Ugly is the new cool

If you want to look trendy for the season, try looking through your father’s closet! ‘Dad shoes’ are the thick-soled, aggressively awkward sneakers, which were worn a decade ago by Jerry Seinfeld. They now come back in style. They’ve made their way from runways to popular celebs like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and Chance, the rapper to the feet of street stylists in what feels like the blink of an eye.

Bella Hadid paired up dad shoes with a swanky coat with belt.

Mayank Kumar, a 21-year-old NIFT student says, “I think we always look into the past to predict the future, that’s why we are seeing a lot of trends, emerging today that are inspired from ’90s and early 2000s sneaker culture. I like it a lot, since “ugly is the new cool”. I would style chunky sneakers with loose fit trousers, a turtleneck and flowing coat on top.”

But can Dad sneakers also go along with Indian wear? We explore as an Indian ethnic wear designer, Kinjal Jasani says, “Dad sneakers look funky, feel relaxed and add a zest of swag when sported with the gorgeous Indo-Western fusion wear. These days, women are confident in them and love to team up different trends that make them stay cool, classy and contended. Teaming dad sneakers with Indo-Western fusion wear is one of my favourite trends that has dominated the fashion sphere. Owing to the comfort and the coolest look it provides, the homely sneakers are perfect when a lot of scurrying around is required. It can be sported with kurti-churidar, flared palazzos, narrow fitted pants, culottes, shrugs, ponchos to classic anarkalis. More than the attire, it is the confidence that adds to the look, making it smart and chic, with added ease and poise.”

Jordyn woods

The best thing about these sneakers that the world of fashion is obsessed with is that they are as comfy as a cushion. So, you can spare yourself from the pain of wearing high heels as these sneakers literally go with any outfit. Another designer thinks these sneakers could go well with palazzo pants. “Ever thought of palazzos with sneakers? Yes gone are the days where you ladies think only heels would be a perfect match to palazzos, it’s 2018 and the fashion world is constantly coming up with unique and the most bizarre combinations! So say goodbye to painful heels and opt for cool dad sneakers to pair with your comfy palazzos,” says Revika Podar, a young designer.