In high school, I wore red suede Vans with everything. My vintage men’s jeans from Farrah. My black cocktail dress from Banana Republic. My blue Betsey Johnson slip for prom. Secretly, I think Lily Allen stole my style - or at least all the girls like me, trying to straddle grunge and glam, and still make it to class on time.
It’s been ten years since my first pair of Vans, but I still have a sneaker weakness. I like white Converse with jeans. I like Nanette Lepore skimmers with mini dresses. And I still have a pair of red Vans, a birthday present from a boy. They have Elvis Costello lyrics written on the soles, and I wear them on weekends with wide-leg slacks.
I love them, but sometimes I wonder -
When does a woman stop wearing sneakers? Is there ever an age limit? A prohibitive space?
Last year, Voguette Lauren Davis told me, “My mother always said that the only people who run are children and thieves. So why would you ever need sneakers?”
Stacy London from What Not To Wear agreed - okay for the gym, probably not for most women over 20.
Meanwhile, I’m contemplating my next rubber soles - a colored pair from Converse to support The Global Fund.
Are you craving a new pair, too? Or is it time for boots, flats, and conceding the idea that grown-ups don’t wear sneakers unless they’re playing pro ball?
posted by chic3
Nov 16, 2007 12:04PM
I'm with London. To me, sneakers are for boys, men, teenagers and girls.... and for women when they work out or at most, run errands. But I would argue they are ok until 25 instead of 20... My only exception being 5.10 and up models who look good in anything. Us over 25 mere mortals on the other hand just end up looking frumpy... imo.