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 a sneaker 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 for a transitional spring to summer look. 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 shoe.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
What I'm Wearing:
Top: Zara (old)
Skirt: Zara
Bag: Telfar
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
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"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
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Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
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Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
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Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
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Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
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Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
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