The Trend:
What do you think of when I mention the rules of fashion?
…Don’t wear white after Labor Day. Don’t mix prints. Make sure your shoes match your bag. Don’t mix metals…
And it goes without saying: of course, one should never wear sneakers with a dress, much less a lace dress!
While those rules might have been set in stone in the past, times have changed. Fashion rules are now guidelines at best. Rules are meant to be broken!
Remember this pink lace dress I styled for Valentine’s Day? Well it was time to change things up!
We’ve seen this sneaker and dress combination on the runway and on the streets for several seasons now. In fact, after Karl Lagerfeld first sent sneakers down the Chanel runway, he was asked why. His response? “If you want to look really ridiculous, you go in stilettos to a supermarket.”
He’s right… Not only are sneakers with a dress the perfect casual-chic combination, but the look is wonderfully practical! I wore this as I was running errands this weekend. Sneakers just make sense sometimes. Yes, practicality wins out once in a while – even with me. 😉
The Look:
The single most important key to making this look work is to make sure all of the other outfit elements have a casual, laid-back vibe to them. That’s why I incorporated a denim jacket, aviator sunglasses, a canvas pouch, and a wrap bracelet.
This look can be easily replicated at any budget – or better yet, with pieces already in your closet. Here are my exact pieces, along with some other options. There are so many fun sneaker options available!
Shop the Look:
DKNY pink lace dress (here – reasonably priced; other reasonably priced options here, here, here, and here; inexpensive options here and here) | Gap denim jacket (very old; similar here – inexpensive; reasonably priced options here and here; other inexpensive options here and here) | New Balance sneakers (here – reasonably priced; designer option here; other reasonably priced options here, here, here, here, and here); inexpensive options here, here, and here) | Samudra pouch (here – inexpensive; other inexpensive Samudra options here, here, here, here, and here – I love these! Perfect for running errands, the beach, etc.)| Ray Ban aviators (here) | Valentino rockstud wrap bracelet (here – reasonably priced; inexpensive option here) | Judith Ripka ring (here)| Dior lipstick (here) | OPI nail polish (here)
Side note: In an effort to provide more affordable ways to get my look, I’ll be providing more alternatives to the exact items I’m wearing. (In this case, though, my exact look is very reasonable!) Of course, price and budget are such a relative thing. But for now, I’ll be using these relative terms to indicate these price ranges: “reasonably priced” = less than $500, “inexpensive” = less than $100. I hope this will be helpful as you seek to look chic on your personal budget!
Might this be a look you would try this summer? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And let me know if you have any questions…
All the best,
Carrie
Looking stunning, as always! So chic, love! I’ve mentioned it on your IG but I just love how colorful this post is! You’re beautiful, you truly are!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.net
You are too kind, V! Thank you so much. 🙂
The pink lace dress is super cute on!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Thanks, Jane!
Absolutely love the old Gap jean jacket.
I have seriously had that for at least ten years! That’s the great thing about this look – you can probably recreate most if not all of the look with items you already have. Maybe just update with a fun pouch or fun sneakers.
I love the colors of this shoot! The sneakers look so fun with the hot pink 🙂
doitfortheirony.com / creative + lifestyle blog
Thanks so much! I appreciate that.
I have yet to try the sneaker/dress trend, but you certainly pull it off. Oh, and I amd OBSESSED with the tropical print pouch. I’ve been on a mission to find one under $30. Wish me luck!
Xo
Jeanie
http://www.thefashionlotus.com
Thanks, Jeanie! I love those pouches. In fact, I have several. I know you are looking for less expensive, but if $65 might work, I would seriously consider these. I use them for everything — make-up bag, pool / beach tote, running errands, etc.
I adore this look Carrie! you know how much i love NB sneakers 🙂
Carrie, one of these days you are going to have to share with us how you set up your photo shoots…i.e. do you have a friend take the photos, how do you decide on location, etc?
I know you have referenced photo credits to a pro-photographer in the past, but just curious if some are more informal.
Anyways, it is all good! I just admire your ability to pull it off (and have a full time job) 🙂
Ah, that’s a good idea. Thanks, Sheri! And you reminded me that I forgot to give photo credit here!
When I’m in Houston, my dear friend Ashley (http://www.ashleybeatrice.com/) takes my blog photos. She is a talented photographer, a good friend, and gets my vision.
Between the two of us, we chat during the week about what looks we want to shoot that weekend, what locations might work best, figure out how to coordinate our schedules, etc. It does take some thought + planning to pull it all off!
We make a good team, I think. 🙂
Thank you!
This is beautiful! I love how you were able to style the same dress two ways! I think this sporty chic look is my favorite.
Thanks for the inspiration!
xo
Pam
http://www.thegirlfrompanama.com
Hey thanks, Pam! I don’t do sneakers often, but when I do it’s with a dress. hahaha
I am loving all the hot pink in this outfit! You look so beautiful in these brights.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Thanks so much, Rachel! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Is that wall in H-town? So cool! Love your NB’s!
The Style Scribe
Yes indeed! Inside the loop in fact. I’ll show you when you come visit… 😉
GIRL I love your style!!! You seriously rock this!! Love your blog too! Can’t wait to read more!
XOXO
Keely
Amazing colors, I love that dress!
http://fashionillustrationsbymc.altervista.org/
Thanks, Jane!