What to Wear with Converse Sneakers

By Laura Richter , last updated May 19, 2011

Are you thinking about what to wear with Converse sneakers? Their funky, casual style is easy to match with a variety of outfits. You can choose to dress them up or use them for a vintage look. Converse makes their sneakers in styles that will intrigue fashionistas everywhere.

History of Converse Sneakers

Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star basketball sneakers are among the most famous in the world. The company first started making these shoes in 1917. Throughout the company’s history, they redesigned the sneaker; however it still bares a resemblance to the original shoe.

During the 1940s, Converse designed a boot for pilots fighting in World War II. The boots were similar to their sneakers. Lined with fur, these boots had thick rubber soles. They also created sneakers for soldiers and football players. Runners could wear Converse Racers, shoes that looked like tennis sneakers.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the company capitalized on the popularity of their sneaker boots and high top basketball sneakers. They introduced a low-cut version of their high tops. In 1974, they released their famous One Star sneaker line.

Women embraced sneakers during the 1980s. Converse responded by designing variations of their high tops, featuring colors and designs. Rock singers embraced Converse sneakers. It was not unusual to see your favorite celebrity out on the town wearing these basketball sneakers.

Converse Sneaker Styles

To get the full value of your outfits, you should first know how many variations of Converse sneakers are on the market. The company has provided fashionistas with an enormous amount of choices.

Converse Slouchy sneakers have laces on the back. Tighten these laces to pull down the back of the sneakers. Another Converse sneaker is the two fold high-tops, which feature two layers of canvas. You can fold the sides of the sneakers down while the layer underneath will stay up. The All Star Sock Rolldown has a sock connected to the basketball sneaker that rolls down, over the shoe.

Converse also offers low-top and extra high-top sneakers. Their low-tops vary according to color, material, and design. You may purchase almost any hue or printed pattern. Their extra high-top can stretch to the mid-calf and knee-length range.

Vintage Looks

When creating an outfit, women can borrow looks from different eras. Use the sneaker’s history in pop culture to put your ensembles together. You may even emulate old pictures of celebrities wearing the shoes.

The classic Chuck Taylor or One Star sneakers in monochromatic colors go with 1950s and 1960s styles. Pairing these shoes with a button-down shirt, lettered sweater and jeans exudes an All-American feeling. For a 1950s bohemian appearance, wear the sneakers with jeans and a turtleneck shirt. Artist Emile Norman and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. wore this style in the 1950s. Women and men can pull it off today.

Male and female hipsters have adopted the Converse One Star sneakers for a 1970s style. Match these shoes with corduroy pants and a sweater from the period. In order for this look to work, purchase your sneakers in a popular ‘70s hue. Sunflower, avocado, olive and pale gold were popular colors of the day.

The 1980s brought pop to the forefront. For this vintage look, pair your Converse boot sneakers with leggings and a Flashdance-style sweatshirt. If you are young or have plenty of courage, you might wear a polka-dot shirt with jeans and brightly colored Converse sneakers. In the ‘80s, women wore their Converse sneakers with leg warmers and leggings. The Sock Rolldown sneakers duplicate this effect. You can also dress your sneakers up by wearing a miniskirt and colored stockings with them.

The Grunge look took over the 1990s. Again, Converse sneakers were part of the trend. Wear your ripped jeans and flannel shirt with your Chuck Taylor high tops. You might also blend grunge with a punk appearance by wearing a leather jacket and metal choker.

Current Trends

Converse sneakers play a prominent role in current trends. Women wear hoodies, sweatshirts and jeans with their sneakers for a casual look. It is the type of outfit you might see in New York City during the weekend. They also go with leggings and skinny jeans. Some celebrities pair their sneakers with miniskirts and short dresses.

When it comes to creating an ensemble that works, pulling off Converse sneaker extra high tops can be a challenge. If you are adventurous, consider wearing them with leggings and a skirt. You might also be able to make it work with skinny jeans. The difficulty with wearing these sneaker boots is that they can easily overwhelm an outfit. The rest of your ensemble must be as visually interesting as the shoes. With a little luck and careful planning, you can create a fascinating look with these sneakers.

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