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Should you wear sneakers to work?

Sneakers are the talk of the town and we don't wonder why! It's safe to say the fashion industry has swapped their stilettos for sneakers. With their arch support, comfort factor, and fashion statement, sneakers have low-key transformed their way from an athletic shoe to an everyday wardrobe staple. However, wearing kicks to work is still considered a sensitive topic. Keeping corporates dress codes aside, I personally believe it's officially acceptable to wear sneakers to work (if you style them right). The first thing to think about is your work environment. Creative workspaces will allow for anything that make a statement, while a corporate environment may not tolerate anything beyond a classic style.
Now, here's the trick. The best way to make trainers work for a more corporate work environment is to play with the materials. Sneakers made out of canvas to knit are less likely to make you look serious, so if you're battling your way to wearing sneakers in the office, the safe way is to start out with leather or suede-looking sneakers. Leather and suede easily make a statement with their texture, but at the same time manage to keep them sharp and crisp. Block colours like white or black help the outfit look more relaxed, but polished. Statement colours like metallics are an excellent fashion statement, especially when worn with a slouchy suit, straight up defining smart-casual. Whether you pair your minimalistic kicks with a tailored suit or go all-out metallics with an all-monochrome look, you're ready to get away with any unsavoury run-ins with HR.
- Mariam Shaikh is a modest fashion influencer. Follow her on Instagram: @mariamshkh and Twitter: @mariamshkh. Website: www.mariaanour.com
 
Looking like you have returned from a fun workout with neon sneakers is a bit too on the nose. "Casuals or formals - anything, as long as you get the work done," said my manager during my first briefing at work. But not all fields of work are open to such changes. People working in banks or finance and business consulting firms are still expected to wear hard bottom shoes for their 9-5 duties. In these industries, the way an employee is 'dressed' defines his or her personality and position. Imagine walking into your bank and finding the manager dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, Bermuda shorts, and sneakers; I would be out in 10 seconds.
That said, several jobs are now shifting to a 'no-dress-code' environment. With no limitations placed on footwear options, sneakers are becoming an everyday option. Sneakers at work act as a gateway for expression, creativity, and even friendships. They symbolise youth and make the company more attractive to millennial employees who are known to bring in fresh and innovative ideas. Case in point, the "hoodie and sneaker" generation at Google.
The basic rule is to keep them clean and simple. Bright colours and patterns with excessive nylon or stretchy materials are a no-no. The plain-coloured leather or suede sneaker, and Prada, Gucci or Vans sneakers can be worn in some offices while symbolising status. Wearing sneakers at work largely depends on the industry and the environment. One should dress-up and pair-up footwear in a way that makes them feel confident and self-empowered. Workplaces vary, individual styles vary; but keep in mind the kind of sneakers you choose to wear.
- Mavina Khemani is a market researcher/fashion blogger. Follow her on Facebook: mavina khemani and Snapchat: @Mavikhemani