I’ve noticed that sneakers with dresses are becoming a thing. But I can’t figure out how to match them up. What about long dresses with platforms or flat sneakers? What about colors? Are you ready to ditch your dressy flats? — Yael, Bronx, New York
Given that Serena Williams wore sneakers with her Versace gown at the Met Gala a few years ago, and since then we’ve had two years of social isolation and comfort dressing, it’s fair to say that at this point sneakers with everything, everywhere is a thing — for pretty much everybody.
Let’s be honest: It’s hard to return to high heels, or even gladiator sandals. It’s hard to remember why we used to accept the idea of pain as an everyday part of footwear.
We have reached the natural point of the 1980s trend, when many women put their heels in bags and began to commute to work in aerobics footwear. Melanie Griffith, for instance, is an example. “Working Girl.”Sneakers are now as essential to a basic wardrobe, as jeans and a white shirt.
This is why every designer at BalenciagaAfter causing a social media kerfuffle recently with sneakers made to look like they just came out of landfill, to ChloéThroughout the alphabet, sneakers are a part of every offer, no matter how expensive.
Why Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons has long featured her collaboration with Nike on her runways, paired with any number of fantastical concoctions that push the boundaries of what “clothes” even means. Why Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s artistic director of women’s wear, paired pretty much every look in her 2022 cruise collectionWith sneakers. Why? VogueJust announced: “sneakers and dresses are summer’s freshest pairing.”
Which in turn is why there is a sneaker for pretty much any outfit — or any dress. Sneakers can add a casual or cool touch to any outfit, making it difficult for it to be stereotyped and giving it a go wherever vibe. You can be dressed up and ready to motor on your bottom.
Prices can vary from the expensive, sneakers-as art-form, to the accessible so you can choose what suits your budget and personal taste. It’s simply a question of getting the proportions right.
Frocks above-the-knee look great with chunkier, heavier kicks or high-tops (any variety). Air JordansYou can choose to wear a shorter or wider sneaker profile, while longer looks with a slimmer silhouette are better. You can match florals and ruffly-styled girlish dresses with tougher sneakers, while vintage styles work well with flowy looks like these. Stan SmithsOr Vans.
In fact, it’s possible that sneakers are actually the equivalent of today’s dressy flats. Just don’t forget the socks.
Your Style Questions Answered
Every week on Open Thread, Vanessa will answer a reader’s fashion-related question, which you can send to her anytime via EmailOr Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.