Images: Imaxtree
When it comes to footwear, the chunkier the shoe, the more fashion girls love it. Consider the rise of the “ugly” shoe trend and the numerous styles it has helped popularize. In terms of sneakers, there have been flatforms, Velcro trainers and grandpa sneakers. Some might be in favor of the a-bit-wrong-but-so-right style, but end up with the shoes collecting dust in their closets because they’re unsure how to style them. It’s actually quite simple thanks to the surprising versatility of chunky sneakers.
Chunky shoes will add a bold finish to an outfit no matter what they’re paired with so don’t try to fight it. Instead, consider whether you want to create contrast with lightweight fabrics and sweeping hems or play off a sharp shape with tailored pieces. The beauty is that either direction works. Of course, we can always embrace the innate sporty feel chunky sneakers have by styling them into an athleisure or glamleisure look.
Unsure what a successful “ugly” sneaker outfit actually looks like? Instead of taking further style cues from grandpa (sorry, gramps), look to the streets. Fashion girls demonstrate the myriad of ways chunky sneakers can be worked into your current wardrobe. Here are 20 cool styling hacks to remember.
[ Next: The Fashion Girl’s Guide to Wearing Sneakers With Everything ]
20 Cool Ways to Show Off Your Chunky Sneakers
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Mix and Match
If an outfit already has contrasting themes, there's no harm in adding another one. In this look, chunky sneakers bring sporty throwback vibes. The cropped graphic T-shirt has a retro mood, while the leopard trousers have a glamorous, bohemian feel.
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Girly Twist
If your first instinct is to add heels to a look, hold that thought and slip on dad sneakers instead. In the case of this pink satin midi dress, the chunky shoes keep the formal vibes in check for daytime. You can still keep the shoulder-grazing earrings. Mix them with cat-eye sunglasses and a black bag carried like a clutch for a lo-fi finish.
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Victoriana Meets Sporty
Don't be afraid to mix totally different styles because outfits with contrast can often be the most striking. A lacy Victorian blouse and preppy gray tailored shorts would look chic with flats or trendy V-cut shoes, but bold black sneakers add an intriguing tomboy edge.
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New Classics
A T-shirt, jeans and sneakers ensemble is about as classic as they come. Put a 2018 twist on the timeless look by trading jeans for track pants in a bold color. Add in a micro bag and layer a long cardigan when there's a nip in the air.
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Wrap Up
Berets and grandpa sneakers are surprisingly versatile accessories. Combine them with an on-trend belted coat. Choose a midi length so your shoes don't get covered by a sweeping hem. Wear a contrasting midi dress underneath the topper so the different colors will be just visible when walking.
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Prep School
Superfluous layering doesn't guarantee an on-point look. Tweak a minimalist blouse and pants combo by donning a printed blouse with dark trousers (not jeans) and white grandpa sneakers. That way the footwear will be front and center. Plus, the preppy-sporty mood has a polished feel that can go from casual Fridays to the weekend.
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Summer Vibes
Ground a billowing maxi dress with chunky sneakers. For a fresh summer look wear box-fresh white sneakers with a breezy white dress. Gold jewelry and a (sunless) tan increase the warm weather feel.
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Dad Vibes
Feeling experimental? Continue the theme of subverting quintessential dad pieces by donning a pair of overalls with your sneakers. Put a cool girl twist on the look by leaving one strap undone to reveal an off-the-shoulder top. A biker jacket and statement sunglasses ensure it doesn't look like you're dressing up in papa's clothes.
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Double Denim
There are so many cool ways to wear double denim. One new take you may not have tried is pairing an oversized chambray shirt with coordinating jeans, grandpa sneakers and a patent beret. Tiny sunglasses and gold hoops are of-the-moment finishing touches.
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Think Pink
Pastels plus white always looks fresh. Try the combination with a cotton candy pink suit and white sneakers. The strong silhouettes bring a grown-up mood to the girly colorway.
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Sock It to Them
The obvious route to show off grandpa sneakers would be a high hemline. Statement socks and cropped pants work just as well. For a cohesive finish coordinate a pastel striped blouse with striped socks. And keep pants and shoes in the same color family. A classic beige coat will prevent the look from becoming too sweet.
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Easy Breezy
Girly-meets-tomboy style always has a dynamic finish. Here, the masculine elements of the dad sneakers, white socks and sweatshirt are balanced by the hint of the printed skirt's hem peeking out the bottom of the baggy top. It's a subtle contrast, but it makes a difference. Same goes for the multiple colors on the kicks.
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Red Ahead
Don't just think about proportions, consider colors, too. White sneakers are a beloved It girl favorite, but different colored grandpa sneakers can add interest to an ensemble. For instance, contrast red corduroy trousers and a coordinating top with gray sneakers. Even just having the toes visible from underneath the wide-leg pants will make a statement.
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Dressed Up, Dressed Down
Bring a metallic wrap skirt into daytime with a roomy sweatshirt and grandpa sneakers. Don't underestimate socks in rounding out a look. These white athletic socks temper the evening vibes of the skirt and tie in the design on the top.
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Opposites Attract
Concerned clashing styles will look disjointed as opposed to dynamic? Stick with a harmonious color palette. It's not necessary to go totally monochromatic. Note the way the salmon pink, maroon, gray, black and white coordinate. The colorway brings the edgier pieces together with the classic plaid dress.
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Daytime Glamour
Don't save that shimmering dress for after dark. Bring it out in the day by teaming it with a matching belted blazer. Chunky accessories keep the whimsical mood in check. See the dark grandpa sneakers, round sunglasses and top-handle bag.
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For All Seasons
If you've tried almost every piece in your wardrobe with statement sneakers, don't leave jumpsuits out. Dad sneakers plus a jumpsuit and sunglasses is effortless at the height of summer. Transition the look into fall with a longline blazer and colorful scarf.
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Shine and Stripes
Patent clothing is still #trending. An ensemble with a patent miniskirt, striped sweater, chunky sneakers, beret and chain-strap bag ticks most of the major spring and fall trends. Plus, the combination of different patterns and finishes is striking.
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Ladylike Look
Who says you need a dainty shoe for a ladylike look? Expand the definition of feminine style by sporting pastel purple grandpa sneakers with a rich plaid dress. Take it a step (sorry) further with striped socks and a ruffled bag. It's sophisticated, but doesn't fall into the expected ladylike trope.
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Tough Girl
A motorcycle jacket works with a variety of looks. "Ugly" grandpa sneakers are no exception. Balance the bold silhouettes with a lightweight satin midi dress. Choose a frock in a moody color for a badass finish. Don't forget the black socks.
