before you buy - wear the skirt and go in store to try on different trainers, see what they look like. Maybe the Vans/skater style would look best (?) Let me know how you get on.

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  10. To sneaker or not to sneaker...I definitely opt for the former and to hell with the critics. Personal preference for the lace-ups - the Vans don't do nothin' for my feet.

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  11. Thanks RoseAG and Alyson! I'm hovering between Dune Christinas (lowish heel, might make it to the busstop, v pretty) and the nike city florals (in which I could skip the bus altogether and walk all the way to town.)

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  12. I don't think any of them look good. And it's time for Jenna to get a new pair of glasses.

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  13. You wear them the same way you wear heels - with confidence! I've gone from heels to converse and can rock both of them with the same confidence - it's called AGING with style!! And I liked all of the photos here, especially Jenna and her glasses...

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  14. I'm sorry. I am so NOt a fan. Too me it just looks like someone who has feet that hurt and want comfort.

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  15. Where Phoebe Philo leads, I follow. I like the Stan Smiths, but I prefer Adidas Superstars, because I wear a lot of black and having the three black stripes ties the look together with my mostly black wardrobe better...and it looks super with my big collection of Breton striped tops.

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