Plain shoes are in trend right now - especially plain white sneakers - and they’re well-loved for how easily they can match with anything. But sometimes, a little added pizzazz is welcome as completely patternless kicks can feel monotonous after a while.
Whether you normally don sneakers or heels, here are 13 easy ways to dress up your plain shoes which don’t require any tricky DIY-ing or handiwork on your end.
P.S.: We’ve included some product suggestions as well, for which you can use our exclusive Shopee promo code to purchase:
【8% off Shopee min $25 spending with code: GIRLSTYLE8】
Capped at $2. From now till 30 Nov.
- Embellishments for your sneakers -
#1: Iron-on patches
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If your shoes are made of fabric like canvas, use tiny iron-on patches to give them new life with a retro flair. Not to worry if they’re of a different material, as you could always superglue the patches on.
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Check out these colourful iron-on patches ($1.40 to $1.80) in heart, flower, star, and animal designs. They come in sets of four to six, depending on design.
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There are also daisy iron-on patches ($1.40) of various sizes in pastel shades like pink, blue, yellow, and white.
#2: Dangling shoe charms
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Our bags and wallets can have keychains, so why not our shoes?
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Get small dangling charms for your sneakers, such as the daisy shoe charms shown above. These cost $1.20 for one and $1.90 for two ($0.95 each), so you might as well get a pair.
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Sanrio fans would love these Hello Kitty shoe charms ($6.50). Simply thread the metal loop of the charm through the shoelace eyelets to attach.
#3: Shoelace charms
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If you think dangling shoe charms might be cumbersome and distracting, opt for shoelace charms instead.
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Thread these colourful flower shoelace charms ($1.04) through your laces to instantly brighten up your kicks with a hint of 90’s nostalgia.
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For something more subtle, go for these metal bar charms with pictures of flowers on them. We especially love the sakura ones!
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These start from $1.20 for one, and $2.10 for two.
- Add-ons for high heels -
#4: High heel elastic bands
Photo from Alibaba
Slip a high heel elastic band over your plain pumps and you’ll not only beautify them, you’ll also make them more secure and won’t have to worry about them falling off your feet even if you’re a kluz.
These pearl-embellished shoe bands ($2.27) are simple and elegant, making them perfect for work.
Get it here.
#5: Clip-on heel charms
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Bling up your heels or flats as and when you like with clip-on charms. These diamante shoe clips ($4.03) are great for days you’re feeling fancy - or even for your wedding!
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These bow-shaped shoe clips ($2.16) will add a sweet, kawaii touch to any pair of shoes and are available in apricot, black, navy blue, and wine red.
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#6: Detachable high heel buckles
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If you’d rather not have elastic bands stretched over your feet, detachable high heel buckles that go around your ankles are a good alternative.
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These ankle buckle straps ($2.21-$2.27) come in 8 different colours to suit your wardrobe, including red, black, silver, and clear.
Get them here.
- Special shoelaces -
#7: Ribbon laces
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Using ribbon shoelaces instead of standard ones will instantly make your sneakers look more feminine. You can use normal ribbons for this, but your best best would still be to get ribbon laces with plastic tips to avoid fraying.
The organza ribbon shoelaces ($0.99) above will give regular sneakers a more romantic vibe and make them more wearable with skirts and dresses. There are 12 colours including purple, green, and red.
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These gingham ribbon shoelaces (from $3.45) bring with them a spot of quirky fun and also come in a multitude of colours.
#8: LED shoelaces that light up
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Night owls will love these LED shoelaces (from $3.21) which literally light up your path as you strut along. Get them in single hues, or with five or seven colours combined.
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Wear these in the club and your friends will never lose sight of you amidst the crowd!
Get them here.
#9: Funky patterned laces
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Patterned shoelaces will give your kicks additional cute factor. Pokemon lovers will delight in these adorable Pikachu laces (from $12) that’ll go great with a pair of sunny yellow shoes.
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For something more feminine, try these floral shoelaces ($1.70) which come in pale pink and light blue.
- Get creative with socks -
#10: Floral mesh socks
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Look extra graceful when you ditch your standard cotton socks for floral mesh. These floral mesh socks ($3.28) are a charming pick.
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Alternatively go for these daisy mesh socks ($1.76), with your choice of seven different colours for the cuff and heel portions.
#11: Short fishnet socks
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Fishnets don’t always have to look risque. Get a pair of short fishnet socks and they’ll give your sneakers a punk rock edge. These fishnet socks ($1.44) come adorned with a bow at the back for that mix of femininity and badassery.
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Pick from four bow colours: Black, grey, green, and wine red.
Get them here.
#12: Frilly socks
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Remember the frilly socks you wore as a child? Well, they’ve made a comeback and will pair beautifully with oxfords and mary janes. Apart from lace trim, these frilly socks ($1.62) also come adorned with a simple black bow.
Pick from classic white or other shades like pink and khaki.
Get them here.
#13: Funky patterned socks
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When it comes to patterned socks, the options are almost endless. If you’re afraid of them looking too comical, get a pair with a single motif instead of those with prints covering the entire thing. These understated heart socks ($1.50 to $1.62) will do the trick.
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Foodies will love these food print socks ($1.69) featuring all our favourite treats like burgers, pizza, and fries.
Before you cart out, make sure you enter our exclusive Shopee promo code:
【8% off Shopee min $25 spending, with code: GIRLSTYLE8】
Capped at $2. From now till 30 NOV.
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Text by: GirlStyle SG