Skirts & sneakers: the winning combo!

June is finally here, the good weather is fast approaching, and we're starting to celebrate our newfound freedom. Like us, you're probably eager to pull out your favorite skirt, which has been patiently waiting in your closet for almost a year… But you're not quite ready to give up the comfort of your favorite cozy slippers (like our French-made Charentaises !). No worries, this summer, free your legs without putting your feet through any strain thanks to our tips and those of our experts on stylishly pairing skirts and sneakers.

The casual-chic contrast: a bit of history...

Since the 1930s, with the revolutionary Coco Chanel, the gradual emancipation of women has been expressed through clothing. Items originally designed for men began to be incorporated into women's wardrobes and blended with formal wear. Later, as women entered the workforce, they became working women who needed to combine style and comfort. The "casual-chic" style was born.

Meanwhile, sneakers, since Charles Goodyear's invention of rubber vulcanization in 1839, have steadily progressed. Initially designed primarily for athletic use, they began to be paired with jeans worn by young Americans. Although initially controversial, they became THE quintessential comfortable and stylish shoe, keeping pace with evolving women's fashion. In 1950, Marilyn Monroe wore them with rolled-up jeans, and then in 1988, they were combined with mini-shorts to embody the youthful innocence of Baby in Dirty Dancing. Only recently has the combination of sneakers with dresses or skirts become truly acceptable, and these outfits have risen to the forefront of fashion... and remain so, as this perfect example of the casual-chic look continues to appeal to women, especially younger ones.

On the left, the magnificent Marilyn Monroe with Keith Andes in Clash by Night. On the right, the iconic simplicity of Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing.

Loren Fascianel, author of the slow fashion blog Soyons Élégantes and a personal image coach, explains why it's a winning combination: “ The skirt/dress and sneakers combination works every time because it blends the two universal polarities that make up the world: the feminine and the masculine. The skirt is culturally associated with femininity, also in its shape and fluidity. Sneakers, on the other hand, are associated with the masculine wardrobe (also in their structure and material). When you combine these two energies, it's a way of Yin and Yang complementing each other and creating balance. This results in an overall harmony that is not only pleasing to the eye but also creates a touch of the unexpected and therefore a more assertive style. ”

As you've probably guessed, the successful combination of skirts and sneakers is a hit with everyone! Another significant advantage: it allows you to reuse your evening outfits for everyday activities or, conversely, to adhere to the dress code for a formal event without sacrificing comfort. At JULES & JENN, we love this concept because it means that a single piece can cover a multitude of occasions… and that you'll therefore consume more responsibly! But how do you ensure the contrast isn't too jarring? Get out your blenders, it's time to mix it all up!

Tip #1: Play with volume and midi skirts

How can you free up your legs without revealing them completely? A multitude of shapes and lengths are available, and long skirts and other "midi" cuts (halfway between a mini and a maxi skirt) allow you to create versatile outfits that effortlessly adapt to your mood. For summer, a long, flowing skirt with white sneakers is perfect for modernizing a bohemian look. You can also opt for a slit midi skirt, accentuating the contrast between femininity and a sporty feel.

At JULES & JENN, our go-to look for this option is the timeless white skirt, both trendy and classic, paired with our feminine Velcro sneakers . You can complete this outfit with a simple casual T-shirt or a cozy sweater for cloudier days.

Tip #2: Dresses and skirts with slim sneakers

Short skirts and dresses can be paired with just as many different types of sneakers! Our ambassador Margot from the eco-responsible blog bloomers.eco does this very well with our new beige and blue linen sneakers. She says: “ I love pairing these beige linen sneakers with navy trim with a dark blue mini-skirt and a loose Breton top for a smart-casual, French-inspired look. Alternatively, I wear them in the evening with a long navy dress in EcoVero for a relaxed-chic look! ”

Tip #3: Gold, to stay chic even in your sneakers...

Gold has been everywhere this year! So, what better way to add a cool touch to our dressier looks than with sparkling sneakers? Once again, our Velcro sneakers seem like the perfect choice, whether in a head-to-toe metallic gold look, in khaki and gold suede , or in white and gold leather . This last pair goes perfectly with a long floral skirt for a dazzling summer look.

A more understated but equally effective option: pair it with a black skirt or dress, some cute gold sneakers, and our gold tote bag. You see where we're going with this? Subtle colors, accented with sparkling accessories… and voilà!

Tip #4: Add some color to your sneakers!

Gold isn't the only way to make your sneakers look stylish! By choosing colorful sneakers, in pastel shades or more vibrant colors like the coral of our recycled canvas lace-up sneakers, you fully embrace your casual footwear and add more character to your look.

Loren, drawing on her expertise in the influence of color energies, which she develops in her " Chromoguidance® " practice, clarifies the following key points: " There are a lot of misconceptions about color. Many of the obstacles that prevent us from wearing color are based on unjustified but deeply ingrained cultural beliefs. For example, we think it's difficult to match colored shoes with our clothes. Or we imagine that we'll stand out too much with colorful shoes on our feet… None of this is true; these are just fears. In reality, there's no real difficulty in pairing colorful shoes. As soon as we allow ourselves to see life in color, there are plenty of possibilities! For example, it's very elegant to wear colorful shoes to add a twist and liven up a neutral-colored skirt. It's just as harmonious to wear shoes in a shade close to your skirt." This allows you to create a lovely, stylish monochromatic look and also to elongate the silhouette. Then, you can play with the color of your shoes by echoing a shade present in the print of your skirt. Finally, playing with color, even on your feet, allows you to create many different harmonies, some more contrasting than others, and therefore express your personality! Color is a perfect ally for this, in addition to energizing us every day .