I Haven’t Bought “Fashion” Trainers For 10 Years, But This Trend Changed My Mind

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It’s all too easy to pigeonhole ourselves when it comes to fashion: “I don’t do florals”, “I would never go near a shirt dress”, “I can’t pull off that colour”. We all have those categories that turn us off – perhaps it’s due to a comment someone made many years ago, or a bad photo on Instagram. But, of course, it can also come from a confidence in knowing what does and doesn’t fit your personal style. The line between owning an aesthetic and narrowing your sartorial horizons can be a fine one.

Read more: The Best White Trainers For Women

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For me, trainers have always been a category that I’ve struggled with. Like many others, I spent my twenties trying different aesthetics out for size, embracing certain looks and discarding others, and I came to the conclusion that I liked my style to feel “polished”, so sporty separates, distressed fabrics, casual sneakers et al were no longer in my wardrobe wheelhouse. But then along came Adidas Gazelles.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 22: Bella Hadid seen out and about in Manhattan on March 22, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images)Robert Kamau

The “fashion trainer” phenomenon is hardly a new one, but it didn’t take much willpower on my part to resist the advances of the lockdown chunky dad sneaker or logo-clad high-tops. But the retro sneaker trend or, more specifically, the Adidas Gazelle? It felt different. Coming with a more subtle plimsoll-like shape and with an undeniably ’70s-inspired spin, I could instantly see how the trainer could be a great addition to my wardrobe. It wasn’t a case of deviating from my personal style, rather just expanding it.

The real beauty of Gazelles is that they can easily be elevated, whether you style them with tailored trousers or a miniskirt, maxi dresses or dark denim. Plus, when the weather starts to turn, they’ll be replacing my trusty Birkenstocks as my go-to comfy work shoe. Talk about a multitasking wardrobe hero. I’m a convert.