Stick to neutrals
If comfort is your main goal, kicks in colors like black, white, gray or beige will definitely be your new BFF. Why, you ask? Well, because neutrals will help keep the focus on your outfit without drawing too much attention to your shoes, points out fashion and lifestyle blogger Natalie Zimmerman of natalienotions.com. "Sneakers in these colors can be paired with almost any outfit too, but a canvas style is best if your outfit is a bit dressier," she says. Think a cute pair of Converse shoes with a fun maxi skirt or midi dress and feminine accessories to top it off.
- Converse All Star Chuck ’70 in black (Converse.com, $85)
- Just Female Nora Dress (Nastygal.com, $98)
- J Crew Floral Pastel Statement Necklace (Jcrew.com, $135)
- Frye Logan Leather Backpack (Urbanoutfitters.com, $448)
Make a statement
Speaking of accessories, nothing says girly quite like statement jewelry. We suggest balancing out the masculinity of your favorite pair of sneakers with an over-the-top statement necklace or an armful of bangles that will quickly become the center of attention. A glittery backpack is a cute touch too, as long as you're not wearing the statement jewelry, that is, and the rest of your outfit isn't super busy either. Sometimes less really is more.
- Keds Champion Pop Strike Sneaker (Keds.com, $50)
- Heart Print Skater Dress (Forever21.com, $14)
- Wet Seal Flat Chain Rhinestone Necklace (Wetseal.com, $15)
Skip the pants
If you plan on wearing bright trainers to school, pants will only make your outfit look more sporty and less girly, so style them with a dress, skirt or even shorts, recommends Zimmerman. And don't be afraid to show off those legs (just be sure your bottoms are school-appropriate, of course). To tie together your entire outfit, pick one color from your sneakers and repeat it elsewhere in your ensemble. It can be the dominant color or not. For example, if your shoes are purple, burgundy and orange, you might want to put on an orange top for summertime and a burgundy one in the fall. Slip into a pretty pleated maxi skirt and add on some statement jewelry and you’re as ladylike as they come (or you know, close enough).
- Nike Dual Fusion TR2 Womens Training Shoes (Jcpenney.com, $75)
- Dorothy Perkins Pale Pink Mesh Pleat Midi Skirt (Dorothyperkins.com, $39)
- Charlotte Russe Tie Front Button-Up Top (Charlotterusse.com, $12)
- Bauble Bar Mint Drop Earrings (Baublebar.com, $38)
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