Coat: Zara (similar here) | Denim: L’Agence | Sneakers: Axel Arigato | Stroller: Cybex Global x Karolina Kurkova | White Button Down: Sanctuary | Sunglasses: Celine | Bag: Vintage Chanel via Shopbop | On Nate: All Zara (old)
It took me a little bit to come to terms that sneakers can easily equal a stylish outfit. I’ve always been such a heels girl, but the reality is, that’s not as realistic with a small child or children. Sure, there are exceptions, but in most cases, sneakers or flats win. Admittedly, as I’ve mentioned in the past, I’ve been having a lot of fun challenging myself by putting these types of looks together. Styling an outfit around a pair of pumps comes very naturally to me, but a sneakers outfit is a wee bit out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned, just with any styling, that proportions are key. If weather allows, I prefer to have a little bit of ankle showing. Overall, I think it’s just a flattering look and helps to balance everything out.
Styling Sneakers: Three Easy (Mom) Outfits
The mostly red outfit above is loud, but occasionally, I want to step outside of my neutral zone.
I love a monochromatic look and I find it the easiest to look like a ton of effort went into looking like “a cool mom,” or just into looking stylish, but it’s actually one of the easiest things to put together. All red is just one example, but I love pairing one color both on top and bottom. The all red look I wore around the holidays is another example, but in that case, I really went for it, wearing read from head to toe, literally.
Coat: Tahari | Sweater: Vince | Denim: Rag & Bone | Sneakers: Axel Arigato | On Nate: All Zara, Sneakers: Baby Airmax (older style)
For those who’ve been reading my blog for a few years, will probably remember this Tahari coat.
This coat was my most clicked on/sold item in my blog history! Years later, it still hangs in my closet and I remembered why I loved it so much. I’m wearing it with one of my recent denim purchases, these Rag & Bone flares. I’ve found cropped and flared denim to be hit or miss, but this pair happens to be such a good one. They’re nice and high waisted and I love how they look with sneakers and heels. 
Coat: Theory (similar here) | Tee: Isabel Marant | Denim: Levis | Sneakers: Axel Arigato
I really don’t think it gets much easier than jeans and a tee.
To top it off, a boyfriend style camel coat gives the look an effortless feel. I own several camel coats (here’s my longer one that I always wear), but this one is ideal to wear with sneakers. It’s shorter, so the proportions feel nice and balanced. On occasion, I will wear my longer one in a more casual way, but I do prefer the look of that with some added height from heels.
So, which look of the three if your favorite?
19 comments
Yael @ Nosherium
I love love love these looks. I can’t wear heels due to foot pain, so I’m usually in sneakers. Stylish and comfy! I also like your posing here, a lot of the time people stand on their tip-toes for photos when they are in flats – it’s one of my pet peeves. You look ready to head out for a day of fun with your cute kiddo.
March 11, 2019Samantha
I came here to say the same thing. I can never tell what an outfit in flats/sneakers really looks like because everyone posts photos of them on their tip toes or mid-strut! Never a pic with both feet firmly on the ground 🙂 These are wonderful Helena!
March 13, 2019Joanna
I can only wear flats so it was so nice to see you wearing sneakers in the above snaps. I’d love it if you styled more flats going forward. And, like the others said, thank you for keeping it real!
March 13, 2019Roses for Fridays | by mia
You have got to be one of the chicest and mode Mom on the black of NYC. Love ♥️your looks and style as always!
🌸🍃ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🌸🍃| by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
March 11, 2019Jae
You’re such a cool chic mom! Love your casual looks! Those Rag & Bone jeans look great on you! Love the wash!
March 11, 2019Jae
http://www.editedbyjae.com
Fashion and Frappes
Not a mom but still love these looks! They look great. I love the coat and trousers combo – clever and easy way to get a coordinated look.
March 11, 2019Francine
Look #1 is my fave.
I own running shoes and ONE pair of Converse sneakers. That’s it. I just can’t. However, with three kids and a round robin of Saturday soccer games, sneakers are a must. I wear mine with ankle baring denim as well. (Flats or sneakers with cropped flares evoke a Gilligan’s Island vibe, so heels only for me. And I cannot do a mom jean. I deserve better than crushing my organs and my tushie with 100% rigid denim.) 🙂
March 11, 2019Helena
ahh and I love the Gilligans Island vibe – haha! but totally get it!
March 11, 2019Yaz
Way too old for a stroller!
March 11, 2019Helena
Nope. Definitely not too old! There is no way we’d be able to walk around with an-almost-three-year-old in the city, by foot alone.
March 11, 2019Francine
Thumbs up for the stroller! 3 is NOT too old!
One of the BEST pieces of advice my mom gave me when I had my first son was something like this, “Keep him in the stroller for as long as you can. One he gets a taste of freedom, forget it, you’ll never get him back in!” Made my life SO much easier. And, no, his growth was not stunted, his social skills did not wither and his confidence did not suffer.
He is 14 now, and if I could get him off his phone and into a stroller for one-on-one time, order me an extra large BOB.
March 12, 2019Ugh
Yes, exactly my thoughts.
March 23, 2019Way waaay too old.
Mireia
White sneakers are a must!
Mireia from TGL
March 12, 2019https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Sel
I also love heels. But when I have to do a lot of walking around the city, a stylish pair of sneakers are my go to footwear (paired with skinny jeans). Unlike you, however, I cannot wear cropped denim – I do not have your long legs. I have height, I am 5’8. But my torso is longer than my lower half and wearing cropped denim makes my torso look even longer.
March 12, 2019Gary Melican
Outfit #1 is my personal fave.
Amazing mix of cool and chic.
Cheers,
March 13, 2019Gary | https://trendfriend.io
fatou
This is amazing
March 13, 2019xx
http://closettostreet.com/2019/03/04/current-skin-care-favorites-march-2019/
vanessa
Oh I love the all red look
https://vanessaciliberto.com/
March 14, 2019https://vanessaciliberto.com/
Tap Next Studios
Ohh i love everything I love the coat & trousers combo – clever and easy way to get a coordinated style and look.
March 20, 2019Brick carting perth
Sneakers are much comfier and more practical than a lot of other shoes, especially when you’re running around after young children
May 28, 2019