Flashy sneakers are stepping into offices across the country
A dressed-down footwear trend is sneaking into offices across the country — the tennis shoe.
Turns out, there's a place for sneakers in some office settings. They're becoming acceptable to complete outfits beyond the athletic look. Styles are versatile and fashionable enough to accent dresses, suits or skirts.
“We are starting to see a shift in the way women approach getting dressed,” says Carly Yu, global product marketing manager for Vans footwear. “Women are no longer dressing for one genre or style and are starting to take a high-low responsibility to their own personal style.
“With sneakers trending on the runways, street-style blogs like Tommy Ton and social media have helped to place a large influence on incorporating more sneakers into everyday looks. In turn, Vans has seen the trickle-down effect in women's closets.”
Comfort is key, says Yu, and tennis-shoe designers are providing that without compromising style.
Vans is known for its canvas basic silhouettes, but is now incorporating more luxe materials, including rich leathers and Scotchgard-treated suedes, and slimmed-down silhouettes designed specifically for women.
The shoes are being worn with cropped trousers and dresses. Yu says sneakers can essentially go with any outfit. They create an interesting contrast and make any outfit feel fresh.
Linda Graswick, personal stylist manager at Nordstrom in Ross Park Mall, agrees comfort is important.
“Athleisure is a great trend for the working woman,” Graswick says. “For example, a business-casual look can be a stylish fitted blazer, jeans and a slip-on sneaker. An easy alternative to the traditional tennis shoe is a slip-on sneaker in print or with texture such as the ‘Demi' by Jimmy Choo, ‘Banler' by Vince or ‘Kent' by Rag & Bone.”
Sneakers without laces work great with shorts, pants and suit-type looks, Graswick says. You can pair a lace-up sneaker or cross-trainer with denim, such as a boyfriend-fit, for a casual office look.
Or you can add a little sparkle or other embellishment and the sneaker has some pizzazz, says Barbara Gambotto, owner of Primadonna Collection, with stores in Ross Park Mall, South Hills Village, The Mall at Robinson and two locations in New Jersey.
“When we think of sneakers, we think of those with shine,” Gambotto says. “They are on trend. I thought only the younger girls would like these fun sneakers, but I have sold them to women of all ages. Sneakers are fun for every woman because they are comfortable and can keep you going all day. They also are stylish with studs and sparkles. They have a fashion side to them as well as the practical side.”
Sneakers are available in styles from low tops to platform to high-tops.
“Having different heights gives a woman versatility,” Gambotta says. “They are considered a casual shoe because you can wear them every day, all day. They are great if you have a problem with your feet and can't wear heels. And, they just give the look a different edge to it.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at jharrop@tribweb.com or 412-320-7889.
