Sep 20, 2020

How to Wear Sneakers at Any Age

by Allyson Payer

First things first: No one ever said you can't wear sneakers after 29. (That would be crazy.) But as a 30-something who wears sneakers often, I can attest to the fact that my style has matured substantially since turning the big three-oh. For the first time, I find myself asking, Can I still wear this? While the answer to that question is usually yes, it often comes with conditions, e.g., of course, denim shorts are fine, as long as the waist is high and the inseam is longer than it was 10 years prior.

When it comes to sneakers, these days I choose to wear them with outfits that are more elevated, as opposed to the jeans-and-a-tee look I used to rely on. I attempt to dress them up more than I did in previous years.

When thinking about how one looks their best in sneakers at any age, I studied the various ways that celebrities and prominent figures of the fashion world wear them outside of the gym. Midi-length hemlines, flares, cropped trousers, and even distressed jeans were paired with sleek separates and streamlined sneakers with über-stylish results. There seemed to be a common theme of effortless simplicity when it came to both the sneakers and the outfits they paired with them. Want to see for yourself?

Head below to view the inspiring ways that these women wear their sneakers, and shop sleek pairs that any age group would love.

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AKM-GSI

Elevate sneakers with wide-leg trousers and a sleek trench.

On Victoria Beckham: Adidas Superstar Sneakers ($80)

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Getty Images

Dress them up with a midi-length skirt.

On Eva Chen: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Sneakers ($50)

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AKM-GSI

Pull off a professional look by pairing them with a blazer.

On Tracee Ellis Ross: Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers ($80)

Gwyneth Paltrow airport outfit: sneakers

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Splash News

A monochrome outfit makes casual pieces (like sneakers) look sophisticated.

On Gwyneth Paltrow: Le Specs sunglasses; Céline sweater and bag; Dries Van Noten trousers; Raf Simons for Adidas sneakers

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Backgrid

A pop of orange amps up a casual sweatpants and sneakers outfit.

On Zendaya: Reebok Club C 85 sneakers ($110)

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Style du Monde

Cropped flares and colorful accessories look freshest with neutral sneakers.

WHO: Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert

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Splash News

A denim jacket and black dress always look cool and appropriate.

On Diane Kruger: Madewell denim jacket

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Backgrid

Opt for a tonal look and sophisticated accessories to keep your sneakers and leggings ensemble looking polished.

On Jennifer Lopez: Beyond Yoga Leggings, The Kooples sneakers

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Splash News

This is the perfect outfit formula for running errands.

On Alessandra Ambrosio: RTA cardigan, top, and jeans; Céline sunglasses; Hermès belt; Tod's bag

Reese Witherspoon wearing sneakers and jeans

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Getty Images

Wear a cute top and cropped jeans for polished comfort.

On Reese Witherspoon: Puma sneakers

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Splash News

A sleek, all-black look is a no-brainer with white sneakers.

WHO: Grace Coddington

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AKM-GSI

Perfect airport outfit: skinny jeans, tee, and white sneakers

On Miranda Kerr: Linda Farrow sunglasses; Saint Laurent coat; Are You Am I Rylie Baby Tee ($79); Parker Smith jeans; Kenneth Cole Kam Sneakers ($120)