Singer and Songwriter Taylor Monsen once said that you can wear anything as long as you put a nice pair of shoes with it. While it’s true for the most part, styling your shoes wrongly could throw off your entire outfit. Unfortunately, most people hardly even notice their shoe styling mistakes.
Sneakers are an excellent footwear choice because they’re comfortable and can go with most outfits. Sneakers are the perfect shoes for everyday style. However, that doesn’t mean they’re immune to styling mistakes.
In fact, sneaker styling mistakes are more common than you’d think, and they’re horrible. It’s painful seeing someone pair a three hundred dollar sneaker with the wrong outfit, but that’s why we’re here.
Today, we’ll be highlighting a couple of sneaker styling mistakes and the best way to avoid them.
1. Mismatching Your Sneakers and Outfit
Sneakers are incredible shoes, but they’re not for all outfits. Don’t assume your sneaker will go with anything you pick from your closet. This is especially true for multi-colored sneakers or sporty sneakers.
To get the right outfit for your sneakers, you’ll have to consider the proportion of your look. If you’re going for a slim, tailored look, make sure everything rhymes from head to bottom. After wearing your outfit, take a good look at yourself in the mirror and if your sneakers seem off, change them.
If your sneakers seem even a tiny bit off, they probably are. However, this doesn’t mean that you should steer clear of colored sneakers. If you choose to wear colored sneakers, just make sure to have a top that matches your sneakers’ color.
2. Wearing Non-Gym Sneakers To the Gym
Not all sneakers are meant for sports or the gym; some sneakers are ‘lifestyle’ sneakers. Wearing appropriate sneakers to the gym is not only great for your looks but also for your workout. Sport sneakers are lighter and have an extra grip on the sole for lateral movements.
It’s also important to get the right gym sneakers for your workout. If you’re into weight lifting, you’ll need sneakers with additional heel support for the extra weight. Your trainer will probably give you solid advice on the best sneakers for exercising.
Wearing stylish sneakers to the gym will only make you look awkward. On the other hand, wearing sports sneakers to a party is laughable. Doing either is a definite no-no.
3. Getting Overdressed for Statement Sneaker
Statement sneakers are called statement sneakers because they’re out to make a statement. Great examples of statement sneakers include Adidas NMD, Nike Airmax, and Adidas Ultra Boost.
All these shoes will make a statement, but overdressing will overshadow the statement. You don’t want to go over the top with your outfit because you’ll look overdressed. As a rule of thumb, follow your outfit with the same brand name as your sneakers.
Also, pick a simple but stylish outfit, so your sneakers remain your statement piece. Be sure to get your statement sneakers from reputable vendors like Kickscrew to get the legit stuff.
4. Picking the Wrong Everyday Shoe
Most people would wear flip-flops every day if they could, but doing so is highly impractical. However, you can get away with wearing sneakers every day, but only if you wear them correctly.
There’s no law saying you can’t wear sneakers every day. In fact, wearing sneakers to work is way better than other uncomfortable shoes. Sneakers are incredible shoes for everyday style, but be careful with your choice.
For instance, if you’re wearing sneakers to work, ensure they match your outfit and have neutral colors to maintain a professional image. If you need shoes for college, get stylish but comfortable sneakers that’ll impress your friends. Ensure your everyday sneaker aligns with your everyday activities and environment.
5. Not Following Your Fashion Taste
It’s easy to get caught up in all the fashion trends and forget your fashion taste. Following your fashion tastes makes you unique, setting you apart from the hypebeasts and victims of the bandwagon effect.
When shopping for sneakers, ensure you get sneakers that match your regular style. Getting particular sneakers just because everyone else is may work to your detriment. Buy sneakers that align with your usual style and go with your current style.
There’s nothing wrong with experimenting but tread softly if you do. Remember, shows once worn can’t be returned. Always go with your fashion style for the best results.
6. Failing To Clean and Maintain Your Sneakers
Regular shoe maintenance is important for them to last as long as you’d want them to. This is especially true for white sneakers that get dirty easily and lose their aesthetic appeal.
Cleaning your sneakers means much more than dunking them in water. Proper cleaning involves cleaning everything from the outsole, midsole to the shoelaces. If you can’t clean them yourself, you can get a shoe cleaning service to do it for you.
Walking around town with a pair of dirty sneakers is completely unacceptable. If you can’t clean them, please don’t wear them. Another thing you should never wear is worn sneakers.
Even the most durable sneakers are not immune to the deteriorating effects of age. Regardless of how much you love your sneakers, if they look worn, it’s time to throw them out. It might hurt a lot, but it’s for the best.
7. Wearing Knockoffs
Some sneaker knockoffs are so good you can hardly tell them apart from the real shoes. Sneakers can be expensive, especially the new releases. If you can’t afford a specific pair of sneakers, consider buying another instead.
Buying and wearing knockoffs is a huge no-no. Knockoffs don’t last that long and also have minor differences that give them away. It’ll be super embarrassing if anyone finds out you’re wearing knockoffs.
To be on the safe side, always buy genuine sneakers from a reputable seller.
Avoid These Sneaker Styling Mistakes at All Costs
The sneakers you put on can make or break your entire outfit. Do your best to avoid the sneaker styling mistakes we’ve talked about to avoid a fashion disaster. Do yourself and your sneakers the justice they deserve.
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