Yes, you can wear trainers to a dinner party
THe dress code for after- dark glamour used to be so simple — no sports shoes at dinner. But, these days, sneakers come in styles a world apart from the ugly and functional trainers of old.
‘Occasion trainers’ — as they are now called — are sported in the office, on the red carpet or at a dinner party.
Crystal embellished trainers first seen at Miu Miu — and now everywhere from Zara to Asos — will lift pared- down evening attire without compromising on comfort.
Wedge sneakers add height, while velvet trainers or animal print slip-ons worn with cropped black pants are a more grown-up take on the trend. For the more adventurous, slip on a pair of ultra- casual sock sneakers with a silk maxi dress.
Or clash a colourful pair of sneakers with an ankle-grazing skirt.
This is an effortless way to look cool — and your feet will thank you for it.
This year, Selfridges opened a huge, 165 square metre dedicated sneaker space at its Oxford Street store in London, showcasing the likes of Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
And in February, the High Street favourite Kurt Geiger opened a dedicated trainer shop online and in store, in response to customer demand, offering more than 400 trainer styles.
Its chief creative officer, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley, says: ‘Formal shoes are no longer always essential.’ So, how to make snazzy sneakers acceptable footwear for the evening?
Deluxe details, understated designs, chic colours and sumptuous fabrics will help to elevate trainers out of the realm of sportswear. But fashion expert Clare Coulson adds: ‘I think it’s more about attitude. It’s how you combine them with a beautiful trouser suit or a gorgeous knit and skirt that makes trainers work in almost any situation.’
Sneakers should always be clean and not paired with blue denim for the evening. White trainers can be worn at night, but choose the style wisely to avoid looking like a tennis coach.
Clean-lined, white leather low-tops such as those by Italian brand Common Projects (£305, net-a-porter.com) are versatile and will work as a contrast to an all-dark, wide-leg pant suit.
Souped-up sneakers can even be the ideal accompaniment to a fancy evening gown. For the modern- day Cinderella, it’s all about understated glamour, if the shoe fits.