Peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, a college girl and her Starbucks: some things were just meant to be together. Some things, on the other hand, are simply better off on their own.
Jeans and sneakers: two words that, when paired together, used to give me a feeling of discomfort and second hand embarrassment. Just the thought of athletic sneakers worn with jeans haunts me with memories of soccer moms on the playground, running after their children looking “sporty” and “sensible.” Though I may hate to admit it, the tables have turned and fashionistas everywhere are now rocking sporty kicks with skinnies.
This fall, college girls are ditching their boots and flats for a more comfortable – and surprisingly adorable – alternative. Sneakers from Nike, New Balance, and Adidas offer the perfect balance to your outfit and leave you looking effortlessly chic. Not to mention, your feet will love you for choosing sneakers after a long day of walking around campus. There is no longer a need to sacrifice style for comfort.
While this look is all about individuality and ease, I leave you with a few tips to avoid making the transition to athleisure awkward:
Simplicity is Your Friend: Choosing sneakers in cottony-dull fabrics in neutral colors will allow the shoe to blend with your outfit, rather than distract. Try wearing colors like black, white, navy, and gray to allow the sneakers to naturally mesh with your outfit. Chances are, they will match almost anything you throw on. Save those neon Asics for the gym, please.
If keeping it simple isn’t really your style, I recommend one of two options: let your sneakers color coordinate with your outfit or make them your statement piece. If your sneaks have a bit of color, try pairing them with shirts, scarves, jackets or other pieces in a similar hue to help pull your outfit together and leave you looking extremely fashion forward. If you don’t have items that match the shades of your sneaks, or if you prefer to keep things simple, you can pair your brightly colored kicks with a more neutral-toned outfit to allow the shoes to really stand out.
Remember, this look is supposed to be effortless so don’t stress! Though you may feel funny the first time you leave the dorm in jeans and sneakers, no one is going to judge you and I can assure you will love the feeling of all-day comfort.
(Styles to try: Adidas Superstars, Nike Roshe, New Balance 696, Adidas by Stella McCartney)
By: Dominique Stadtman
Fashion for Philanthropy 
Well done Dominique. This is very well written and I totally agree, leave the neons for the gym.