It’s no secret that 2014 has officially been the year of the trainer. Céline designer Phoebe Philo actually started it ages ago when she was spotted wearing old school Adidas Stan Smith’s with her smart trousers. But it all kicked off properly in January when Chanel sent some uber-luxuriously lasered, bejewelled and embroidered trainers down their couture runway. By September, London Fashion Week’s street style was awash with fashion editors sans-stilettos.
Now, Ebay has revealed that Brits name trainers as their number one footwear of choice, with 48% of those surveyed picking the squishy comfort of a sports shoe over boots, sandals and stilettos. Listings for trainers on the site have also soared with Nike Air Jordans jumping by 128.5% in just the last month.
But whilw we’re more than adept at wearing trainers for nights out by now (how to clean the scuzz off them, though, is a whole other piece...), there’s one scenario which is still tough to crack: how to wear sneakers for work – and not look like you’re a commuter in a pencil skirt on the 7.39 train from Waterloo.
So here’s where we take inspiration from some street style:
**Dress Down A Grown-Up Look
**
This brocade skirt looks rather grown-up and office-like, right? Which is why the trainers are such a genius, unexpected styling tip. That alone takes a pencil skirt from 40-something office to casual smartness. OK, the thigh-high slit doesn’t hurt, either.
**Pair With Smart Tailoring
**
But the right kind of tailoring... A smart blazer and tailored culottes look deliberately modern when paired with trainers, whereas a suit would wander into commuter territory.
**Go Smart Up Top
**
A smart shirt and bold colour up top will hold your boss’s attention – and show those trainers were intentional. Also genius here: the contrasting green flash as an accent on the trainers pulls together the whole look.
**Wear With Luxe Fabrics
**
No one can say you haven’t made an effort if you choose a fancy pair of trainers and luxe-up the whole look with faux fur, sequins and metallics.
Wear Sports-Luxe Head To Toe
Keep accessories minimalist and sleek – and opt for a sweater that’s smart rather than sloppy – for a pulled-together polished look. That doesn’t imply you’re about to jog to the photocopier and back.
Got you in the mood? Here are some trainers to shop right now:
Pink tweed trainers, £49.99, Zara; suede trainers, £65, New Balance at ASOS.com; bunny sneakers, £225, Finds at Netaporter.com; Run winter shoes, £72, Nike.com; climacool shoes, £120, adidas.co.uk
Liked this? You might also be interested in:
15 Pairs of Trainers We Would Like To Walk Into Our Wardrobe
Follow Charlie @Charliebyrne406
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.