Hi There, High Tops

Georgie Gough
Latest posts by Georgie Gough (see all)

Autumn/winter 2013 is fast approaching, and after a long hot summer (finally!) it will soon be time to pack away our colourful shorts, dresses and tees and dust off our jackets, jumpers and boots. Like most of us, my winter wardrobe consists of muted tones and a dark colour palette of maroons, greys, inky blues and ivy greens. And black. A whole lotta black.

Fashion wise, I get much more excited by the autumn/winter collections, but there is something bittersweet about packing away the bright, vibrant little summer jewels I have collected over the past few months. As much as I am looking forward to being reunited with my oversized jumpers and forever faithful leather jacket, combating the cold can often lead to being dressed in dull shades from head to toe. However, there is a solution to this seasonal conundrum, a trainer which has been transformed into a design statement which packs a whole lot of personality. All hail the mighty high top!

High tops are not only bang on trend and really comfy, they are the perfect way to inject some much needed colour and add interest to winter ensembles. Kenzo has just released their fifth, highly anticipated collaboration with Vans, which includes the sensational ‘Flying Tiger’ and ‘Cloud’ printed designs, perfect for shoe addicts who want to be a step ahead of the pack.

I didn’t even own trainers until Beyonce rocked high tops in the ‘Love on Top’ video, then I quite simply NEEDED a pair. The way this style has developed from functional footwear to fashion must have is down to design genius. Printed, studded, neon, suede, metallic, concealed wedge, fur lined, custom – the sky is literally the limit with these bad boys. They are the shoes which are all about being fun and fearless, plus they can be worn by men and women of any age or body shape. How often can you say that about a trend?

I’ve picked out the cream of the crop from luxury to bargain styles, to inspire you to make a statement with your footwear this winter. I would happily put the Christian Louboutin ones pictured on a plinth and call it art – now there’s a pair of show stoppers. It’s time to bin those smelly Uggs and set aside last year’s black biker boots.  When shopping for statement high tops, just remember: nothing is too over the top or too much.

Womens –

Jeffrey Campbell Malta Blue Chain Hi Tops

Jeffrey Campbell Malta Blue Chain Hi Tops – £110 (Office)

Floral Lace up Hi Tops

Floral Lace up Hi Tops – £12.99 (Newlook)

 

Mens

Vans Sk8 Hi Leopard Trainers

Vans Sk8 Hi Leopard Trainers – £60 (ASOS)

Nike Mens Delta Force Hi Tops

Nike Mens Delta Force Hi Tops – was £75 now £29 (www.premiersport.co.uk)

Christian Louboutin Golden Nail Mens High-tops

Christian Louboutin Golden Nail Mens High-tops – $140

Kenzo Vans Flying Tiger High Tops

Kenzo Vans Flying Tiger High Tops – $125 (www.kenzo.com)

About Georgie Gough

Fashion Buying graduate who believes life is a catwalk, clothes are our personalities, our friends will always be on the front row and if you fall...get the hell up.