Sexy LBD with cool sneakers? Formals with funky sneakers? Yes please

Whoever told you that a blazer should only be worn with brogues, and a sexy dress with sky-high heels, is wrong!

Whoever told you that a blazer should only be worn with brogues, and a sexy dress with sky-high heels, is wrong! And Bollywood’s here to prove just that.

Marrying style with comfort, a host of stars such as Anil Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Arjun Kapoor and Kalki Koechlin have been spotted pairing formal wear with sneakers for stylish public appearances, and red carpet dos.

And guess what, this sporty fusion gets a thumbs up from the fashion frat. “If people don’t get creative and take fashion risks, red carpet would become so boring. This sneakers trend gives out the message of action … there’s something lively about it,” says fashion designer Anupama Dayal. “It’s a welcome change,” says designer Anand Bhushan, adding, “Bollywood’s younger lot doesn’t shy away from breaking style rules. While in the West, Pharrell Williams, Robert Downey Jr and Kanye West, among others, are known to flaunt sneakers on the red carpet, kudos to our Bollywood stars for doing it here.”

The fashion ramp too — internationally as well as in India — has seen its share of sneakers paired with formal garments. Closer home, designers Namrata Joshipura and Anju Modi showcased this fusion. “This style is all about being free and an ‘I don’t care attitude’. Style should not be dictated by norms, and that’s what these young stars are showing,” says Modi. Designer Nikhil Mehra agrees. “Bollywood is bridging the gap between iconism and acceptism with this fun, approachable look,” he says.

Expert style tip
Not just for celebs, this fusion is for the fashion-savvy junta, too. “It’s a perfect way to add a funky vibe to your otherwise formal garment or party dress,” says Dayal. “Don’t always play safe with monochrome sneakers, experiment with pop-hued kicks, and wear it with the right attitude,” says Mehra.