One of the biggest trends in footwear this past year has been the rise of the Birkenstock, high-end versions from Céline along with Isabel Marant and Prada. While the rise of the ugly footwear continues to be a fashion packed favorite, there’s another trend come this spring as well as currently that will surely rise to the top, minimalist sneakers. Consider it the evolution of everyone’s current fixation with Nike Air Max’s, low top Air Force 1’s, Free Runs-or even the sartorial slip ons that both Céline and Givenchy turned into a “thing.” These new sneakers are chic, monochromatic, in leather with little to no branding at all, and most importantly they have laces. But it’s not only the sneakers themselves that look very clean and easy, it’s the way that they’re being styled.
My interest was immediately piqued when Michael Kors debuted his best collection to date, Pre-Fall 2014, in which his take on sneakers effortlessly paired with elevated separates; such as silky pajama pants and tailored trousers. Judging by the opening look, a double-breasted camel coat, crisp oversized blue button down and slouchy yet tailored grey pants worn with crocodile lace-ups. The menswear vibe established the realization that, a man’s wardrobe is season-less. Then sneakers have been styled in editorials and has become the magic shot for street-style photographers, typically paired with midi-skirts, chunky knits, denim on denim, and to the floor overcoats slung over the shoulders to validate the casual clean ensemble.
Once upon a time, there wasn’t anything more disturbing than a woman well-dressed from the knee up on the subway going to or coming from work with her sneakers on and single sole pumps in hand. I get that your feet hurt over the period of time but, my initial thought process back then was she obviously can’t really walk in heels, but now I don’t know how else to put it except that this sneaker combination just looks so right paired with everything.
Although sneaker heads and the fashion flock may share a devotion to the idea of the latest and greatest, the Stan Smith is changing all of that. The 1973 Adidas original, named for tennis pro, is getting a relaunch from the brand-and trainer lovers and style setters have converged on this particular old school style. The low-top Air Force 1 is becoming extremely popular on the streets in Germany with cropped tuxedo pants. If you’re eager to jump on the minimalist sneaker trend that is winning over the fashion industry, I suggest you start with these sartorial choices below.
