Sneakers are the business
The fashion crowd’s been wearing them for years. Now, the corporate world has caught up. Isabel Spearman reports.
Ican’t pinpoint the exact moment it became acceptable to wear sneakers not just to the office but in the office. While the fashion elite have been wearing them enthusiastically for years, it’s taken time for the business world to catch up.
It’s been a gradual creep, spearheaded by women at senior levels who, in turn, give their junior colleagues the confidence to wear them.
There’s a time and place for them, and I think most sneaker wearers would admit to still having a pair of heels under their desks.
However, with the relaxation of office dress codes, and women feeling more able to show their own style, sneakers have become less conspicuous in busy corporate offices.
Even during the five years that I spent in the corporate world, attitudes changed – early on, wearing a pair for a busy day at work prompted questions on whether I was recovering from a foot operation. But, fast forward a few years and my white sneakers weren’t alone.
Many brands now offer styles of their own design without a logo in sight, and I think this is key to choosing sneakers for work – avoid any wellknown branding, particularly sport ones.
The next rule of thumb is that it’s really important to keep them box-fresh (don’t walk the dog in them at the weekend), for them to pass in a meeting.
Luckily, the high street excels here, so you’re more likely to be able to afford a few pairs to circulate, keeping them looking smart.
It also helps to make sure that the rest of your outfit is neat, tailored, and well put together. Unlike the gym sneakers you used to commute in, smart sneakers look fantastic with trouser suits or shift dresses and jackets.
While I advocate a white pair, there are so many versions to choose from.
A black or navy style is very useful, as long as the whole sneaker is a darker shade: a contrasting white sole can shorten the leg. A coloured pair or a flash of leopard will freshen up a classic outfit.
Leather will always look smarter than canvas, but different fabrics can also transform a look – velvet trainers will take you from the office out to dinner, as will metallics.
Gold or silver is a great neutral and will go with most of your wardrobe, though these are probably easier to wear in the warmer months with nude tights or bare legs.
The only problem with sneakers is that they’re fairly addictive: once you get into wearing them, it’s pretty hard to go back to heels. They could put chiropractors out of business. – Telegraph Group