Move over, painful heels, uncomfortable flats and overused boots – there is a new sheriff in town…
And I couldn’t be happier about it.
The modern “hip, street style” sneaker has arrived.
Hip Street Style Sneakers For The Modern Mom
You are very aware (and most likely very fond) of a popular wardrobe staple, the sneaker. But the sneaker you use for zumba workouts, walks around the neighborhood, or a week stay at Disney World is very different from the “hip, street style sneaker”. These new sneakers are a tailored high-end flat, with skater punk attitude, and a comfy blanket…all mixed into one. It’s the new “everything” shoe … perfect to wear with jeans, leggings, dresses, shorts, skirts and more.
Tips For Wearing Street Style Sneakers When You Are Middle Aged
If you do a quick Pinterest search for “street style sneakers”, you’ll find a gazillion pictures of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner and quickly think…
“Um. There is no way I’m wearing THAT outfit with sneakers. I don’t care how comfortable those shoes are…”
But never fear, there are ways for more mature women (in both years, brain cells and pounds) to wear street style sneakers and look appropriate.
- Show some ankle. Street style sneakers + socks = NO BUENO. Your feet are going to have to go commando.
- No long pants. Street style sneakers look best with cropped pants, boyfriend or skinny jeans (that have been rolled) or leggings. You want to showcase the shoes by putting one to two inches between your shoe and the bottom of your pants.
- Dresses and skirts. Street style sneakers look great with casual dresses and skirts. It’s a great alternative to sandals.
- Dress it up. Sneakers aren’t just for “dressing down”. Pair them with a blazer and blouse/t-shirt or long-cardigan sweater and blouse/t-shirt to create a “put-together, but edgier” look.
- Flat alternative. When you want to grab your trusty “flat” shoe, think about grabbing your street style sneaker instead.
Street Style Sneaker Styles
In order to help you pick the perfect pair of sneakers, I’ve broken it down into five categories (which all have a little different vibe).
Old School Runners
What Are They? The style of tennis shoes you USED to wear when you were a kid. The shoes have “over the top” colors, interesting fabrics, and patterns.
Vibe You Are Giving? You are busy. You like color. Watch out, because I might take your parking spot at Costco with my mini-van because I have things to do.
Lusting After: New Balance Classics | Nike Genicco Print | Saucony Originals
How Do I Wear? The shoes are the star. So, choose neutrals as your base. If you love color, feel free to add a pop of the same color that compliments the color of your shoes.
Low Profile Sneakers
What Are They? The style of tennis shoes Run DMC wore “in the day”. No colors. Neutral. The attitude comes from you. Bad-ass.
Vibe You Are Giving? Skater-punk, Sons of Anarchy, Gangster-Rap….while rocking the PTA meeting.
Lusting After: Puma Runner | adidas Samba | Vans Old Skool
How Do I Wear? Neutral. All neutral. The shoe shows your attitude. Don’t mess that up with a statement necklace. Statement necklaces are not bad ass…unless they are all gold and a super thick chain.
Metallic or Patent Leather
What Are They? Any style of tennis shoe that isn’t made out of canvas material. It’s leather and it’s shiny.
Vibe You Are Giving? You like a little bit of glitz and drama. You always secretly dug Dorothy’s shoes in the “Wizard of Oz”. You might know a few show tunes.
Lusting After: Vans Patent Leather | Earth Quince Sneaker | PUMA Brooklyn
How Do I Wear? With anything. Go big. Go casual. Go bright. Go neutral. Go in between. If you have the confidence to rock these shoes, you’ll know what to wear with them.
Patterned Design Sneaker
What Are They? It’s like a sneaker and a leather stiletto got married and had a baby. It’s equal parts function and high style.
Vibe You Are Giving? That you could have worn your ballet flats with this outfit, but you are “way cooler” than that.
Lusting After: Sofft Somers | Nike Classic Ultra | Puma Runner
How Do I Wear? Honestly, if you would have normally worn a ballet flat with an outfit, grab these sneakers instead. It adds just enough “uptown-funk” to a classic outfit.
All White
What Are They? Old school. Traditional. No details. No fuss. The classic.
Vibe You Are Giving? You like tennis shoes, but think all of the “street style mumbo-gumbo” is for the birds. What’s wrong with the original?
Lusting After: Converse Chuck Taylor | Superga | K-Swiss
How Do I Wear? It’s truly all versatile. Dress it up with a blazer or cardigan, dress it down with distressed jeans and a t-shirt. That’s why they are a classic…they go with everything.
Ready to buy a pair? DO IT. You’ll love wearing them. And you’ll look hip doing it.
So how will you rock your street style sneakers for the modern mom?
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Natalie Ledward says
Hey!
Do you think Moms can wear sneakers untied / loose for a more casual look? Or is it better to have them tied?
thanks
Kelly says
I need mine tied…but I’m a little trip-prone.
Natalie Ledward says
But for style do you think untied is better??!
My Daughter seems to believe so….
Joie Mojica Gahum says
Good choice of sneakers, makes me want to thank cicihot shoes for their unique and modern designs!