The New Rules of Red-Carpet Glamour
For years, red carpets were dictated by a rigid set of rules: floor-length gowns, sky-high stilettos, and perfectly coiffed hair. But the ESPYs have always played a different game. As an event that celebrates athletic achievement, its red carpet is a unique
space where power and personality trump pomp and circumstance. Athletes, who spend their careers in uniform, use fashion as a powerful tool for self-expression. This has created a fashion-forward environment where risks are rewarded and traditional boundaries are blurred, making it the perfect stage for a look that is both luxurious and laid-back.
High-Low Style Is a Power Move
Pairing a diamond necklace with a fresh pair of kicks isn’t a contradiction; it’s a statement of confidence. The high-low mix—blending luxury items with everyday or streetwear pieces—has become the ultimate power move. Fine jewelry signifies elegance and achievement, while sneakers ground the look in authenticity and ease. It's a combination that says, "I respect the occasion, but I'm doing it on my own terms." This attitude is the very essence of streetwear's influence on high fashion, where icons have long mixed gritty, urban edge with unapologetic luxury. The result is an outfit that feels intentional, modern, and effortlessly cool.
Rule #1: The Sneaker Must Be Intentional
This look doesn’t work with just any old gym shoe. The key is to choose a “dress sneaker”—a shoe with a clean, low-profile silhouette and premium materials. Think minimalist leather sneakers in crisp white or sleek black, luxury suede options, or even a coveted limited-edition drop. The sneaker shouldn’t look like an afterthought; it should be as considered as any other part of the outfit. Pristine condition is non-negotiable—scuffs and dirt will immediately kill the high-fashion vibe.
Rule #2: Balance the Bling and the Kicks
Harmony is crucial when mixing such contrasting elements. Think about creating a visual balance. If you're wearing a bold, colorful, or chunky sneaker, consider more delicate jewelry, like a simple diamond tennis necklace or understated gold hoops. Conversely, if your sneakers are classic and minimal, you have more room to play with statement jewelry—think layered chains, bold rings, or dramatic earrings. The goal is to let one element be the star while the other plays a strong supporting role, ensuring the look feels cohesive rather than chaotic.
Rule #3: The Outfit Is the Bridge
The rest of your outfit is what ties the fine jewelry and sneakers together. To avoid looking like you just forgot to change your shoes, pair the combo with structured, polished garments. A sharply tailored suit, a sleek cocktail dress, or a chic jumpsuit provides the necessary formality. The contrast between a well-cut garment and the casual nature of the sneaker is what creates the modern edge. Pay attention to the pant length; a slight or no-break hem that just grazes the top of the sneaker creates the sharpest, most intentional silhouette.
Rule #4: Tell a Cohesive Style Story
The most successful looks tell a story. Are you channeling the effortless cool of an off-duty celebrity? The polished edge of a creative director? Or the unapologetic swagger of a hip-hop icon? Your jewelry, sneakers, and clothing should all feel like they belong to the same narrative. This could mean matching the metal of your jewelry to a detail on your sneakers or coordinating colors across your entire outfit. When every piece works together to communicate a clear point of view, the high-low combination goes from being a trend to a true expression of personal style.
