Beauty & Fashion

From Heels To Kicks: Why Sneakers Are The Ultimate Style Staple In My Wardrobe

During my teen years, I was obsessed with buying sneakers throughout high school, and, at 15 years old, I got my first part-time job to fund my sneaker habit. As a tall girl, I didn't have the average women's shoe size that would give me the option of cute sandals and shoes like every other girl, so I decided to collect men's basketball shoes to create fly looks instead. During college, my shoe collection dwindled as my obsession subsided but I always kept an eye out for a dope pair of sneakers with a fly outfit to match.

Today, sneakers have taken a new role when it comes to women's ready-to-wear styles and have once again become a core staple in my forever-evolving wardrobe. As high heels have taken a position at the back of my closet these days, sneakers worn with statement pieces such as dresses, skirts, and women's suits have inspired a wider range of stylish possibilities.

I'm always impressed by feminine looks paired with a dope tennis shoe. With both comfort and style being a major priority, especially as we age, sneakers are a creative alternative to completing a high-fashion look. With celebrities such as Tracee Ellis Ross and Zendaya showing us how to slay in their Jumpmans, I decided to swap my heels for cushioned soles to create eye-catching outfits with sneakers to match.

The Power Suit

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

If you've been following my posts, you know I love an oversized blazer. With the matching trousers, this vibrant power suit was created for these royal blue and green high-top Jordan 1 sneakers. Paired with a coordinating aqua blue halter neck one piece for a dramatic effect, this is a colorful combination look to kickstart a vibrant summer.

This sneaker compliments this look effortlessly highlighting the versatility of both the shoe and this must-have suit.

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

What I'm Wearing:

Suit: Zara

One piece: Riot Swim

Sneaker: Jumpan 23

A Modest Take

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

I've never been into wearing dresses other than special occasions but this summer, I want to explore my classy yet chic feminine side starting with this lightweight sand-colored overcoat. Worn as a belted dress, I paired a light brown sunnie with a matching tan Telfar bag. With rolled sleeves to keep my cool, I'm living for this look worn with a black, white, and gold high-top Jumpman sneaker.

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

What I'm Wearing:

Vintage overcoat: Dainty World Collective

Mini Bag: Telfar

Sunglasses: Zara (similar)

Shoes: Jumpan 23

On Trend

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

As a new downtown resident, I find sneakers are way more practical when running my weekly errands around my neighborhood. While I love dressing up when the spirit moves me, I still reach for practical yet stylish accessories that assist me in getting things done while making me look good.

I'm loving the asymmetrical trend so I paired a mid-length slit skirt with a mint green silk crop top and Telfar bag to match my low-top Jordans. What I love most about this look, it's easy to transition from day to night with a quick change of shoes.

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Zara (old)

Skirt: Zara

Bag: Telfar

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Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole

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