First, we all got on board with fashion sneakers. Then came the white sneaker trend. Now sneakers themselves – in all iterations – are such a thing that I’m doing happy dances in the streets. I mean…who doesn’t like a comfortable trend that you really can walk miles in?
Enter the next phase of the sneaker trends: The Dad Sneaker.
We were hesitant at first. I mean, this trend is literally the big, ugly sneaker that your Dad might once have worn. If there’s a slight orthopedic vibe, all the better. With this trend, bigger is better and we say YES to giant soles, YES to velcro, YES to sturdy footbeds – the whole look is very devil-may-care-I’m-rocking-these-sneaks. This trend is fashion, yes, but it is also not fashion. It transcends fashion.
And once you have walked a mile in your Dad sneakers, you may never take them off.
But they are, admittedly, tricky to style. So the TME contributors got together and each came up with a sure-fire way to rock their Dad sneakers.
1. With Lots of Leg
Bigger is better when it comes to Dad sneaks (heck, maybe just grab a pair from your own Dad), so you need to offset them with something sexy. I love mine with denim underwear. The sexy bit of leg is a perfect contrast.
They’re obviously comfortable walking around….but they’re so good I never want to take them off, even inside the house! I like to casually lounge around in mine.
Sometimes I do ballet. So multipurpose.
Vince cashmere sweater | shorts | sneakers – Mike’s
2. With Oversized Layers
Nothing says comfy-chic like dad sneaks so Laura says GO WITH THAT. Giant white sneakers + giant layers – what could be better?? It’s the big-big-bigger proportions that are so flattering (and warm), and make this look a total win. A feminine lace turtleneck finishes off the look in a very Librarian Who Jogs kind of way.
Jacket (similar) ASOS Edge to Edge Tailored Duster – This duster style jacket has been the best update to my wardrobe and easy to throw on over anything to make the style a little more elevated.
Turtleneck Freepeople Sweet Secrets Turtleneck – This has been the BEST layering piece. I’ve worn it with leather overalls, under a jumpsuit and even to freshen up my old gray tee. So good. Wearing Small.
Jumpsuit (similar) Dreamskull Spaghetti Strap Jumpsuit – You may have seen me in this pure comfort last summer. It’s seriously like wearing bedsheets all day.
Sneakers Nike Womens Air Max 90 – Seriously like walking on bouncy clouds. Love the neutral tones. Fit TTS but size up if between.
3. With Faux Fur and Nylons
Dressing up is always harder when you’re pregnant . . . especially trying to wear heels. Thankfully, Scotti won’t struggle this year because Dad sneaks are so fashionable – AND comfy. Really, it’s a win-win. One that will only get better as her belly gets bigger.
(And yes, that’s snow . . . #comeonspring)
Bodycon Dress: Similar and on sale!
Faux Fur Coat: Similar (on sale, too) and I’m loving it in purple for spring
Sneakers: 30% off right now!
4. With Easter Egg Colors and Preppy Stripes
Church? Brunch? Egg hunt? Egg hunts 2-20? Dinner with your fam, then dinner with BAE’s fam? You get the picture. There’s really only one footwear option that will work seamlessly between all your social engagements this weekend and beyond. Seriously, don’t sleep on the dad sneaks! As soon as Tiarra beats her kids in this last egg hunt (you can actually run in dad sneaks), she’ll tell you all about it!
Shirt dress (similar): Max Studio roll-tab shirt dress I mean, does this ever go out of style? I think not! Cinch with your fave belt for a little more shape…or rock the true shift/shirt dress shape, perfect for all those holiday meals!
Abound lightweight cardigan sweater: This color couldn’t be more perfect for spring! The semi-raw hem is a nice detail.
Dad sneakers: “Dad sneaks” in every sense of the word. Go on over to the men’s shoe section on your next Walmart run and thank me later.
5. With a Casual Dress + Ladylike Bag
You know Cam is all about sneakers, so throw a big clunky, looks-like-it-came-from-your-dad’s-closet sneak at her and YES. Girl’s gonna love it. I know, I know, she was skeptical at first (remember our back n’ forth IG battle?) but I knew, eventually, Cam would come around to my way of thinking. Now she’s all #dadsneaksforlife. Cam rocks her Dad sneaks with a cute little tshirt dress (and a pretty little bag), but I have it on good authority that she’s busting them out on her next date night with a slinky little black dress. Matt is gonna be sooooo excited, lucky boy.
This Wilt T-shirt dress is awesome. Wear it all of the time. (I linked to similar one)
Camo Jackets are cool to have. I like to tie mine around my waist for a more preppy look.
Sole Society Top Handle Bag. A new Spring favorite.
Dr. Scholl’s Gel Cushion Shoe. These are men’s so definitely size down (I’m an 8.5 in men’s/9.5 in women’s).
6. With Jeans and a Blazer
Could there be a more classic combo than sneakers, jeans and a blazer? Julieta thinks not. And why not swap out yesterday’s Converse for today’s Dad sneak? This chunky shoe pairs beautifully with cropped jeans – it was made to be seen. And you know what they say: big sneakers…..big heart.
L’academie Button camisole – Cutest cami ever. Comes in more colors.
Frame Le Nouveau Straight leg Jeans – Only available in gray now. Size down.
New Balance Women’s training – Are there more comfortable sneakers? I’m not so sure.
Yay for Dad Sneaks, right??
xo,
S (and the TME crew)
