Trend Alert: Statement Sneakers Summer 2018

I feel like it’s my duty to not only report on trends that I personally (often) enjoy, but also trends that are more…questionable. I wrote about the statement sneakers last week and though I’ve come to a point where I’m okey with them, I’m still a bit hesistant. You didn’t seem to be too convinced either, but the statement sneakers summer 2018 deserves a post on their own at least! (Catch more trend alerts here)

Courtsey of Stella McCartney | Resort 2018

Statement Sneakers Summer 2018

The rise of the statement sneakers have been a gradual process. Ever since the 90s street style fashion made a comeback, the sneakers have found a place in the mainstream fashion and not only be exclusive to sports. Sneakers, pretty ugly if you ask me, where a must for the 90s fashion with the heavy sole, the colorful details and the complete lack of refinement.  As the clothes of the 90s have been back for awhile (catch this article), it’s only logical that the shoes have made the same journey. Labels such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Yeezy have all launched successful sneakers the past years, but it wasn’t until Balenciaga re-launched the dad sneakers that the true 90s style of the sneakers was back. The statement sneakers are much alike the ones of the 90s but logically paired with the contemporary fashion of midi lengths, bold floral prints and the 2010’s take on the 90s fashion!

How To Wear The Sneakers

The thing with all kind of statements is that they often require little or a lot styling (makes sense, obviously). They require little styling if you want to keep it basic and let the sneakers be in center. You can go for a neutral outfit as in choosing wardrobe staples such as the black jeans and a simple t-shirt. That will easy do and let the statement of the sneakers be in focus. However, if you want to step up the game it’s more challenging. The idea of the sneakers is that they look clumsy, which is something you want to balance. Either by contrasting or enhancing. One way to enhance is to go for defined pants, or bare legs, which will highlight the heavy style of the shoes. You can also balance by choosing a flared style of pants or a loose skirt/dress. The latter alternative is popular at the moment, where you let different styles clash.

One of the charming aspects of the statement sneakers spring 2018 is that people dare to wear them with their regular outfits and the current trends, such as transparent materials. The match of the shoes and the trend creates tension between the preppy materials and the sneakers that are more street. Same goes with the midi lengths, pleated style and pastel shades. I like this eclecticism, but it’s indeed a statement! With that said, don’t be afraid to go for your regular preferences and let the sneakers be a statement. However, if you like the 90s street style, don’t be afraid to tone it down with a lot of denim, sporty fabrics and other clothes that are typical of the decade. Putting an element in its original context is one way to keep the style more neutral. AND, if you don’t like this style of sneakers at all – just choose a style of sneakers you like. Comfy, chic and easy!

Street Style Inspiration

Lastly, here’s some street style inspiration. I love the first outfit as the sneakers are styled rather neutral with the match of the white skirt and the white shoes. The second and third outfit are also really well done as the styling of both of the outfits reflects the style of the sneakers. Much alike when you style a print, it’s a simple way to make your sneakers work by picking the color/s of the shoes and adapt your outfit after the color scheme. See the fourth outfit for this!

 

Folks! What are your thoughts on the statement sneakers summer 2018? A hit or a miss? Let me know in the comments! Xx