Just for Kicks

We’ve been taking stock of our spring footwear for a couple of weeks now and seeking out possible new additions, and here’s the conclusion we’ve drawn: this season’s sneaker game is strong. As Charlotte-based stylist Erica Hanks proved last month on Instagram (that’s her above, looking casually chic; we highly recommend FOLLOWING HER for endless outfit inspiration), a great pair of kicks can complete any outfit, lending a cool, carefree vibe without sacrificing any style points.

A must in every woman’s closet is a great pair of white sneakers. Whether worn with jeans or anchoring a dressier look, consider them the fashionable workhorse of your spring wardrobe. A few of our favorites, which would look just as good with jeans or your favorite summery dress, include the white, silver, and green GOLDEN GOOSE SUPER STARS available from Richmond’s Roan (left), a HIGH-TOP SUPERGA with zipper detail from Cakewalk in Houston (top, right), and, for the embellishment-averse (yet always on-trend) lady, a classic white slip-on Superga from THE SHOE HIVE in Alexandria, Virginia (bottom, right).

Just as versatile are versions that introduce a slight amount of flair. Some neutral yet not-at-all boring takes that we love include (clockwise from top left): Frye woven Gemma slip ons from Charlottesville’s THE YELLOW BUTTON; RAG & BONE ‘DYLAN’ TRAINERS from Emma’s Shoes in New Orleans; the aptly named AGL “Eyelash” sneaker from Alexandria’s THE SHOE HIVE; and espadrilleSNEAKERS BY SOLUDOS from Shoes on King. A little bit of added texture or tone make each both functional and fashionable.

Just because they’re comfortable doesn’t mean your kicks can’t have a little edge. LOEFFLER RANDALL’S ROXIE KNIT RAFFIA SNEAKER available from Charleston’s Hampden (top, left); LOEFFLER RANDALL’S ALFIE ESPADRILLE SNEAKER available from Augusta Twenty in Greenville, South Carolina (top, right); GOLDEN GOOSE’S REFLECTIVE MID STAR SNEAKER available from Hampden; and LOEFFLER RANDALL’S RIO PERFORATED SNEAKER, also available from Hampden, are by turns preppy, sporty, and a little punk—excellent options for anyone who appreciates a statement shoe.

Of course a fabulous black sneaker can be a closet game-changer as well. Paired with cropped or flared pants, a little black dress, or your favorite spring skirt, they’ll stylishly anchor an outfit as you run around all day pain-free. A few of our favorites are (clockwise from top left): JOIE KIDMORE SNEAKERS available from Monkee’s of Wilmington; Derek Lam Luca bootie available from SHOES ON KING;GOLDEN GOOSE’S SUPER STAR SNEAKER in black suede available from Roan; PEDRO GARCIA’S PERRY SNEAKER available from Scarpa in Charlottesville, Virginia; and Vince’s Blair sneaker available from THE SHOE HIVE.

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