Trend alert: cool kicks
Isabel Marant has a lot to answer for. The trend-setting French designer made Western shirts cool, brought back tie-dye and is singlehandedly responsible for the ubiquitous wedge sneaker that’s slipped onto the sartorial radar.
When Miranda Kerr was snapped carrying baby Flynn and looking so effortlessly chic in leather leggings and a pair of pumped up kicks, the world went crazy for one of the most dubious trends – a high-heel version of sneakers. Other celebrities soon followed in her footsteps with Kate Bosworth, Beyonce and Alessandra Ambrosio cementing the casual-chic look.
So just how do you incorporate sneakers into your wardrobe, without looking like you’re heading off to the gym? Think of them as a new, casual style of boot and team them with skinny leg jeans or leggings and a crisp white shirt for day, or try amping up the glam factor and slipping them on with a girly LBD. A fitted blazer will add a bit of polish and show you’re ready for business, rather than a run.
And if the whole wedge is still a little too overwhelming for you, the trend has really taken off with ranges of cool runners just waiting to be styled up.
Isabel Marant The Bekket sneakers, £370, net-a-porter.com
The originals.
Keds x Madewell floral high-top sneakers, US$75, madewell.com
A limited-edition range of antique floral prints – perfect for those little white spring dresses.
Jeffrey Campbell Firenze wedge sneaker, £129.36, nastygal.com
Wear these pastel print shoes with your favourite denim cut-offs.
Ash Bowie high-top wedges, £149, ashfootwear.co.uk
The suede and canvas combo make these sneakers perfect for night and day.
Marc by Marc Jacobs wedge sneakers, £217.10, shopbop.com
You definitely won’t be blending in with these camo-print kicks. A must-have for summer festivals – super-cool and super-comfy.
Jeffrey Campbell Padua wedge sneaker, £112.32, nastygal.com
Two trends at once – wedge sneakers and cut-outs. Go grunge with an army jacket and tank dress.
River Island high tops, £45, riverisland.com
At less than 50 quid, these tri-colour kicks will literally be walking out the door.
