Shikha Jain finds out how the ‘it’ shoe became the heart and soul of today’s fashion scene…
Who knew sportswear would ever give such major fashion goals! Now white sneakers send a message to the world about who you really are. Some pairs are status symbols—Balenciaga, Celine—while others broadcast a demographic signal that’s even louder than the ring of their price tag. Sneakers go back to the 19th century, when they were majorly used for sports especially for tennis; it later became the footwear of choice and it’s constantly evolving with the people who wear them!
And if you haven’t jumped on the white sneakers bandwagon yet then you should. It’s a party everyone should join because it has something for all of us. Be it high-tops, platform heels, designer brand, tennis shoes, or just plain white shoes, there’s one for each of our preferences and eccentricities.
Effortless styling
White sneakers today are a neutral style code in the fashion dictionary and can be paired with practically any day look to dress up or down your appearance. You could style it with a floral dress for brunch, an Indo-Western kurta, throw any tee with jeans, or even a pantsuit…it is that versatile a shoe. “One can wear it with a pantsuit for an edgy look. Ditch the heels and go for sneakers along with a fitted or a skater dress,” says stylist Shaleena Nathani. Team it with shorts and shirt tucked in for a casual day out. “A classic look is a T-shirt, with ripped/boyfriend or high-waist jeans, and white sneakers,” adds Shaleena. One could also wear it with a tank top/T-shirt tucked in a high waist skirt, and throw a layer on it as an outerwear option. “An anti fit evening pantsuit with sneakers is the perfect way of making a formal look appropriate for the day,” says stylist Maneka Harisinghani.
Breaking stereotypes
Sneakers with ethnic are the newest trend. “For an Indo look, you could wear a cropped top with palazzos, a coordinated top and bottoms with a layer, add some junk jewellery for a boho look, or even sneakers with a sari,” recommends Shaleena. Sonam Kapoor, got it right in her song ‘Tareefaan’, and so did Deepika Padukone for her reception. We are all in for comfort.
Celebrity inspiration
Well, as some of our favourite celebs have shown us, it looks like the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Fashion A-listers like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Ranveer Singh, Sonam Kapoor and more have been spotted in white sneakers pretty often. “My favourite would have to be Kendall Jenner in her striped Wolk Morais pinstriped pant suit and white kicks,” says Maneka.
“Deepika Padukone slaying the Nike Cortez, Jacqueline Fernandez sporting the Fila disruptors, Ranveer Singh rocking the Adidas Nite jogger…these all are the classics to look up to,” recommends Shaleena.
Currently trending
Mirroring social change, many top brands are producing luxury sneakers – think the Gucci Rhyton Logo, Fendi Rocko-Top Sock and Maison Margiela Thick-Sole Rib-Knit – that are fit for any and every occasion. “Classic Nike Cortez is my personal favourite,” says Shaleena. Then there is Fila Disruptor, Adidas Originals Nite jogger, Nike Airforce or AirMax , Reebok Aztrek, Gucci Ace sneaker, New balance 574…the list is endless.
Cleaning tips
There is also a risk factor involved whilst wearing them given that they would get dirty too fast and white shoes are like solid gold. Shaleena suggests, “Clean them with nail polish remover/Acetone/mist – Clean with a toothpaste/old brush.” And you will always have them new as a freshly baked muffin.
Great investment
“I think it’s the comfort factor, what worked in favour of this trend and that is why it has become a cool accessory that’s easy to throw on without compromising on your aesthetic,” states Maneka. It just goes with everything and effortless styling is what fashion is all about. Plus one wants to be comfortable while wearing any footwear so what’s better than a pair of white shoes while making it a great investment for everyone.
If there’s one shoe silhouette that reigned supreme last year, it’s all-white sneakers. In fact, over the past few seasons, this trend cropped up on everyone from designers to It girls. Hence, it’s a world trend and we don’t see it going away anytime soon. “A white sneaker is a versatile staple that builds any outfit, the trend is definitely here to stay,” concludes Shaleena.