Vacation Must-Pack: How To Wear White Sneakers With Every Outfit

Blame it on the four-week parade of runway shows that make up Fashion Month (and take up my brain space) or the eternal lack of space in my suitcase (no matter how big), but on my last work trip to Paris, I found myself without a flat pair of shoes in sight. It’s not unusual for me to be in heels most days, especially when I’m working, but after 10 days of wearing booties even for just a morning boulangerie run, I vowed to invest in a good pair of white sneakers for future travels. I wanted the kind of sneakers that look equally at home at the airport as at a market appointment-turned-dinner, and with every silhouette from dresses to skirts and jeans. 

As Refinery29 contributor Kendall Becker put it in her list of what to pack for vacation and summer travel, “This may be a no-brainer but it needs to be said: Don’t leave home without your go-to white sneakers … the perfect solution for making a dress look more casual for daytime and a must-have for long travel days.” With that endorsement in mind, I spent a week wearing Chloé’s Nama sneakers (which I settled on after spotting another fashion editor wearing in Paris) everywhere, from a weekend roast to work, dinner out, and everything in between to test the theory. 

Regardless of how much space you have in your travel bag, if you don’t want to run to your hotel room or Airbnb to change for every activity on your trip, here’s how you can wear sneakers with any look. My feet will thank me next Fashion Month.

How to Wear White Sneakers With a Dress

Ever since I saw the Quiet Luxury Trend’s (unofficial) ambassador Sofia Richie Grainge wear a T-shirt dress, I’ve been replicating the easy-to-fit-in-a-suitcase look. You can dress it up with heels and jewelry, but worn with sneakers it’s a summer dressing formula that can get you through a sightseeing tour in the afternoon and dinner at night. If you’re a fan of the “wrong shoe theory,” pair the sneakers with a girly bubble dress à la Cecilie Bahnsen instead.

How to Wear White Sneakers With a Jumpsuit

I’m not a fan of wearing athleticwear unless I am taking a barre class or running errands, which makes a utilitarian boilersuit my go-to for more casual vacation days or activities. To make the look more vacation-worthy, add a printed scarf that can also double as a hair accessory, handbag adornment, and, in the case of longer styles, a shawl or top.

How to Wear White Sneakers With Jeans

There are few pieces that go better with sneakers than a good pair of jeans. A fun denim detail — like the double waist and hem cuff on this pair — and raffia accessories — like this (sadly sold-out) mini bag from the Simon Miller x Mango collaboration — keep the classic tank top-and-shirt look from feeling boring.

How to Wear White Sneakers With Pants

Who says sneakers and pantsuits don’t go together? Opt for a culotte or vest style to complement the casualness of the sneaker. Sticking to a neutral color palette like this caramel brown will also allow the look to pass in office-appropriate territory without looking too stuffy at post-work happy hour or dinner.

How to Wear White Sneakers With a Skirt

Balance out the femininity of pleated skirts — a versatile style that can just as easily be paired with graphic tees as button-downs and sweaters — by pairing them with sneakers. I threw a cropped shirt over a tank top and this midi, a pleated-cargo hybrid that I bought on vacation in Japan, after a dance class to take me straight to date night.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

How To Style Red — 2023’s Top Color Trend

How To Style Your Cowboy Boots This Summer

How To Style Metallic Pants For Every Occasion

16 Years Later Why Is Louis Vuittons Neverfull Tote More Appealing Than Ever?

Utah-based content creator Serena Neel bought her first-ever designer handbag in May. To mark the occasion, she chose a Louis Vuitton Neverfull, the signature tote that’s been a part of the house’s heritage offerings since it was first introduced in 2007. “It’s always been my absolute favorite bag,” says Neel. 

Characterized by thin straps and a monogram print, the handbag comes in three sizes, all meant to be carry-alls that, as the name suggests, never get full. Over the years, it has been reworked in new styles (like Damier Ebene, Damier Azur, and Epi leather), and through seasonal collections and collaborations (like the one with the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama earlier this year). At a starting price of $2,030 (more than double what it cost back in the 2000s), it’s also one of Louis Vuitton’s most popular handbags; on a recent commute from New Jersey to New York City, I spotted nearly 10 Neverfulls in less than 30 minutes. 

While the bag has been around for almost two decades, back in May, rumors swirled that it’d be discontinued, which have since been disproven. Yet, the brand is moving the Neverfull to a waitlist model, a scarcity tactic employed by luxury brands like Hermès. A Louis Vuitton representative confirmed to Refinery29 that “there is currently a waitlist for some Neverfull styles,” although no reasons were given for the move.

While the two may be unrelated, the bag is currently experiencing demand in the secondhand market as well: According to luxury resale platform Rebag’s chief marketing officer, Elizabeth Layne, searches for the Neverfull grew by 160% in May 2023, compared to the same month in 2022. It’s also increasingly popular online: On TikTok, searches for “Louis Vuitton Neverfull” have over 4 billion views, with an uptick in videos related to the bag emerging amid the rumors.  

But why does a carry-all tote that’s been in production since 2007 continue to be the source of conversation and fascination? For Layne, it’s all about its timeless design. “The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is a classic piece that doesn’t fall out of trend,” she says. 

It’s true: When it comes to mixing functionality and style, the Neverfull beats out the brand’s more fanciful best-sellers like the Speedy and Pochette. Tiffany Moon — a Dallas-based anesthesiologist, creator, and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Dallas — used it for years as her diaper bag. “It’s so collapsible, I can fit it in the basket of the stroller,” she explains. Gab Waller, a Los Angeles-based personal luxury shopper, says that the Neverfull is both “the ideal everyday tote bag” and a “statement piece.” “The consumers are proud to wear it because it’s very iconic,” she says, referencing its signature monogram print and silhouette. 

While the four-digit price tag is hefty for most, especially considering other contemporary brands offer similar models at prices that could rival the tote’s original price sixteen years ago, the Neverfull maintains its status as a first-ever designer purchase. “The client that might be requesting this bag tends to be that they’re just getting into luxury and they’re looking to invest in their first piece,” confirms Waller.

And it makes sense: Not only is the bag comparatively cheaper than similar styles from other heritage labels today — Dior’s Book tote, for example, sells for over $3,000, while Chanel’s Deauville tote retails starting around $5,000 — but because it has all the features of a bag that’s going to earn its cost per wear over the years. “With its vast interior and ability to hold up to 200 pounds of weight, the functionality of this classic tote makes it suitable for everyday use,” says Layne, adding that the handbag is also reversible, essentially giving customers two bags for the price of one. 

When Neel bought her Neverfull handbag last month, she documented the process on her TikTok channel, after being transparent to her followers that she had owned three fake versions before. “I just use [them] consistently until [they] broke,” she admitted. “I finally splurged on the real one.”

In terms of investment, it’s also a good idea. According to Rebag’s Clair report, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull retains 90% to 125%, depending on the model, on the resale market. 

That’s not to say that everyone is a fan. Likely because of its hard-to-miss popularity and how many people own it, people on TikTok have strong opinions about it. “People call it basic,” says Neel. “But I think it’s just timeless and it’s iconic.” Creators often post product round-ups showing bags that are “elegant” alternatives to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, while others call it “ludicrously capacious” referring to the now-iconic line from Succession season 4. Creator Victoria Hui, who bought the Neverfull as her first-ever designer bag, posted a video earlier this year saying the bag gets too heavy when it’s stuffed that “it’s uncomfortable in your arm.” Handbag creator @itscelesta revealed she was selling her Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag — which was also her first designer buy — earlier this year, saying in a TikTok video she hadn’t “touched the bag in probably three years.”

Leather expert and TikTok creator Tanner Leatherstein (real name Volkan Yilmaz) — who recently dissected a Neverfull bag on TikTok, a signature format for his channel — believes that the bag’s appeal is purely about brand recognition. “If you don’t care about the logo, there are other options,” he tells Refinery29, pointing to contemporary brands like Polène whose tote costs $430. 

But people like Neel do care and are willing to pay big bucks for it, which is why the Neverfull has continued to grow in popularity. It’s hard to say how Louis Vuitton’s waitlist strategy will play out with customers, but, so far, people have speculated that it’ll only grow the bag’s demand. Others, like creator Newman Parker, believe that this move will shift focus to other handbags in the house’s offering, including its newly re-launched Bum Bag, as well as its Speedy, which was recently reworked in Pharrell Williams’ first menswear collection for the brand. 

Sixteen years later, the appeal of the Neverfull is hard to shake. And, for fans like Neel, the devotion goes beyond carrying the bag. “I’m proud that I own a real one because I had to work really hard to be able to afford it,” she says. “‘Complete’ is a cheesy word, but that’s how I feel about finally being able to own one.”

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Louis Vuitton's Cowboy Boots Are Going To Be Huge

There’s Nothing Silent About Quiet Luxury

Why The Secondhand Luxury Watch Market Is Booming

These Colorful Socks Are My New Go-Tos For Summer

Socks — we love cozying up in them, gifting a pair to others, and miraculously finding a complete set after washing them. We all have our favorites that we put through the wringer, so it may be time to restock our sock drawers with fresh styles. I know it’s true for me. It’s why I was excited to be able to try Bombas socks, especially its best-sellers as well as its new spring arrivals. I’ve heard rave reviews about the brand’s socks (mostly from my mom because of their incredible support and comfort). The comfortable, ultra-supportive socks come in a broad range of casual everyday styles along with athletic styles. And now, there are even more bright and colorful Bombas socks available, perfect for the spring and summer.

If you’ve never heard of Bombas, the main thing you need to know is that its socks praised for being comfortable, supportive, and durable. So while you’re paying a tad more than normal for a pair of socks, the quality makes up for it. From their signature Honeycomb Arch Support System, which adds compression around the arch of the foot, to the unique small-medium-large size range, Bombas’ socks offer the perfect fit. The brand also pays close attention to details surrounding toe seams, sliding, sweat-wicking, contouring, and pilling. Say goodbye to shifting, sweaty socks, and say hello to non-budging, dry ones.

And because we know you care about where you spend your hard-earned money, you’d probably be thrilled to learn that for every pair of Bombas socks purchased, another is donated. Bombas’ mission is to give back to as many communities as possible, donating their socks to homeless shelters, rehabilitation centers, medical facilities, and more organizations. So when you purchase socks from Bombas for yourself, you’ll be spreading that joy to others too.

With all that said, here’s my honest review of five different everyday and active Bombas sock styles in size small, as a 7.5 size foot. Spoiler: My mom’s fave is also mine!

Stylish Spring Bombas Sock Styles

I often face the dilemma of needing support around the arch of my foot (thanks to annoyingly common plantar fasciitis inflammation) but also not wanting too-thick socks that make me sweat. When I tried Bombas’ aqua Flower Power Ankle Socks, I found that I got the best of both worlds. The Supima cotton is super-cushiony and slightly thick, and it has a light compression. After wearing the socks out for a day of errands, I was super-comfortable and not sweaty at all. The “anti-blister tab” at the back of the ankle was also a big bonus for me. And for those with sensory issues, the seamless toe area is a brilliant solution.

I also enjoyed Bombas’ cheery Days of the Week Lightweight Ankle Socks but for different reasons. This style was much thinner, airier, and more lightweight. I probably wouldn’t wear these on days I walk a lot, but I found them perfect for wearing around the house. And it’s truly the cutest and most playful design. While many colorways have sold out in this style, the tulip design is still available. And if you’re shopping for a toddler, there’s a seven-pair set for every day of the week.

The weather is a bit wild at the moment, with days bouncing between 60 and 80 degrees, o there’s still a need for socks that can be comfortably worn under booties. The Hybrid Ribbed Quarter Socks are the perfect height and weight for just that. The ribbed cotton is soft, and Bombas’ Stay-Up Technology did, in fact, keep them from falling down. While these were perfect under booties, I’ll definitely be wearing the purple socks with a pair of white sneakers for a trendy ’80s-esque look this spring.

Comfy Athletic Bombas Sock Styles

Now, my mom’s favorite Bombas socks are the All-Purpose Performance Ankle Socks. She wears them when she needs to be on her feet for long hours, and they keep her feeling supported while working retail shifts. As soon as I slipped these on, I was stunned by just how cushiony they really are. I also loved that, unlike most socks, these have a right and left side to them for the best possible foot contouring and fit. 

I wore these for a Zumba dance class, and they were oh so comfortable throughout the nonstop bouncing around. These socks are intended to wear for any type of physical activity and incorporate the brand’s Hex Tec technology for breathability and moisture-wicking. I feel like this helped keep my feet dry despite over an hour of my high-impact cardio session. I was really amazed by these socks, and I know I’ll be going back to them over and over again.

I also tried Bombas’ best-selling Running Ankle Socks. To be perfectly honest, I don’t run. But I do weight-train, and the All-Purpose Performance Socks are a bit too cushiony for lifting weights when I need to be extra grounded and stable. I wore the running socks for my workout and thought they were great. Like the all-purpose socks, these also have arch support, moisture-wicking properties, and right-left contouring. They’re just slightly thinner, which is supposed to help with flexibility and speed for the actual runners out there.

New & Best-Selling Bombas Sock Styles

In the end, I was really happy with each of these Bombas socks, with the All-Purpose Performance Socks and Flower Power Ankle Socks clinching first place as my new go-to spring socks. And knowing that five pairs of Bombas socks have been donated to people who truly need them, thanks to my purchase, is the cherry on top.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The 31 Best Sustainable Underwear Styles

The Best T-Shirt Bras For Every Size

35 Mother’s Day Gifts Under $25 That Are Chic

13 Queer-Owned Fashion Brands (Accessories Included) To Shop Pridefully

Welcome to Prideful, a month-long stretch where we celebrate our identities with pride and honor queer-owned brands, whether it’s fashion items that give us gender euphoria or our favorite queer-friendly sex toys.

Pride Month is a great time to buy from queer-owned businesses, especially queer fashion brands. No matter where you fall on the gender or sexuality spectrum, we've compiled the best queer-owned fashion brands that sell everything from clothing, intimates, and swimwear to accessories like bags and jewelry in a range of styles and vibes that'll fit your taste. From compressive binder-alternative pieces to gender-neutral clothing lines and healing crystal necklaces, there's something for everyone. We've even included lifestyle brands and retailers that offer a broader range of products in addition to fashion, including inclusive lingerie, queer-made beauty products, and homeware finds.

By shopping small and queer-owned brands, know that you're supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and spreading awareness for more queer creators. Read on to learn more about the queer-owned fashion brands to shop this month and beyond for a stylish, well-rounded wardrobe.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Leota

Queer founder of Leota, Sarah Carson, created her brand with inclusivity at the forefront — it's a female-run business celebrating every body shape and offering pieces in sizes XS through 3XL. Find fun, flirty dresses in bold prints and bright colors along with a sprinkle of jumpsuits, rompers, and separates that are perfect for the summer.

Shop Leota

Leota Curve Poplin Smocked Midi Dress, $, available at Leota

TomboyX

TomboyX is well-known for its gender-neutral intimates from boxer briefs and compression tops and tucking panties and period underwear. Queer couple Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez filled a gap in the market here, supplying a range of pieces that anyone on the gender spectrum can shop from by making those pieces available in sizes 3XS through 6XL.

Shop Tomboy X

TomboyX Essentials Soft Bra - Fruit Salad, $, available at TomboyX

ARSN

Shay Ericksen and Kaila Rhubright started their jewelry brand with love, lust, and heartbreak as core themes of each product (and each cheeky product name). Shop statement gold and silver jewelry, including vintage-inspired pieces as well as bold sunglasses.

Shop ARSN

ARSN Stripped Down Earrings, $, available at ARSN

ARSN Choke On All That Sh*t You Talked Necklace, $, available at ARSN

Andie Swim

We all know and love Andie Swim, but you may not know that it was created by queer founder Melanie Travis. She managed to create swimwear that's not over-sexualized, is body-inclusive, and is also sustainable. You'll find timeless swimwear, resortwear, and loungewear with a twist that you'll want to soak up the sun in all day long.

Shop Andie Swim

Andie Swim The Tulum One Piece, $, available at Andie Swim

Ality

Named after founder Ality Richardson, this "gender free low-key luxury brand" offers streetwear staples that embrace and celebrate individuality. You can build a versatile wardrobe with this small but mighty collection of shirts, hoodies, joggers, and outerwear.

Shop Ality

Ality That T-Shirt, $, available at Ality

Ality Good Vibe Joggers, $, available at Ality

Urbody

This trans-woman-owned brand started by friends Mere Abrams and Anna Graham sells gender-inclusive intimates and loungewear from underwear and compression tops to sports bras and bike shorts. These pieces are designed for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks to feel confident in what they wear under their clothes.

Shop Urbody

Urbody Half Tank Cotton Compression Top, $, available at Urbody

Urbody Cotton Hip Brief, $, available at Urbody

Minna

Queer-led retailer Minna was created by Sara Berks with a focus on working with master artisans in Central and South America as well as showcasing other queer, POC, and women-owned brands. There's a large range of homeware with a smaller collection of bags, hair accessories, jewelry, and robes to peruse.

Shop Minna

Minna Valley Bag Ripple, $, available at MINNA

Honey Birdette

If you're looking for sensual and playful lingerie from a queer-owned brand, look no further than Australian company Honey Birdette. In addition to sex toys, the brand expanded into a broad range of intimates and lingerie and recently dipped into eco-friendly swimwear.

Shop Honey Birdette

Honey Birdette Emily Toffee Bustier, $, available at Honey Birdette

Honey Birdette Emily Toffee Thong, $, available at Honey Birdette

CLED

AAPI and queer-owned jewelry brand CLED was started by Seulye Jo with a mission to recycle glass and upcycle it to create stunning statement pieces. Fall in love with its colorful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and charms featuring "gems" created from discarded glass bottles.

Shop CLED

CLED Duo Sculpture Ring, $, available at CLED

CLED Heart Dangling Ring, $, available at CLED

CLED Oval Sculpture Ring, $, available at CLED

Woxer

Alexandra Fuente created her Latine-, woman-, and queer-owned brand because of her own struggle with finding comfortable boxer briefs that fit all bodies and genders. The inclusive product line includes full-coverage underwear and bralettes in sizes small through 3XL.

Shop Woxer

Woxer Icon Bralette, $, available at Woxer

Woxer Baller Boxer Brief, $, available at Woxer

Jeff Wan

Queer designer Jeff Wan creates sleek and classic leather goods and accessories, including wallets and keychains. The brand also recently stepped into the metaverse with its signature leather lunch box purse coming with an NFT.

Shop Jeff Wan

Jeff Wan Lunch Box 11 + NFT, $, available at Jeff Wan

House of Intuition

Couple Alex Naranjo and Marlene Vargas started their brand with spirituality at the forefront and the hope to bring power and intention to the lives of their customers. You can shop across homeware, beauty, jewelry, and much more, and you can even shop by theme, such as "self-love," "astrology," and "healing."

Shop House of Intuition

House of Intuition Rose Quartz Teardrop Necklace, $, available at House of Intuition

Lorals

Queer founder Melanie Cristol created Lorals so that more people can enjoy great sex on their own terms. The brand sells sheer underwear that can be worn during mess-free oral sex — just choose between pleasure and protection styles with the latter offering FDA-cleared STI protection.

Shop Lorals

Lorals Sheer Pleasure Bikinis - 4 Pack, $, available at Lorals

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Best Brands Showing Pride This Month

16 Queer-Owned Beauty Brands To Shop For Pride

Queer Wedding Dresses That Still Feel Like You