
Guide
Trench coat: how to style the fashion classic
by Vanessa Kim
There are design classics that never go out of fashion and are therefore an investment for life. I'm introducing them to you in a multi-part series. This time: the Chuck Taylor All Star from Converse.
Quality instead of quantity! If everyone adhered to this fashion credo, it would not only be better for the wallet, but also for the environment. Admittedly, it's tempting to buy several cheap items of clothing and accessories from a budget chain for little money. However, quality pays off in the long term - especially with timeless pieces that don't have a fashionable expiry date. Find out what these are and how to style them in this series. The second part is all about the "Chuck Taylor All Star", one of the world's best-selling sneakers.
The trendy trainers are not only versatile in terms of dress code, but are also available in many different styles. The more classic the colour, the easier it is to combine with your wardrobe. That's why I recommend a model in black, white or cream. However, if you often wear jeans, dark blue is a good alternative.
Winter shoes and wellies are the last things I think of when I think of this brand. But its founder, Marquis Converse, actually started it all - in the "Converse Rubber Shoe Company", which opened in 1908. Almost ten years later, Marquis launched the basketball-inspired "All Star" canvas trainers. Its features are the striking and robust sole and the rubber cap on the toes.
Because basketball player Charles "Chuck" Taylor wore the All Star on the court, the sneaker soon became popular. In 1923, the shoe was given a round patch and logo and has been called the Chuck Taylor All Star ever since - or Chuck for short.
In the decades that followed, the shoe not only made sports history, but was also celebrated by musicians such as Mick Jagger and Kurt Cobain. And fashion houses such as Dior and Comme des Garçons reinterpreted the sneaker in their collections. The shoe always seems to be in tune with the times and is loved by nerds and models alike.
Jeans always work. However, as the combination with denim is also the most uninspiring, I advise you - at least from time to time - to do without a run-of-the-mill jumper. Maria Chervotkina opts for high-waisted trousers and a wide turtleneck jumper. The Russian influencer's deliberately unintentional look is convincing because it is wonderfully unpretentious. The I-have-no-time-for-styling hairstyle emphasises the whole thing.
Wide culottes are also an eye-catcher with the kicks. The Spanish María Valdés pairs her white chucks with a "culottes" of the same colour. She wears a powder-coloured jumper and a matching handbag to match.
Whoever claims that a jeans and sneakers combo is necessarily sporty is very much mistaken. Content creator Felicia Akerstrom proves the opposite on Instagram. The Swede combines the trendy shoe with light-coloured flared jeans and a dark winter coat. The casually elegant outfit is my personal favourite.
White blouses are also a guarantee for classy-looking outfits. The Dutch Anouk Yve wears a shirt and black skinny jeans to match her cream-coloured chucks. The blogger adds the finishing touch with a gold bangle.
At any price and still invest in a classic? That's also possible. The Chuck Taylor All Star is always coming onto the market in a new limited edition. In addition to various colours and patterns, it is also available in different material compositions such as leather or Teddy. With a special model, you can kill two birds with one stone.
Alternatively, you can wear the kicks not only with trousers, but also with a skirt or dress for a change. Caution: The high version of the shoe visually compresses your legs. You can avoid this problem by opting for a midi or maxi length dress.
Do you have a better styling tip? Let me know in the comments. Click here to go to the Converse range.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.