Lacing your sneakers might seem like one of those things you learned as a kid and never thought about again. However, the way you thread those laces through the eyelets can actually change everything about how your shoes look and feel. This guide covers not just how to lace sneakers, but also how to style them with everything from jeans to dresses, and what makes platform sneakers such a popular choice right now.
Why Are Shoes Called Sneakers?
The term “sneaker” has a surprisingly specific origin story that dates back further than most people realize. According to research found in an 1887 Boston Journal of Education article, the word was first used in reference to children being able to sneak up on teachers thanks to their shoes’ soft soles.
The name stuck because rubber-soled shoes were genuinely quiet compared to the hard leather shoes that were standard at the time. Therefore, wearers were able to move almost silently, perfect for sneaking around.
How to Lace Your Sneakers
The way you lace your sneakers affects both how they look and how they perform. Here are the most useful techniques:
- Criss-Cross Lacing: Thread laces through the bottom eyelets from outside, cross them to form an “X,” then thread each end through the next eyelets moving upward. Repeat to the top. This simple method distributes pressure evenly and works for almost any sneaker.
- Straight Bar Lacing: Start with laces running straight across the bottom eyelets. Take one lace straight up the inside to the next eyelet, then across to create a horizontal bar. Alternate with both laces, keeping all visible sections horizontal for a clean, minimalist look.
- Runner’s Loop (Heel Lock): Lace normally until the second eyelet from the top. Pull each lace straight up on the same side through the top eyelet, creating a loop. Cross laces over and thread through the opposite loop, pull tight, then tie.
Different lacing methods cater to different foot types and activities, so experimenting helps you find what works best.
How to Style Sneakers
Sneakers have evolved far beyond gym shoes and athletic wear. They’re now a legitimate fashion staple that works across almost every dress code and occasion.
Here is an effective guide to styling sneakers:
White Sneakers
These are essential for casual everyday looks because they pair effortlessly with jeans, joggers, shorts, and casual dresses without competing for attention.
Minimal Leather Sneakers
These work beautifully with tailored pieces like blazers and trousers, giving you a sophisticated look that has become a street style favorite.
Sporty Sneakers
Pairing these with feminine pieces like flowy skirts or structured blazers creates a balanced, modern look that feels intentional rather than random.
How to Wear Sneakers with a Dress
Pairing sneakers with a dress is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel modern, approachable, and genuinely comfortable. Below are some of the best ways to pair sneakers with different dresses:
- Platform Sneakers: For Flowy Midi or Maxi Dresses
White or neutral sneakers keep the look light and balanced, while the extra height from a platform helps manage tricky hemlines - Low-Tops or Chunky Retro Runners: For Mini Dresses
Shorter hemlines work beautifully with almost any style, creating a youthful, playful vibe that is perfect for casual outings or weekend brunches. - Minimalist Sneakers: For Casual Sundresses
The key to a harmonious look is avoiding a direct match in formality; a casual sundress paired with sleek, minimalist sneakers creates a balanced and intentional aesthetic. - Athletic Sneakers: The Bold Contrast
While versatile, be mindful of pairing these with very formal, structured dresses, as the high level of contrast can sometimes feel jarring rather than stylish.
What Color Sneakers Go with Everything?
If you’re building a sneaker collection from scratch or just want a pair that works with absolutely everything in your closet, white sneakers are the champion of versatility. Clean white leather sneakers pair seamlessly with jeans, dresses, shorts, suits, and virtually any color palette without clashing.
Black sneakers come in a close second for versatility, especially if your wardrobe leans toward darker tones. Neutral tones like beige, cream, and light gray are also excellent all-around choices that feel softer and more understated than stark white while still pairing easily with most colors.
If you’re ready to branch out beyond neutrals, navy sneakers are surprisingly versatile because navy reads as a neutral in most contexts and pairs beautifully with denim, khaki, white, and other classic wardrobe staples.
What Are Platform Sneakers and How to Style Them?
Platform sneakers are exactly what they sound like. They are sneakers with a thicker, elevated sole that adds anywhere from one to three inches of height without the discomfort of traditional heels.
The Best Ways to Style Platform Sneakers
- Platform Sneakers as The Volume Balancer
These go well with wide-leg jeans. The denim volume balances the shoes’ chunkiness, creating an elongated silhouette that feels both retro and modern. - Platform Sneakers as The Hemline Manager
When wearing dresses and skirts, platforms add just enough height to manage tricky midi hemlines. They provide a lift while keeping the overall look casual and wearable. - Platform Sneakers as a Bold Statement
The key to making these work is embracing their bold quality rather than trying to downplay them. They are meant to be noticed, so style them confidently.
Complete Your Sneaker Style
Whether you’re rocking classic white low-tops, chunky retro runners, or elevated platform sneakers, the right accessories can take your look to the next level. FastPrintStar offers custom products that pair perfectly with any sneaker style, including custom socks that can be designed with logos or patterns, custom hats for a coordinated street-style look, and custom drawstring bags that keep your gear organized while complementing your sneaker aesthetic.