Capsules by Caroline

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I have always had a soft spot for sneakers. Not just the practical, sensible kind you reluctantly put on because a day involves walking, but the genuinely beautiful kind: the pair that makes an outfit feel modern, effortless and slightly cooler than it did five minutes earlier.

A good sneaker is one of the hardest-working pieces in a capsule wardrobe. It can soften a feminine dress, make tailored trousers feel less serious, add comfort to a city outfit, and rescue almost any look from becoming a little too “done.” In my wardrobe, sneakers are not reserved for exercise, airports or errands. They are very much part of the outfit.

And this year, I have decided I need a beige pair.

Not want. Need. Obviously in the calm, rational, wardrobe-building sense of the word.

Click the picture to view the New Balance 9060.

Why Sneakers Belong in a Capsule Wardrobe

The entire point of a capsule wardrobe is to own pieces that work with as much of your wardrobe as possible. And few shoes are quite as cooperative as a stylish pair of neutral sneakers.

I love romantic blouses, gingham dresses, wide-leg trousers, denim and soft summer layers. A pair of sneakers works with all of them. They make a dress feel more relaxed, add a little sporty contrast to feminine pieces, and allow you to actually walk around in the outfit you so carefully assembled.

Because, lovely as delicate sandals and polished loafers are, sometimes you want to spend a whole day out without your feet filing a formal complaint.

A beige sneaker is especially appealing because it fits so naturally into a softer capsule wardrobe palette. Cream, white, denim, olive green, chocolate brown, linen, gingham: beige quietly gets along with everyone. It does not shout for attention, but it makes everything look pleasingly pulled together.

My Sneaker Loyalty: Adidas and New Balance

I have always been drawn to both Adidas and New Balance. Adidas has that classic, effortless quality that looks good with practically anything, especially simple dresses, jeans and more minimal outfits. A good pair of Adidas sneakers has an easy, timeless feel that never seems to become irrelevant.

But New Balance has been tempting me more and more lately. Their sneakers have a slightly chunkier, more fashion-forward look, while still feeling wearable and practical. They add more shape to an outfit, which I especially like when styling floaty dresses, loose trousers or softer pieces that benefit from a little contrast.

There is something about pairing a pretty summer dress with a slightly substantial sneaker that makes the whole look feel more interesting. Less “I dressed for a garden party,” more “I may go to a garden party, but I also have places to be.”

This year, the sneaker I cannot stop thinking about is the New Balance 9060 in beige.

The 9060 has that chunky, sculptural sole and layered suede-and-mesh design that makes it feel more special than a plain everyday trainer. In beige, it becomes beautifully understated: soft enough to work with feminine outfits, but still modern enough to give them a little edge.

I can already imagine wearing them with almost everything in my capsule wardrobe:

• a white blouse and olive wide-leg trousers for an easy daytime look
• a gingham midi dress when I want something sweet, but not overly polished
• linen trousers and a simple tank top for warm travel days
• washed denim and a cardigan when Norwegian summer remembers that it is, technically, still Norway

They are practical, but they do not look boring. Comfortable-looking, but still stylish. Neutral, but not anonymous. In other words, exactly the sort of wardrobe purchase I am very good at convincing myself is sensible.

And honestly, it probably is.

Beige, Peach or Lavender?

Of course, deciding on the model has not completely solved my problem, because New Balance has inconveniently made the 9060 look beautiful in more than one colour.

Click the picture to view the New Balance 9060.

The peach pair is cheerful and warm, and would be so pretty with summer whites, denim and tan accessories. The pale lavender version has a soft, playful feel that makes it difficult to ignore. Both are the kind of sneakers that could turn a very simple outfit into something much more memorable.

But the beige pair feels like the most sensible choice for my wardrobe. It will work across seasons, pair with more of my existing clothes, and make getting dressed easier rather than giving me another colour puzzle to solve before coffee.

This is me attempting maturity in footwear form.

The Hoka Temptation

I have also been looking at Hokas. They are incredibly popular in Norway at the moment, and I understand the appeal. They look comfortable, practical and perfect for days involving plenty of walking, which is rather useful when your ideal summer includes wandering through towns, taking unnecessary detours and being lured into every pretty café along the way.

Still, I am hesitating a little. Partly because they have become so popular that I see them absolutely everywhere, and partly because I have heard mixed comments about how well they hold up over time. That may not stop me forever, because comfort has a persuasive voice, but for now I think I am more tempted by the look of the New Balance 9060.

I want a pair that feels comfortable, yes, but also one I will genuinely want to style with dresses, trousers and the more feminine pieces in my wardrobe.

How I Would Style Beige Sneakers This Summer

With a capsule wardrobe, I like the idea of one pair of sneakers being able to shift between different moods.

With a gingham dress, beige sneakers make the look more relaxed and wearable, especially for daytime. With wide-leg linen trousers and a blouse, they add comfort without sacrificing style. With denim and a soft cardigan, they create the kind of easy outfit that looks put together even when the only real plan is coffee and a walk.

I also think neutral chunky sneakers are especially good with feminine pieces because they keep the outfit from feeling too precious. Lace, puff sleeves, floaty skirts and small checks all look a little fresher when grounded by a modern sneaker.

It is the fashion equivalent of adding a pinch of salt to something sweet. Everything suddenly makes more sense.

So, Have I Decided?

I think so.

While the peach and lavender versions are certainly doing their best to distract me, the beige New Balance 9060 feels like the pair that would earn its place in my wardrobe. It is neutral, versatile, stylish and just chunky enough to make even my prettiest dresses feel a little more current.

A beautiful pair of sneakers can be worn with nearly everything in a capsule wardrobe, and that is exactly what I want: shoes I can reach for again and again, without needing to build an entire outfit around them.

So this year, I am buying beige.

Probably.

Unless the lavender pair finds its way into my shopping basket while I am not paying attention.

If you have any favorite brands I’d love to hear what and why! Until then, have a great day!

Click the picture to view the New Balance 9060.