JOIN US4 must-have sneakers for women
Technically, a girl should have a wardrobe full of sneakers which kick ass all the time. The versatility of sneakers can’t be challenged. They help you keep up with the busy life while giving your feet the necessary TLC from the onslaught of those dangerously killer heels. They are like the downtime for your back — ideal for Friday dressing! Lately, sneakers have found a special place in the world of fashion. Sneakers make for fashion statement for every outfit including Indian ethnic wear — our very own home-bred fashion icons have not shied away from promoting these during landmark events like weddings.
To decode the sneaker fashion and how they can go hand in glove with every outfit, let’s split the sneakers requirement four ways based on what a typical day in the life of an (active) woman looks like.
Hectic mornings
Let’s start by assuming that the new age woman is an active multitasker. Therefore, for the power start, mornings are to be used for walking, running, training, working out, dropping kids at school, running errands etc. This time requires some performance.
Good runners or trainers from activewear brands are ideal. The choice of these has to be aligned with the cause for which they are picked. For example, running requires special performers, which give a better impact, form, stance, cadence etc. Training sneakers are required for a firm footing while lifting those weights.
Likewise, different forms of training need genre specific comfort for the feet because this goes a long way in deciding the right form required for the activity. Also, since this is a particularly gruelling time of the day, keeping the wardrobe cheery helps — so time for bright colours and neon’s all the way!
Daytime drama
Dressed up yet dressed down, if that is the look one wants to achieve, then sneakers are a woman’s best friend. Sneakers can be paired with smart business casuals, which take care of a busy day of running around, fieldwork, meetings and an activity-filled day at work.
Power suits, formal wear paired with sneakers make for a great corporate outfit. These must be the understated plimsolls or the quintessential white sneakers, again with great cushioning to support you all day.
Elegant evenings
Time to get those dancing shoes on! When you have a night out planned with friends, which involves being on your feet for long hours, a great alternative to your high heels and a great statement are bright-coloured sneakers with fancy laces, metal embellishments, embroidery etc. All of these complement the perfect night-out outfit to a pub, movies, dinner and even clubbing. With the new buzz in town, these apparently can be coupled with your Indian wear too. So get ready for a sangeet night with statement sneakers in the tow.
Quirky kicks, high tops in metallic tones, hip-hop inspired metal embellishments, golden shoes, old-fashioned granddad sneakers are in vogue. These must be used occasionally to complement comfort and androgynous clothing.
Sneakers have substituted the need for ballet flats, sandals, flip-flops etc. Dressing today is more about comfort and what easily gets you the attention is quirky footwear.
Footwear is the perfect accessory for cruising through a day in style. With the white sneaker revolution, we literally live and breathe in sneakers now. A woman’s sneaker wardrobe thus needs to have more than one pair now. Gone are the days when sneakers were considered functional and boring. Today, these are the most sought-after element in a woman’s wardrobe.
(The author is head of marketing & operations, HRX by Hrithik Roshan)