Return of the plimsoll

Conjuring up the days when you forged a sick note to escape the rigour of PE, plimsolls formed the epitome of your games kit.

The squeaky-clean canvas and geeky shaped round toe obliterated any individuality and succeeded in cloning the whole class as uniform impeccably manages to do. But now, plimsolls are rearing their (round-toed) head all over the high street so it’s time to indulge in a little geek chic.

Before this return of the plimsoll, sports companies had picked up on the drab reputation of trainers, gleaning a marketing gem from adolescent desperation to be “cool.” Trainers merged into the fashion industry through cutting edge design and a constant supply of creative looks. Sports brand giants manipulated the young generation, torturing every mother whose child feared becoming the laughing stock of the playground if she couldn’t afford to surrender to the latest £100 faddy design. However, trainers remained very much sport-orientated, leaving a gap in the market for trainers with more feminine appeal and a fashion edge. It was this void that was filled by Sketchers. A unique combination of athletic prowess and girlish embellishment saw Sketchers rise to a level of success proportionate to the recognised sports brands.

Trainers no longer bear the stigma of sports functionality, the scarily pristine white exterior whilst emblazoned with various brand promotions have upped their fashion credibility.

£15 from Urban Outfitters

While you sported your trainers with pride in your youth, the dilemma arises as to how to wear them now. Without a matching Adidas tracksuit in your wardrobe, it can prove perplexing. At the forefront of my mind regarding trainers is Lily Allen. A vintage dress has never looked so out of place than with a rugged pair of sneakers. The juxtaposition of Lily’s dainty frocks and robust trainers accentuates each garment making her a prime example of someone who manifests trainers at the core of the outfit. They become a statement instead of a practical necessity. There is no right and wrong way to wear plimsolls, although never, ever consider a pair of those awful roller-bottomed trainers that children are running pedestrians over with at the moment. How you embrace plimsolls into your wardrobe depends upon your own personal style. They look equally fitting with skinny jeans as an elegant summer dress.

£34.99 from any Converse stockist

Fashion has always been partial to a bit of retro and plimsolls scream old school. Converse trainers lead the way in the style stakes, remarkably despite their long existence they never appear to age. In fact, age enhances their appearance and a beaten up pair of Converse can be found in any good vintage shop. Many retailers seek to emulate the Converse shoe but there is nothing quite like the timeless classic of Converse’s style.

£15 from Topshop

If you still can’t bear the thought of abandoning the comfort and chic of your ballerina flats, consider plimsolls as a stylish option on lazy days when ballerina pumps simply cant accommodate your comfy jogging pants. It’s time to erase your gruelling school day, plimsoll-wearing memories from your mind and welcome the prosperity of plimsolls into your wardrobe today.