Sneakers and A Dress

I wore this outfit to my younger son's piano recital on Sunday (don't worry, it was casual).   
This is a trend I've been a little worried about wearing as an over 40 mama.  I make a conscious effort to look cute and stylish, but also age appropriate.  However, when Karl Lagerfeld paired every runway look in his Spring 2014 Couture show with Chanel sneakers, I knew I had the blessing of the fashion world.  When Karl speaks, I listen! Besides, if I can do white jeans and leopard, why not sneakers and a dress?

My outfit was so comfortable, and it was a fun way to wear this summer dress from Old Navy.   I've had the denim jacket for years, and I picked up the Converse sneakers during the Nordstrom sale.

Overall I think this was a success, but here are a few pointers if you want to give this look a try:

• Match the style of your dress with your shoes.  In this case, my eyelet summer dress was perfect with the canvas shoes.  A heavier fall style might call for leather sneakers.
• This look is more appropriate for casual, low key events - think concerts or a picnic. Anything more formal probably needs sandals.
• Watch your proportions.  Higher sneakers can make your legs look chopped off.  Don't go too short on the dress, or you risk looking like a kindergartner on picture day.
• Go ahead and balance the feminine and masculine with this look, but don't get too extreme.  No dress looks good with athletic shoes, unless you're running errands on your lunch hour in NYC!

By the way, the recital was a success.  T played Beethoven's Fur Elise, a piece he worked very hard on for several months.  We were so proud of him!

Don't forget, the Summer Style Me Challenge is about to begin, with the first outfit released this weekend!  There is still time to sign up - it's going to be so much fun.

 Linking up with Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Not Dead Yet Style, Vodka Infused Lemonade.