How To Create 7 Different Outfits With 1 Pair of Sneaks

This was SUCH a fun concept to come up with because a) who doesn't love buying an awesome pair of shoes, and b) who doesn't love justifying them with SEVEN different outfits??

Let me introduce you to the shoe, so appropriately named the Huntington Middie.  It's casual, it's clean, and quite frankly it turns heads.  Which is why I call it my game-changer shoe.  But, GET THIS.  As is the mission of everything Suits & Sneaks, I've taken this shoe and dressed it up for you to wear to WORK, to HAPPY HOUR, and yes, to simply #KEEPITCASUAL on the weekends.

So let's dive into this amazingly comfortable pair of sneaks (which include plush insoles btw!), styled SEVEN different ways for each day of your week.  Here we go!

Suits and Sneaks - How to wear Seavees Huntington Middie sneakers on a monday

Monday.

When All You Want Is Comfort.

When you wake up late, still feeling full and groggy from the weekend, and for the love of God just want to feel comfortable for the next 8 hours of your day....This is the outfit for you. 

Suits and Sneaks - Shoot #4 - Look 3-2 (2).jpg

Offset Casual With a Dose of Glam

For the Perfect Polished Casual Look.

Offset the casualness and comfort of these pants and sneaks with a tan blazer.  And, bedazzle yourself in pearls.  You've heard me say this a million times: Offsetting is the way to go for that refined, polished casual look.

Shop This Look:

Get the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Suits and Sneaks - How to wear Sneakers on a tuesday

Tuesday

Styled Professionally.

You made it through Monday looking good, and if your coworkers had some sort of decency, they saved those important meetings for Tuesday.  Here's where you dress up your look with the easiest, most professional color out there - Black. 

BUT, don't be boring and wear black shoes.  That doesn't interest anyone. 

Hello Game-Changer.

Goodbye Status-Quo Dresser.

Instead, look like you've got style sense by changing up the shoe color with your black pants and blazer.  Sit down status-quo dressers.  Game-Changer just walked into the room.

Shop This Look:

Get the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Suits and Sneaks - How to wear sneakers on wednesday

Wednesday

Polished Comfort.

Halfway through the week and starting to tire out?  Simply take it down a notch with a warm, comfy sweater and this soft, muted pink scarf.  Next, offset the comfort on top with some dark fitted jeans or even a pencil skirt on bottom! 

Slipping Into Your Middies

Couldn't get any easier.

Shop the Look:

Get the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Suits and Sneaks - How to wear sneakers on a thursday

Thursday

Work + Happy Hour

A popular happy hour day, they say.  You definitely don't want to dress like a boring professional cause you're likely to hit up the bar scene after work.  You also don't want to walk into the office LOOKING like you're hitting up the bar scene after work.  #AMIRIGHT? 

Suits and Sneaks - how to wear sneakers to happy hour

Why Limit Happiness to One Hour

When You Feel This Good.

Here's a happy medium that's fun, but smart enough for the office.  And if jean jackets are more so meant for Friday, just switch this jacket out for a cute fitted blazer!  Hello Polished Casual.

Shop the Look:

Get  the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Suits and Sneaks - Shoot #4 - Look 4-69 (2).jpg

TGI Friday

Jean Jacket Approved.

Ahhh, the day where the jean jacket IS allowed.  Grab those comfy pants from Monday and just swap out the top!  Here you could go with a neutral shirt, or get a little ballsy with a graphic tee under your jacket or blazer.  Just don't forget the accessories with this look. 

Suits and Sneaks - how to wear sneakers to work

Accessories.

They Will Polish You Off.

While your threads are totes casual, you want to offset them with some accessories, like the bandanna scarf I've done here.  Or how about fun jewelry like a wooden watch??  No matter how casual you go, accessories and jackets will always polish you off.

Shop This Look:

Get the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Suits and Sneaks - how to wear sneakers and look cute

Saturday

Sleep In Like A Boss.

I absolutely LOVE these Middies with shorts.  And here's where I stress how dang COMFORTABLE these shoes are.  I never even got blisters from wearing them brand new!  Take it from the girl with the foot injury that put her in sneaks in the first place.  These shoes are SO EASY to wear while you're running around. 

Suits and Sneaks - how to style sneakers

So Comfy

You Could Walk Miles In These Kicks.

The long cardigan takes the look up a notch.  It also covers the top half of your thighs if you're feeling a little subconscious about them.  Like in this case, I would've preferred tanner legs lol.  Florida girl problems. 

Shop This Look:

Get the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Suits and Sneaks - how to wear a blazer to brunch

Sunday

Brunching + Shopping

A day meant for rest that's quite often supplemented with shopping or brunching.  Pair your Middies with a soft, floral shirt.  Top it off with a neutral, fitted blazer, and bam!  You're ready to walk in the door of any occasion. 

Suits and Sneaks - how to wear sneakers with a blazer

#Goals

She Rushed Out the Door and STILL Looked Styled.

My favorite part about this look are the sneakers and the blazer.  Because the combo simply screams: This girl quickly ran out the door and STILL managed to look styled!  Can we say #GOALS??

Shop The Look:

Get the Sneaks: Seavees Huntington Middies

Speaking of occasion, today was a special day!  I mean WOW.  What a post!  You just got SEVEN different outfit ideas!  And all laid out for you with just ONE pair of sneaks!!! 

I hope you all enjoyed browsing through the pictures and outfit inspiration to pair up with your new Middies!  Click the signup or subscribe button and I'll send you an easy-access style card with all the deets!

And allow me to give mad props to my photographer Nick Pecori who took all of the beautiful pictures you see in this post.  Comment below with what you think!

 

 

A Gift of Time for Mom

JORD Wooden Watch in Mint

JORD Wooden Watch in Mint

I’ve heard it many times, “There is nothing greater than being a mom.”  While I’m not one myself, I’m awed by the fact that every time I hear this, I’m watching the words come out of a somewhat exhausted-looking woman’s mouth.  I can tell that underlying those words are hours, days, and years of worry, sleepless nights, and money hard spent.  And I can’t find any other way to describe witnessing motherhood as witnessing a life of complete selflessness.  While these two words can’t ever truly portray that amount of gratitude I have in my heart, I want to say to my own mom, thank you.

Mother’s Day is around the corner and chances are your mom, or your wife, to this day continues to run around the house, checking off her to-do lists, cleaning up after your family, cooking you dinner, and transporting your kids.  Basically, everything you somehow never remember to do, yet she always does.  Because Mom always knows the time and when to be where...

 

 

I came across a totally unique Mother’s Day gift idea to share with you. 

Have you ever seen a wooden watch? 

JORD Wooden Watch in Mint

JORD Wooden Watch in Mint

Now when it comes to shopping, I am one who tends to venture off the beaten path.  If the rest of the world has it, I don’t want it.  So as you can imagine, when I came across such a unique watch I didn’t think twice about getting one.   

If you’re shopping for Mom, here is a link to the women’s watches.  Or, if you’ve already fallen in love with the glowing mint-faced watch in this post, here is the link to this specific mint-faced watch

Now that I own one, I can tell you what I love about it:

1.  Shipping is free and mine arrived in two days! 

2.  The packaging makes for the perfect gift. 

I opened the packaging to find this beautiful wooden keepsake box.  Spend some time looking at this box because you’ll even see it has a little hidden drawer.  Perhaps, the perfect place to store your most treasured rings or earrings. 

JORD Watch Keepsake Box

JORD Watch Keepsake Box

3.  The wood color on these watches is beautiful and so different than the typical metal watches.

And when you finally get past the packaging, you’ll notice your brand new watch resting on its little JORD pillow.   

4. Because it’s wood, it’s lightweight. 

Which means there’s no sweat piling up between your skin and the watch. 

5.  The face color options they have are so springtime and beautiful.

All of the models and colors for women can be found here.

And GUYS, men's models and colors can be found here

BONUS:  Best of all, the company, JORD Watches, will engrave the watch for you.  Honestly, could this timing be any more perfect for Mother’s Day?

If any moms are reading this, I wish you all a Happy Mother’s Day.  Whether your kids are with you or far, know that your time is cherished and you are so greatly loved.

~Kristin 

Thinking about a Grad Gift or Father's Day surprise?  Follow @suits.and.sneaks on Instagram where I'm giving away $100 for a JORD Watch on 5/21/17!

The Turquoise Series: Bright. Bold. Becoming.

You guys.  I'm not even exaggerating when I tell you I wore this outfit to work today and got compliments ALL DAY LONG.  They went a little something like this:

1. Nice job on the outfit!

2. You look so bright!

3. Omg, that is so springy and summery!

4. That is a total springtime color, I love it.

5. Omg even your shoes match!

6. I just love that color it makes me smile.

7. Wow I've seen you twice today, I can't believe I've never met you prior!  

See what good outfits can do you??  Can we say #makeyoumemorable??  I mean gosh, who wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of such love every day?  And while at work!  

As such, get ready for an explosion of turquoise on my Instagram feed.  In the meantime, get in on the color pop!  I put together my some of my favorite turquoise dresses and sneaks for you ladies below!  A separate makeup and accessories post will follow. And guys, I have a whole separate post for you hitting suitsandsneaks.com right after this one.  Happy shopping!

Suits & Sneaks Turquoise Chuck Taylors

Suits & Sneaks Turquoise Chuck Taylors

Turquiose dress brings smile and cheer
Suits and Sneaks Turquoise Dress Eliza J

Meet Turquoise Chuck:

My Favorite Turquoise Dresses

Suits & Sneaks: How to Look Polished Casual

Suits & Sneaks Polished Casual

So you’re one of the lucky ones who got hired into an office casual workplace.  Your brilliant HR department recognizes that productivity, creativity, and innovativeness can be directly correlated with comfort.  I mean let’s be real here, how can you think freely when you’re being choked by your necktie or trying to sit still to avoid wrinkles?  Ladies, how can you run down the halls cranking out work when you run the risk of tripping over your heels?  So much for efficiency.

But now you can breathe a sigh of relief.  Those days are behind you.  No more ironing or dry cleaning.  You get to wake up and throw on whatever the heck you feel like and waltz into work straight up Zuckerburg style.  You’re ready to innovate, produce, and speak freely in your white tee and jeans.  Your productivity has soared.  You feel like a gazelle flying through the Sahara.  Nothing is stopping you now.  At least nothing YOU seem to notice.  But not so fast speed racer. 

Let’s face it.  Work clothes are annoying.  They’re expensive, and they put many of us in a bad mood even before we put them on.  But I think we can acknowledge that, when worn correctly, they make a good employee look really good.  A serious employee look seriously driven.  An all-talk employee look, well, believable.  Basically, work clothes make a worker look legit.  Put someone like that next to the t-shirt and jeans guy and let the stereotype answer the question for you – Mr. Suit-and-Tie surely has to be the other guy’s boss, right?  Not necessarily.  But you must realize, perception is everything.  And whether you like it or not, a HUGE part of one’s upward movement in a company, no matter the size, industry, or location, is based largely on the element of perception.  Perception of your work ethic, your accessibility to others, your willingness to help, and, wait for it, your appearance.  And guess which one is recognized by most people first?  Ding, ding, ding!  First impressions are everything, right?  This still holds true in an “office casual” setting, yet this logic often gets thrown out the window with the dry cleaning bag full of no-longer-needed white collar shirts. 

So let me introduce you to a concept I like to call, “polished casual.”  This is my inspiration, my passion, my main purpose behind creating Suits & Sneaks.  You can dress as casually as you want, exactly to your personality, and still look driven, passionate, and promotable.  So, some tips:

  1. Rock the Suits and Sneaks look (obviously):  I’m not even kidding, blazers are the godsend to the office casual phenomenon.  And yes, I know they can get hot, but listen here, if I can sport this attire in Tampa, Florida’s 100 degree, 98% humidity months, then y’all can too.  The look here is to be yourself, with an added layer of professionalism (blazer), offset with an added layer of hip (sneaks).  Contrary to the full business professional attire, you’ll rock the same fashionable look while appearing as if you didn’t even try.  [suddenly singing Beyonce’s “I woke up like this” song…]  I can’t even tell you how many times people have stopped me and said, “I love the Chucks,” or, “You’re rockin’ that outfit, nicely done!”  So find a few good fitted blazers or jackets, pair with some hip, casual sneakers, then get ready to rock. 

  2. Wear the right balance of fit vs. comfort:  Obviously fitted clothes will always look better than baggier clothes.  But, you can totally mix both!  Gentlemen – Wear that comfy t-shirt with an added sport coat on top.  Add fitted jeans, and finish off with some spankin’ new casual kicks.  I can’t speak for all women, but for those who share my style, gentlemen - you will look HOT (again, that Beyonce song is in my head).  Ladies – there are some awesome linen pant styles out now that finish off fitted at the ankles.  Tuck a loose fitting shirt into these, add a scarf, pull your hair back, finish off with fashionista sunglasses, and voila! You’re totally comfortable, yet look like you stepped right out of a Pinterest board.  Which leads me to my next tip...

  3. Accessorize!  Guys and girls both.  Guys – you can do this by rocking all different watches, belts, ties, and shoes.  Girls – Scarves are the easiest, most manageable, versatile, cost effective accessory you could buy.  Check out some of our favorites on our Shop page.  Accessories will instantly dress up your I-rolled-out-of-bed-and-threw-on-what-I-had look. 

  4. Carry a trendy laptop bag.  This is getting easier as more purse-laptop bag hybrid styles are hitting the market.  Buy a few different colors so you can swap them out with your outfits then get ready to rock your new arm candy.  See some of the styles we picked out on our Shop page.

  5. Look crisp.  This is all about ensuring you look polished in your comfy clothes.  So give them a good starch and iron before wearing them.  Don’t come to work in wrinkly, casual clothes.  That is when you look like you don’t care.

And finally, be yourself!  Dress to your personality.  Make your base truly reflective of you and use some of the above tips to simply polish off your look.  Then, go into work feeling fabulous in your body, because your outer shell better reflects the inner you.  And to have a feeling as fabulous as that during your 9 to 5 workday is truly rewarding.

So you get the concept but need some inspiration ideas?  You came to the right site my friends, because this is what I love to do.  Follow Suits & Sneaks on social media and check out new outfit inspirations weekly!  Want to contribute your inspirations to Suits & Sneaks?  Go ahead and tag us on social media or submit your best kicks here

Subscribe here for weekly fashion ideas delivered right to you.

 

The Most Flattering Piece of Clothing You Should Wear Today

While the name “Suits and Sneaks” speaks for itself, I wanted to take a quick moment and share with you why the “Suits” part is so key to your polished causal wardrobe.  Guys and girls, read on for the top four things simply wearing a jacket can do for you.

1.       You can wear whatever style you want underneath.

I love when I see professional on the outside and then something so stylish, trendy, or heck, even downright funny underneath it.  It shows the world that you can be professional and have a totally kick-ass personality shining through at the same time. 

2.       It shapes you where it counts.

How a blazer slims figures

Ladies, the blazer tucks you in on both the waist and chest lines so you can walk into work with clean edges.  Guys, if you’re looking for size, the jacket gives you the broad shoulders and chest you’ve been working towards (with no extra reps needed).  And just as the ladies benefit, it also polishes off your waist line by hiding that little bit of extra you might be carrying.

3.       It hides wrinkly or sloppy shirts.

Photo credit: stylemeblue.wordpress.com

Photo credit: stylemeblue.wordpress.com

Even if your shirts are perfectly pressed in the morning, they’re going to soften up and wrinkle as the day goes on.  The jacket however, being the heavier material it is, will stand strong for you, keeping you crisp looking and sharp for the entire day. 

4.       It shows you care.

Throwing a nice, fitted jacket on top of your outfit is the easiest way to one-up your level of professionalism without actually having to do any extra work.  It gives you an added layer of clout, of stature, and it simply polishes you off.

Suits & Sneaks' Kristin Leigh

Suits & Sneaks' Kristin Leigh

So hold up your jacket my friends, give it a great big smile and say, “Jacket, you complete me.”  Because that’s exactly the look it’s giving you, one of polished completion.  Be sure to check out some of my favorite styles I picked out below.  And of course, follow @suits.and.sneaks on Instagram for your dose of daily Suits & Sneaks fashion posts.

Jackets for the Gals:

Jackets for the Guys:

Sending You Chooka & Cheer

Suits & Sneaks recognizes that sometimes the weather could be a little better, and when moments like that strike, one must save the sneaker from the elements and don the next best thing: The Chooka Boot.

Suits & Sneaks Chooka & Cheer

To start, the brand name itself is just adorable.  But you really haven't seen adorable yet until you've browsed through their collection.  It's large, and it's versatile.  So we took it upon ourselves to pick out our favorites and share them with you here.

For the Trendsetter Who Screams "Look at My Baby Blues" :

For the Timeless Designer Who Loves a Gray Slate:

For the Plaid Lover:

The Horse Rider:

And For the Love of Dots & Designs:

These are the easiest gifts for any girl on your list.  May you send her Chooka & Cheer!

~Kristin, Suits & Sneaks

Orange & Gray: How Cole Haan Kicked Us Into a Color Obsession

Ode to Cole Haan and their attention to detail.  Who would've thought the little orange tag affixed to their Grand Ox lace-up shoe would send Suits & Sneaks into a serious color obsession? 

suits and sneaks cole haan

Not that Kristin's downtown condo wasn't already decked out in orange and gray... 

condo orange and gray
condo orange and gray furniture

...But let's just say this got her really excited.

For starters, this lace-up shoe is so versatile, it can be worn just about anywhere.  To work, to shop, to school, to teach school, to fun gatherings, to...ok you get the point.  To anywhere.  Second, it is SO light and so comfortable.  We dare you to just stop what you're doing and see how high you can jump in them.  And third, the orange accent makes it so fun to pair with other pieces.  And you can do so in such a way it looks like you didn't even try.  Actually, you don't even have to try, it's as simple as this picture below.

suits and sneaks gray and orange outfit

We pulled some of our favorite gray and orange accessories and included here.  The shoes are marked down from $150 and the scarves are, well, just flipping adorable.

Way more to come with this color scheme and shoe so be sure to like Suits & Sneaks on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!

Suits & Sneaks Goes Two Ways With the H&M Slit Skirt

This just might be one of our favorite fashion features yet.  This slit skirt can be glammed up or dressed down, and both with you in your sneaks!

Suits & Sneaks H&M Slit Skirt Dress Up
Suits & Sneaks H&M Slit Skirt Dress Down

Classy Elegant:

We absolutely love the color of this H&M button-down blouse tucked into their navy blue slit skirt.  Both fabrics are super light, super chic, and super comfy.  Crank the glam factor up a notch with this pink and gold studded clutch held in your fancy Lagos-blinged hand.  Want a true kicker?  Grab these pink and navy Pumas for a match made in heaven. 

Suits & Sneaks Classy Elegant

Classy Casual:

Winter is around the corner and we're just going to say it - the only things missing from this look are snowflakes.  Here is a classy casual, comfortable, yet oh-so-adorable everyday take on this H&M skirt.  We were fortunate enough to snag this simple, light-blue fitted tee for just $5 during an H&M sale, and we found the deal of a lifetime with this beautiful H&M scarf.  Which kick did we pick to finish it off?  Our vote goes to Toms for total comfort.

Suits & Sneaks H&M Slit Skirt Polished Casual

Shop similar styles below!

Suits & Sneaks Outfit Calculation: The Monday Morning Meeting

Your alarm is blaring.  You don't want to move.  Yet, you can't hit snooze to fall back asleep because the anxiety of your morning meetings is taking over your head.  Yippee, it's Monday!  And the last thing you want to do is starch, iron, and put on heels.  Here, we've calculated a non-iron, super comfortable, no-heel, yet chic, professional look to get you through your day.

Step 1: The blazer.

Suits and Sneaks Blazer

Suits and Sneaks Blazer

Go to your gray, fitted blazer and wear it over a chic, pretty, non-iron, high-neck, lace shirt. Got professional appeal? Check.

Step 2: Dark skinnies. Gray oxfords.

Suits and Sneaks Polished Casual Outfit

Suits and Sneaks Polished Casual Outfit

Dark, fitted jeans and these Cole Haan Oxfords make it easy to get dressed.  Got comfort? Check.

Step 3: Glam up.

Suits and Sneaks Polished Casual Accessories

Suits and Sneaks Polished Casual Accessories

Gosh we love this part.  Add a little bling for that final touch.  Got the Polished Casual look?  Check.

Now go make it a great day!

Suits & Sneaks: Be Comfortable. Look Polished.

Good morning, it's Monday!  Chances are you enjoyed a few too many football games over the weekend and haven't quite rehydrated yet.  And on that note, we bet the LAST thing you feel like doing is sitting at your desk in an uncomfortable, starched button down.  Or tight-waist pants.  Or cute but painfully, unbearable heels.  Don't worry, we get it, and we got your back.  So, here are two simple outfit ideas to get you guys and gals through your Monday.  Enjoy!

Suits & Sneaks Girls Polished Casual Monday Outfit

Suits & Sneaks Girls Polished Casual Monday Outfit

Suits & Sneaks Guy: Feel Comfortable. Look Polished.

Suits & Sneaks Guy: Feel Comfortable. Look Polished.

Suits & Sneaks: We Are Live!

Hello friends and welcome to Suits & Sneaks!  Here, we're all about being modern, casual, and straight up simple in an otherwise complex working world.  So here are four things to know about our site so you get the best experience:

  1. First, be sure to check out our About page to learn how we were founded. 
  2. Next, subscribe to our blog where each week we'll post an article on career-related advice and an article on polished casual fashion. 
  3. Third, make sure you follow us on social media so you can be in touch with the entire Suits & Sneaks community! 
  4. Enjoy our site!  Leave comments, share with your friends, AND send us what you got!  Love to write?  Have some killer outfits?  Submit them on our Contact page and we just might be featuring you! 

Doin' it for kicks,

Kristin Leigh, Suits & Sneaks Founder

Suits & Sneaks Advertisement - Polished casual fashion

SUITS & SNEAKS SHOPPER ALERT: Keep the Look of Nautical Summers Alive

Shop This Look

The Season for Red, White, and Blue

Never Ends.

It is seriously impossible for us to get tired of the red, white, and blue combo no matter what season it is!  So prepare yourself to see more patriotic happiness from Suits & Sneaks throughout these upcoming fall and winter months.  There's just something about this combo that no matter when you wear it, you instantly look clean, fun, preppy, and put-together.  And what better Sneak to get you there than Sperry's Top-Sider Pier View?  With the totally unique lace style of these shoes - be prepared to get a ton of compliments.  Grab them now and don't forget to show us your kicks. 

Anchors away!