I’m team sneakers; you guys know that. Somewhere along my personal style journey, I stopped pairing everything I wore with ankle boots and made the switch. To say I’ve never looked back wouldn’t be overstating it. Due to this excessive and almost exclusive wearing of sneakers, I’ve been asked ‘how to looked dressed-up in sneakers’, how to look like you’ve made an effort and no just thrown them on on the way out the door as an afterthought.

This post will answer that. But before we get started, I want to talk about the expectations for being stylish when you’re plus-size. In my experience, plus-size people are required to try harder to prove to the world that we aren’t slobs. Usually, there’s an element of being hyper-feminine to that too. The stylish outfits of our smaller peers are deemed unfashionable and lazy on us.

No, it’s not fair, but nor is it a rule YOU have to live by. I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t girly myself up just because the world said I should. I think the sneakers are part of that. It’s been a long time now since I felt the need to wear my higher heels to anything. This is a reminder to wear what you like when you like, and if sneakers are it, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s talk about looking ‘dressed up’ in sneakers!

Cute outfits required

When you’re wearing sneakers to a more dressed up occasion, the focus is definitely going to be on what you’re wearing. I chose a dress with a bit of a puff sleeve over some of my more casual dresses because it adds something. I like a midi length, but maxi works just as well. Minis may be cute but will take a bit more effort to make look dressed up with sneakers. Not into dresses, a cigarette or cropped length pant shows off a great amount of ankle IMO.

Please make sure they’re clean.

I mean, it sounds obvious, but make sure your sneakers are clean if you want to dress up the outfit. Fresh, new’ish sneakers are much better at pulling off this look than worn in, worn out, dirty sneakers. So either clean them up or have a pair that you save for special occasions. Which sounds a little crazy, but works. I have a pair of sneakers that I wear every day for everything and a couple of others that I wear when I’m going somewhere.

Accessorise your butt off

I’m pretty low-key when it comes to accessories and don’t often wear a lot of jewellery other than my wedding rings. But if you’re dressing up sneakers, you may need to consider adding a nice bag, some layered necklaces or statement earrings. It’s about balancing the sneakers with some effort. It makes the sneakers a deliberate choice.

Own it

There’s only one other thing that you’ll need to do if you want to look dressed up while wearing sneakers. You need to own it. If you’re feeling weird about it or underdressed, that’s going to show. If you feel great, are confident in your outfit, then that’s all anyone else will see. Think about it when was the last time you saw someone wearing something a little unusual but loving it? Did they look happy with their choice? Did you envy their excitement and confidence in depressing their personal style? Be that person for yourself. Sneakers aren’t even that controversial anymore, promise. Dip your toe in and I guarantee you, pretty soon you’ll be all about unrestrained person style.

what I’m wearing

Dress – Vero Moda Curve Midi Wrap Dress

Sneakers – Nike M2K Tekno – Womens

Bag – Guess Crossbody Bag

Sunglasses – Quay Australia High Key

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Melissa Walker Horn

Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.