How To Wear Retro Sneakers: 7 Style Secrets For A Chic Look

They say that what goes around comes around. That is so true when it comes to sneakers these days. There are so many retro sneakers out there. Who else remembers wearing some of these the first time around?

Now they are back in a slightly different way. So whether you wore some of the current “it” sneakers the first time around or not it is time to have some fun retro sneakers in your closet. No matter our age or size it is fun to be the “cool kid”.

Before we dive into how to look great in retro sneakers here are a few other posts you might want to check out.

• Ponte Knit Pants: The Versatile Wardrobe Staple You Will Love Wearing
• How Should A Blazer Fit? Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Fit When Petite
• Best Jeans Styles For Petites: How To Make Your Legs Look Longer

This post may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link or picture and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you), so thank you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support.

Why Wear Retro Sneakers?

A little nostalgia is always fun so why not enjoy it with retro sneakers? Brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Reebok have brought back their iconic designs from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. The first time that we wore many of these we were much younger, dressed very differently, and had a completely different lifestyle.

I don’t know about you, but I love that they are functional and comfortable. In today’s world retro sneakers are so versatile. You can pair them with everything from a casual jeans-and-tee combo to dresses, skirts, and trousers. Some women can even pull off tailored suiting pieces with retro sneakers. However, when you are petite you have to figure out the right way to wear them so that they don’t overwhelm your frame.

I was determined to embrace wearing retro sneakers like a “cool girl” in my 50s. It took some trial and error. Trying different shoes to find the ones I felt looked good on my size 5 foot, and then trying on different looks to finally feel comfortable and confident. Hopefully, these tips will help you feel comfortable doing the same.

Style Tips To Look Chic and Modern

Tip #1: It’s All About Proportion

Proportion is key when you are petite. I use that word so often and it plays a big role in retro sneaker outfits. Retro sneakers, by design, have a bulkier look to them. So keep that in mind when you are looking for them. I recommend looking for a more streamlined look like the Adidas Gazelle or New Balance 327.

There are two ways that you can easily balance proportion.

• Streamlined Bottoms: You will want to go for fitted bottoms like skinny jeans, slim-fit pants, or leggings. This will create a sleek long line for your legs.
• High-Waisted Everything: High-waisted jeans, shorts, or skirts are a petite girl’s BFF for making our legs look longer.

Outfit Inspiration: Pair light wash high-waisted straight leg jeans with a graphic tee, a cropped jacket, and Nike Cortez sneakers. This will be a sleek yet retro inspired casual look.

Tip #2: Add A Little Height with Platforms or Lifted Soles

The good news is that some of the retro sneakers come with thicker soles. A petite woman’s dream. Platform sneakers or sneakers with almost a small wedge heel like the Veronica Beard Valentina.

Platform sneakers work for a couple of reasons:

• Elongations Effect: You got it. They create the illusion of longer legs becuase they add a bit of height. This makes your overal frame appear more proportioned.
• Casual Meets Chic: Platform retro sneakers offer a relaxed, sporty vibe. Bonus is you look a little taller too.

Outfit Inspiration: Platform sneakers are great with midi skirts and a sweater in the fall. Think about creating a column of color or light to dark to help you appear taller. Light-colored sneakers are fine since they will blend with your skin.

Tip #3: Choose Monochrome or Neutral Colors

Shoe color plays a huge role in creating length and balance for petites. Retro sneakers come in so many fun, bold colors. However, if you want to keep a streamlined look, you will want to keep it monochromatic or neutral. There are so many white, black, beige, or soft pastel options that will create a cleaner line that doesn’t break up the look of your legs.

Why this tip works:

• Visual Continuity: Monochrome sneakers in shades that match your bottoms. Think black sneakers with black leggings or skinny leg pants. Dressing in “columns of color” or lighter on top to darker on bottom always works for petites to visually look taller.
• Less Visual Disruption: Bold color shoes can draw attention away from your outfit. They can also make you look shorter. Keeping it neutral helps to maintain focus.

Tip #4: Tuck It In or Go cropped

I am a fan of tucking the top. If you don’t like to do a full tuck you can play around and do a half tuck or go with a cropped or shorter top. If you leave a longer top untucked with retro sneakers your torso can appear longer, but your legs shorter. We want to reverse this with this type of look. The illusion of longer legs is what we are trying to achieve.

How To Style Your Tops:

• Cropped Tops: Many cropped tops hit petites at the waist. This will help define your figure and balance the look of retro sneakers. Think cropped sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and blouses.
• Tucked-In Tops: This is one thing that will define the waistline and make your legs appear longer instantly. This applies to button-down shirts, t-shirts, and even sweaters.

Outfit Inspiration:

Tip #5: Pair Them With Dresses And Skirts

Retro sneakers can look great with dresses and skirts. The key is to pick the right dress length and silhouette. Yes, you can do midi skirts and dresses, but you need to look for a few design details to make sure that they still elongate your legs. Dresses that hit at or above the knee are the easiest for making sure that you legs appear longer.

Dresses and Skirt details:

• Midi Skirts: Look for a midi skirt that has a high slit or an asymmetical hem. This add movement and elongates at the same time. This applies not just to retro sneakers, but any time you want to wear midi skirts as a petite.
• Mini Dresses or Skirts: Dresses that hit just above the knee help to create a longer leg line when you are wearing retro sneakers. Adding sneakers to a dress creates a casual vibe that is cute and chic no matter your age. This is a great look for when you are traveling and want to look put together when you are out sightseeing.

Tip #6: The Right Sock Choice

The sock debacle. Socks are a thing right now, but you need to do you when it comes to socks. Plus, this is trickier when you are short. The wrong socks can break up your leg line which is not the goal here.

Socks Options:

• No-Show Socks: I am a huge fan of these no-show socks. They fit my small feet and don’t slip off of my heels. Are available in various thicknesses and fabrics. No-show socks create a seamless look with your sneakers.
• Ankle Socks with High-Tops: If you are rocking your favorite high-tops then ankle socks in a color that complement your sneaker is the best option.

Tip #7: Mix Retro and Modern

The goal is to keep things fresh, not frumpy around here at SASforShort. That means we need to mix more modern pieces with our retro sneakers. So let’s mix things up a bit.

How To Mix and Match:

• Tailored Pieces: Pair your sneakers with tailored items like a fitted blazer or high-waisted trousers. This mix of sleek and casual keeps your outfit looing modern and fresh. It may feel a bit off the first time you try it, but once you get used to it you will wear it on repeat.
• Modern Fabrics and Prints: Pull out your faux leather, animal prints, geometric prints to wear with your retro sneakers. It will not only add an unexpected twist to your outfit, but it will keep you and your outfits from feeling “dated”.

Thanks, Let’s Keep In Touch

Thanks so much for stopping by. A pair of retro sneakers should be in every petite woman’s wardrobe. They are comfortable, can easily add a little height, and you can wear them with so many looks. You just have to experiment to find the look that is right for you. I hope these tips inspired you to wear this trend with confidence and style. Let me know your favorite way to style them in the comments below. I would love to hear how you wear them!

If you enjoyed this post, you can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow me there. I also have a newsletter that I send out every Wednesday and Sunday morning. In it, I share things that I don’t share on other platforms. I hope you will sign up by clicking here.