Today we are talking about the top 5 effortlessly chic sneakers we can’t stop wearing…our ride-or-dies. These days it’s stylish to wear sneakers with just about anything. And the styles of sneakers range wildly from super sleek and minimal to chunky and athletic.
What is our criteria for effortlessly chic sneakers?
- We do follow the trends, and they obviously influence us, but we also pick and choose. We don’t wear sneakers that don’t feel *us* as this will inevitably come across as trying too hard, and that is never a chic look.
- Sneakers can be obscenely expensive these days (Golden Goose for example). And yes, we have both hopped on and off the GG train, but we truly just don’t believe in spending $500 on sneakers. It’s not necessary and you’ll see why. Some of our favorite pairs are under $100!
- Our favorite effortlessly chic sneakers are easy to style. These are the ones that generally look good with jeans, dresses, shorts…everything!
Effortlessly Chic Sneakers
1 – Checkered Vans (under $100)
We will always adore checkered Vans – trends be damned. Comfortable, only $60, and they look good with all the things. They make everything just a smidge cooler.
Checkered Vans With Shorts & Pants
Checkered Vans are one of our most-worn Summer sneakers. They are so effortless to throw on with shorts, and of course, no socks necessary. And here, they are equally chic with a silky pant.
Checkered Vans with Skirts & Dresses
Our favorite trick to style down a fancier skirt or dress? Throw on those checkered Vans. This is the epitome of effortlessly chic sneakers and style.
Effortlessly Chic Sneakers
2 – Converse (under $100)
Black Converse (size down 1/2)
Converse are timeless, but they are definitely having a moment in the Sun this year – they seem to be everywhere! And they literally just scream effortlessly chic sneakers. We have heard a few of our over 40 friends say they feel “too old” to wear Converse and our response to that is a resounding “hell no you’re not!” Style truly has no age, and if you feel comfortable in them, we say rock them!
See Tammy’s article How To Style Black Converse for more style tips, and Rachel’s article when she even wore them for Valentine’s Day!
A Fresh Color for Spring
*HIGH Sell-Out Potential
We are both eyeing a fresh color for Spring, and these are currently our top two picks. These seem to sell out almost as soon as they are released, so when you spot a pair you love – don’t wait!
Effortlessly Chic Sneakers
3 – All White
Every woman needs an all white sneaker in their shoe closet. It’s the ultimate chic sneaker and works with every.single.thing. This is a sneaker worth spending a little more on as it’s one you’ll wear for years. Tammy & Rachel’s sneakers are different brands but very similar – you really can’t go wrong here.
See our article – Our White Sneaker Roundup: 6 Pairs Reviewed, for more detailed information on these sneakers.
Other All White Sneakers
We adore this new pair by Paul Green with the hint of red/blue – so chic. And these are two new versions of our beloved Reiss & Axel Arigato pairs. We love the toe detail on the Reiss and the hint of silver on the Axel’s.
Effortlessly Chic Sneakers
4 – Retro Runner
The retro runner is another effortlessly chic style that we will always love. These just have a way of always looking cool no matter how the trends fluctuate.
Saucony
*Under $100
Saucony Originals (size up by 1/2)
Rachel spotted these on Katie Holmes and it was all over. These under $100 sneakers have been one of Rachel’s best purchases this Winter – she’s been wearing them nonstop. They are like walking on clouds they are so comfy but do size up by 1/2 (they most definitely run short).
This color way is just magical. It looks chic with just about everything, and she especially loves pairing them with these socks.
Other Budget-Friendly Retro Runners We Love
Tammy’s friend Monica recently bought these and we are smitten. They have all the Rag & Bone Retro feels but under $100. The hardest part in choosing these will be deciding which color to get!
Rag & Bone Retro Runner
These are definitely more of an investment sneaker but nowhere near Golden Goose territory. Rachel has been wearing these for well over and a year, and they are one of her most-loved pairs.
First of all the quality is off the charts. Soon after buying these, Rachel got caught walking home in the rain (stomping thru muddy puddle after muddy puddle) and was cursing the fact that she was wearing these. She was shocked when they wiped completely clean and looked as good as new.
They are also just so easy to wear. They are definitely a retro runner style, but they are also sleek. A lot of sneakers this style have a bit of bulk, and these manage to have the same vibe with less bulk making them easier to style. And did we mention they are so light – like wearing nothing. Wear them with or without socks. They are magic.
New Rag & Bone Colors We Love
We keep eying this fresh white pair for Spring and Summer, and this pink pair was just released. Dying over those!
Effortlessly Chic Sneakers
5 – Athletic Sneakers
Of course we can’t forget about effortlessly chic sneakers for working out! How about something that is both cute and supportive?! A surprisingly hard shoe to find. Many of the highly supportive athletic sneakers are decidedly not attractive.
And call us vain, but we are more motivated to workout if we also look good while doing it, ha!
Tammy searched for a very long time to replace her well-worn Nike Flyknit sneakers. (Pet peeve: when a brand changes a design so that it’s no longer even remotely the same…WHY do they do this?!)
Tammy has been wearing these non-stop for the past year and they are still super supportive and comfortable. One of the things we like about these is the sock-like ankle. We aren’t fans of thick padding in that area, and these are soft with zero rubbing even when wearing the smallest of no-show socks.
They also have plenty of room for a slightly wider foot. Tammy’s version are on deep sale right now as the newest style is now out (included below).
We adore effortlessly chic sneakers and these are our top five picks – many under $100! We wear these over and over again with everything from leggings to fancy dresses.
Tell us, are you a sneaker fan? What’s your favorite effortlessly chic sneakers? We’d love to know!
Also check out How To Look Good In Loungewear.
