adminYoliswa Dube
FOR a while, I ignored the Nike Air waffles. I just pretended like I couldn’t see them. Maybe I was genuinely disinterested. Probably it’s because I’ve never really been a sneakers kind of person anyway. Until recently, I actually never wore sneakers as a fashion accessory of any sort. I only wore them for functionality purposes.
They were either for athletics, which I only did in high school because it was compulsory until a house team and eventually a school team was chosen.
I’d wear my pink sneakers and white sports attire and make my way to the sports field just to avoid detention.
Later in life, I tried the whole gym thing, I’m still trying hard (it’s a constant struggle) — again, sneakers made their way back into my life. Another pink pair, primarily because it matches my gym clothes, it’s light and gives my ankles excellent support.
It wasn’t until I fell in love with the Converse All Star that this kind of shoe became a significant fashion accessory in my life.
Now, the waffle trend has taken the fashion scene by storm and like it or not, it’s quite hot right now!
It’s no longer just a gym or on the track kind of shoe like it was originally intended. It has become an essential fashion piece which looks really hot if worn appropriately.
It’s great because it’s a unisex shoe, like the All Star and can be worn with almost anything.
But it’ll be a little bit tricky for my female fashionistas because throwing in a pair of sneakers to your girly girl look is always a gamble.
There’s a very thin line between wearing a dress with sneakers and looking hot while at it and throwing in a skirt, sneakers combo and looking like you’re fresh from Kalanga land.
No offence but it’s just what people say, the Kalanga, for whatever reason have the worst sense of style! If you’re unsure about doing a skirt and sneakers combination, rather go in with skinny jeans or destroyed boyfriend denims. It’s always safer that way.
Wear your waffles with a pair of denims, a T-shirt or blouse or if you’re more adventurous, pair them with a blazer and skinny jeans combo. If you’re more daring, do your waffles with a short something — a pretty skirt or dress and when you do, make sure your confidence level is sky rocketing!
But for the gentlemen, just go crazy and throw in your waffles wherever you like! They come in all sorts of exciting colours and will go really well with a semi-formal look — a pair of jeans or chinos, shirt, tie and a waistcoat.
You’ll obviously have to be conscious of your colour combinations as far as the shirt, tie, waistcoat and pants are concerned and then sort of throw your waffles in there. A suit and waffles is also another exciting option.
I’ve noticed South African Idols contestants Rhema, Loyiso, Siphelele and Karabo love their waffles! A week does not go by without either one of them having worn a pair of waffles. It has become hip finishing off a suit with waffles and not be judged for it.
And then of course, they’ll be your regular day look — a pair of denims, chinos or shorts with a t-shirt and a hot pair of waffles. It’s such a refreshing summer look.
You’ll certainly put a smile of my face, effortlessly, if you’re dressed like this!
Feedback from “…Sunny days, stonewash denim”
Hey, interesting article. I agree, denim is quite the simplest thing to wear — 0772409***.
I just read the fashion article you shared on Twitter, very insightful. — Amit, India.
You’ve just earned yourself a new fan, nicely done. — +4478731224****
The only reason I buy the paper on a Saturday is so that I read your column, it’s such an easy read, keep it up girl! — Nonsi.
I’m so happy to learn new and exciting ways to dress my denim. It gets a little boring sometimes. Thanks a lot. — Tafadzwa.
It would be interesting to hear your take on what people should wear to church. I think women have a serious problem in terms of dressing up for church. — 0778196***.
- Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263738991355, send an email to [email protected] or follow me on Twitter handle @YoliswaStarr.
Online Reporter