How to Rock High Top Sneakers like a Pro

There is one thing we can say about our collection of shoes for men and women: The Stockist will never be accused of not being a fan of Converse high top sneakers. We love them. We are especially fond of Converse Chucks and their retro 70s styling. 

Converse high tops were all the rage in the 1970s and early 80s. Basketball players wouldn’t be caught in anything else, and your average consumer thought they were pretty cool too. We don’t know why they ever went out of style. Thankfully, some of us are keeping high tops alive.

If you are looking for suggestions for how you can rock a pair of high top sneakers like a pro, we are here to help. Check out our top tips for high top mastery:

Keep the Colors Neutral

High top sneakers are, by design, more subtle in their use of color. You are not going to find extremely bright colors from Converse or another brand. So don’t wash out the muted tones of your shoes by wearing extremely bright colors everywhere else. You don’t want your high tops to stand out, but you also don’t want them lost in a sea of color above the ankles.

Neutral Color High Top Sneakers
CONVERSE CHUCK 70 HI: NOMAD KHAKI $85.00

Show a Little Skin

A great way to make sure your high tops get the attention they deserve is to show a little skin above the ankles. Nothing drastic here, just a bit of the calf exposed. Some shorter slacks are good choice for women, as are knee-length dresses and longer skirts that fall mid-calf. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of options here for the guys. Not to worry, though. You can cuff your jeans a little higher and let the sneakers speak for themselves.

Go for the Teen Look

If you are in your early 30s or older, you can rock high top sneakers like pro by going for the teen look. Throw on a pair of skinny jeans and, if you’re a guy, a tight T-shirt with a denim jacket. A little bit of 5 o’clock shadow reminds people that you really aren’t that young, you just feel that young.

Ladies, pairing high tops with a pair of cropped jeans and a flirtatious top is the way to go. Go light on the makeup and keep the hair simple and straightforward. High tops will perfectly accentuate the look without drawing too much attention.

High Top Sneakers for Teens
CONVERSE CHUCK 70 HI WHITE/BLACK/DESSERT ORE $90.00

Go Full-On Athletic

Both men and women can rock high top sneakers by going full-on athletic. Wear your high tops with a good pair of sweatpants and either a sweatshirt, tank top, or tee. For the best effect, wear something light and neutral on the top with a dark, contrasting bottom. The idea is to direct the gaze gradually downward until your high tops get noticed.

5. The Perceived Big High Top No-No

Let’s close this post with something that used to be considered a big no-no for high top sneakers. Back in the day, wearing them with a full-length denim dress was considered a fashion faux pas. There were those that insisted it didn’t ‘work’. In fact, they said high top sneakers were inappropriate for any full-length skirt.

Well guess what, we say if you want to wear high tops with a full-length dress, go for it. Who’s to say what constitutes a fashion faux pas anyway? Make your own fashion; be that free spirit that doesn’t conform to conventions and norms.

Now you know how to rock high tops like a pro. If you’re looking for a new pair, stop by our Salt Lake City boutique and check out our full line of Converse Chucks.