If you have been around awhile, you know that I am a sneaker addict. My attempts to work my 12 step program on the problem ended up with even more sneakers in my closet. Can you blame me? Sneakers are awesome. If I could, I would wear them every. Darn. Day. Sneakers are the perfect shoe for the spring transition when you aren’t quite ready for sandals but want a refresh from boots and booties.
I love that sneakers have hit the mainstream. There are so many fabulous styles to choose from as a result. There are several key trends for spring, including retro-inspired sneakers, bright-colored sneakers, all-white sneakers, and platform sneakers. Read on for my picks of the season’s hottest trends.
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Retro Sneakers
As a 52-year-old fashionista, the retro trend is bemusing. Many of these sneaker styles I wore back in the 70s (I’m looking at you, Stan Smith’s & checkered Vans), but I gladly embrace the styles today. Vans are just practical. I love that they are slip-on and can be worn without socks. The invention of the Vans socks has vexed me as I cannot keep them on my feet for the life of me.
I may have binge-watched the latest season of Bridgerton too quickly. Bemused? Vexed? I sound like an English aristocrat. But seriously, have you watched it? Unfortunately, Regé-Jean Page does not return as Duke of Hastings, but I think I enjoyed season two even more than the first. Go watch it if you haven’t. But I digress…
Along with the return of the classics, some of my favorite brands have released retro styles, including rag & bone, Nike, and Madewell. I recently picked up the Nike Court Legacy Sneaker. It has the classic tennis shoe vibe and is extremely comfortable. Some of my other favorites are below including the Vans.
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Colorful Kicks
Another big trend for spring is bright colors. You will find everything from tops and jeans to your favorite kicks in bright colors. It is a fun transition for the warmer months ahead. Of course, no color combination is off-limits—the brighter and bolder, the better. Just check out FILA Disrupter II EXP Sneaker (#7 Below). I am drawn to the pinks & purples below, but the Hoff Montreal Colorblock Sneaker looks designer without the designer price, and I am tempted to pick them up.
With all the fabulous color options, you can easily find a pair in your favorite hue. Swap your classic kicks for a colorful pair with jeans or shorts to boost your spring style.
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White Sneakers
I don’t think a classic white sneaker ever goes out of style. But right now, bright white kicks are trending. We can all remember back in the day when we got a new pair of white sneakers, and they looked fresh for about 5 minutes until kickball PE ruined them.
White sneakers make you feel instantly pulled together. I like to wear mine with trousers. The look is fresh and modern. Add a white tee or your favorite graphic tee, a blazer, and you have a stylish casual look.
Golden Goose capitalized on the fact that sneakers get beat up by designing their kicks pre-distressed (See #6 Below). Many people balked. Those of us who are sneaker freaks swooned. The price tag is steep, but the shoes are made in Italy, all leather, and built with an internal wedge that I find particularly comfortable on my finicky feet.
Of course, Golden Goose came in hot, and now the reception is lukewarm. Nevertheless, I am still a fan, and my many pairs are still in heavy rotation. But I also wear my $59 Retro Reeboks on repeat and love the Platform Converse I recently picked up.
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Platform Sneakers
Another trend for spring is the return of platform sneakers. The trend is one part retro and three parts futuristic. All of your favorite kicks likely are available in a platform version this year. I am a huge fan of the Vince slip-on sneakers, which now are available in a platform style. They are a grown-up version of your classic Vans.
I recently picked up the Converse Chuck Taylor Platform Sneaker, and I find the platform so much more comfortable than the classic Chucks. Yes, at 52, you can still wear Converse. If you want some ideas on how – check out my post, Outfits with Converse High Tops.
Platform sneakers aren’t usually my jam as I am already tall, but with so many fabulous styles, I am tempted to add a few to my closet. I have several Paul Green sneakers (see #4 below), and they are some of the most comfortable shoes in my closet. The Steve Madden (see #7 below) is a dupe for the super popular Alexander McQueen Sneakers.
If you need a little height or want to be on-trend consider picking up one of the platform styles below.
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One thing is for sure now that sneakers have hit the mainstream, we are not giving them up. They are too comfortable and practical not to be a permanent part of our lives. I cannot believe I lived so many years without them. The 90s were filled with uncomfortable shoes and lots of blisters.
Every year the selection of sneakers grows. It makes my casual fashionista heart happy. Add your favorite kicks to dresses, suits, or jeans. These days you can get away with sneakers almost anywhere. You can even wear them on vacation in Europe. Yes. You read that right. Women EVERYWHERE are wearing fashionable sneakers, including stylish French women.
Which style are you eyeing this spring? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
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