We’ve heard many of our over 40 friends say they’re “too old” for Converse. NO! No, you’re not. Converse have no age, and today we’re going to show you how to style black Converse.
In full disclosure, it took us a minute to embrace the shoes that our teens also wear, but now we are in love. Honestly, they are just fun to wear and shockingly comfortable.
Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Sunglasses
When my daughter was home for Christmas break, I tried on her white high top Converse and asked if I could keep them, ha! She said no, but pulled these babies from her closet, a size too big for her, and perfect for me. Winning!
Truthfully I’ve also inherited Van’s from her (which created a whole new addiction, but that’s a story for another time).
High top Chuck Taylor All Star black Converse have been showing up everywhere lately and looking so chic. That old question – are they too young for 40s and 50s (or even older)?
The reality – if you are comfortable in them, then wear them, regardless of your age!
Honestly there are probably a thousand different ways to style these sneaks. There’s no magic formula, and that’s the good news! A quick Google search agrees with me. So just have fun with it!
1) How To Style Black Converse
Black Leather Jacket
I’ve decided there’s not much more badass than black Converse plus a black leather jacket. At 49, I don’t have a lot of opportunity to dress as a badass, so I’m going for it.
Jacket (Rachel’s Favorite, size up) | Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Bag | Sunglasses
I’ve had this leather jacket for about three years and I love it as much now as I did the day I bought it. I think everyone needs a killer leather jacket…one that makes you feel like the badass you are!
2) How To Style Black Converse
Add An Ivory Bag
Ivory bags have become our new go-to, and for good reason. In this case, I love how the ivory bag breaks up all the black and pulls together the entire outfit thanks to the white in the sneakers.
This look would be very dull if I had chosen a black bag.
Jacket (Rachel’s Favorite, size up) | Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Bag | Sunglasses
3) How To Style Black Converse
A Black Camisole
Black Converse may not totally read as sexy, but oh, they sure can be! Pull out a black silk camisole and it’s a completely different look.
Jacket (Rachel’s Favorite, size up) | Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Bag | Sunglasses
While we are talking about camisoles, we would be remiss if we didn’t discuss our all-time favorite bra-alternative, Nippies.
Honestly, neither of us can live without them. Dramatic? Nah. They are, in a word, life-changing. No more messing with annoying strapless bras that dig in or fall down. And definitely no worrying about straps showing.
Rachel and I both wear size 2…and yes, they even fit me at 32DDD. My first pair lasted me for over six months. Just wash with soap and water, let dry, and store them for the next time.
Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Sunglasses | Nippies
4) How To Style Black Converse
Cropped Washed Black Jeans
Rachel and I both ditched solid black jeans a few years ago. They just felt boring. We’ve replaced them with washed black jeans which are fresh and edgy.
I love this cropped version by MOTHER – the Tomcat Straight Leg in colorway Lies Lies Lies. They fit me TTS (26). They are on great sale at a few places, so this is a good time to snag them!
Jacket (Rachel’s Favorite, size up) | Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Bag | Sunglasses
5) How To Style Black Converse
With Perfect Accessories
Since Converse are unisex, I love to add my favorite feminine accessories to ensure the perfect balance of hard and soft.
Two things have turned me into a hat girl.
1) Being diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma. Mohs surgery will happen in March and I promise to share all the details.
2) Rachel also had Basal Cell Carcinoma and has been teaching me the value of hats to protect from the sun.
Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Converse (down 1/2) | Hat (L) | Sunglasses
I have always been resistant to hats, because I am a super sensitive person who hates having anything restricting on my head. I’ve discovered the key is to find hats that come in multiple sizes. This Janessa Leone Noah hat is my newest purchase and the sizing is perfect for me. I ordered Large and it is so comfortable. It’s also on huge sale so it was a no brainer!
Camisole (TTS) | Jeans (TTS) | Hat (L) | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bracelet | Necklace
I’ve long admitted my weakness for pretty sunglasses. My husband bought me these Chanel Aviator sunglasses for Christmas (after pretending he hated them in the store). I spent years looking for aviators I loved without success, until now. They are so freaking chic AND they are polarized so double win.
I love pairing them with my favorite gold jewelry pieces – simple yet classic.
6) How To Style Black Converse
With A Pop of Color
Rachel recently styled hers up for Valentine’s Day and I love them with that pop of pink. I foresee us wearing them with a lot of cut-offs and bright colors this Spring!
Leather Jacket (sized up to 38) | Tee (wearing 1) | Camisole (XS) | Jeans (TTS) | Sneakers | Beanie | Bag (similar)
7) How To Style Black Converse
With Distressed Jeans
We love our distressed MOTHER jeans and when you add a cute black blouse plus an ivory bag, it’s a total win. This is such an easy look to pull together. For more details, check out this recent article Are MOTHER Jeans Worth It? Spoiler alert…they are sooo worth it.
Shirt (size up) | Jeans (TTS) | Sneakers (basic black) | Bag | Sunglasses
If you want more tips on how to style black Converse, subscribe to our newsletter so you’ll never miss a thing. And if we’ve inspired you on how to style black Converse, please send us your pictures!
