Blog: Crossroads Style

They’ve been slowly creeping their way into the fashion scene... First on the runway, then on street style “it girls” and celebs, and now I’m officially seeing style bloggers covet the surprising trend of the “dad sneaker.” You know the type: the off-brand, normcore sneaker your average dad can be seen wearing at an amusement park chasing after his kids. We embraced “mom” jeans, and apparently dad sneakers are next!

I’m not entirely on board with this trend, but in case you happen to be, there are some absolutely ways to make these chunky sneakers look chic!  Take a look at five ways to style dad sneakers and make them the “it” sneaker of 2018.

1. Go athleisure.
What better way to wear any new sneaker trend than with your favorite athleisure look!

2. Pair with feminine pieces.
Create contrast by pairing these chunky casual sneakers with decidedly feminine pieces.

3. Embrace the perfect traveling shoe.
Let Chiara Ferragni inspire your style! She’s no stranger to traveling around the world and does it in only the chicest comfort.

4. Color-coordinate.
A little weary of drawing too much attention to your new sneakers? Coordinate the colors of your sneakers to your outfit for a seamless transition.

5. Suit it up.
Aimee Song creates an entirely different look with her suit, swapping out expected heels for Louis Vuitton sneakers.

Heeey, I’m Mary.  You may have seen me around the Internet or on Crossroads’s Instagram feed at some point. I’ve somehow made it all these years on the Crossroads Style Council without an official Crossroads blog post.  So, here I am with a little about me, my style philosophy, and my favorite Crossroads finds!

Officially, my career is personal shopper and stylist. I work in fashion and interiors with individuals & brands. You could also call me a “Youtuber”, as my largest audience is at my channel HeyMaryElizabeth.  I live in Los Angeles with my mini schnauzer and nearby thoroughbred, dreaming of my future ranch and organic garden.

Born in the suburbs of Los Angeles, skate and surf culture permeated the air. Neighborhood kids searched for empty pools to skate, and Vans and Converse were the epitome of cool. And high tops were the height of it—I mean, of course the ones with the star were coolest. Duh.

Luckily, their appeal hasn’t worn off, and it’s been a lifelong love affair. I recently decided I needed a pair of high top white All Stars, and a few weeks later—as fate would have it—I stepped into Crossroads in Studio City to discover my size, like new, for under $20.  SOLD—the perfect addition for all my cropped pants. We’ll just call ‘em winter white.  A girly tomboy for life, here’s how I paired my new friend, Chuck:

Between you and me, there’s nothing a pair of over-the-knee boots can’t do to jazz up an outfit. Not only are they versatile, you can use them as an extra layer for warmth during winter. Consider investing in a great pair (make sure to check out your local Crossroads!) for an easy, effortless way to make a casual outfit look more chic.

Any of these combinations are a fail-proof shortcut for pulling off over-the-knee boots.

An obvious fashion choice for over-the-knee boots is layering them over skinny jeans. Pair a chunky sweater with form-fitting denim for a sleek silhouette.

A sweater dress with over-the-knee boots is everything you need to channel your inner fashionista this winter.

Combine two trends by wearing a shearling coat with your boots.

Don’t want your over-the-knees boots to be the focal point of your outfit? Try adding a long cardigan or coat.

If you think that OTK boots should only be reserved for girls’ night out, think again. You can easily wear these types of boots with something more casual and comfy, like a cozy oversized sweater.

Style your over-the-knee boots with a high-waisted skirt and beret for the ultimate French-girl vibe.

Fall is all about sweater weather, listening to Sam Smith’s new song on repeat, and wearing boots all seven days of the week (because, why not?). Boots with heels, stiletto boots, thigh-highs, over-the-knee, ankle boots – there are so many options to choose from.  With that being said, here’s our six-point guide to style boots this fall:

Even the rain can’t put a damper on your fashion game when you’re rocking your favorite rain boots with a dress and trenchcoat.
 

Nothing says model-off-duty like an all-black outfit foundation styled with a pop of color. Top off this look with some tall, black stiletto boots and sunglasses and you’re good to go.
 

Going for a more casual style in your boots? No problem! Wear long boots over a pair of ripped skinny jeans, and style it with a light colored blouse. We suggest anything with ruffles or lace, for a more romantic feel.
 

Besides pumpkin-spice everything, the best thing about fall is that you can wear sweater dresses and knee-high boots all you want.
 

As proven by Kate Ogata, the style blogger behind The Fancy Pants Reports, all black outfits will never go out of style. Add a pair of pointy-toed black boots to toughen up this look.
 

Velvet booties will keep you looking effortless this fall. Forego the neutral colors and opt for a shade in millennial pink for a nice change of pace this fall.

The weather is warming up and stores are switching over to their spring and summer lines. This year, it’s all about fun, bold, and quirky pieces, including shoes. Are you more of a lace-up girl or a funky flatform one? These trends may not be entirely new, but they have been reinvented for 2017. Put a little ‘spring’ in your step and take a look at this year’s top spring shoe trends.

All Wrapped Up

Lace-up sandals and heels will be everywhere this season and are such a fun alternative to a traditional flat or heel.

The Flatform

Give your feet a break while keeping the boost of a heel. The flatform shoe is back and better than ever.

Kitten Heels

The return of this trend may garner mixed reactions. From sandals to booties, stilettos to block, the ’80s kitten heel is back and will either be loved or hated.

Slides, Slippers, and Sandals

2017 fashion is looking like it’ll be made up of the most comfortable trends, and that includes shoes. Slides, slippers, and sandals will make your feet happy while you stay on trend.