Step Up Your Sneaker Game With 12 Colorful DIYs

Adidas Samba Classic

The Adidas Samba Classic sneakers launched in the 1950s, but gained popularity in the 70s among soccer fans in England. They’re visibly sporty in nature, with three bold side stripes, a massive tongue, and a flat, skinny sole.

The most popular colorways are white-on-black, or black-on-white, which both make styling extremely easy. Speaking for myself (I own the black-on-white version), the Adidas Samba Classic sneakers are by far the most versatile pair of shoes in my closet right now.

Adidas Gazelle Bold

These platformed stompers have been flooding my Pinterest feed for who knows how long – especially the bubblegum pink + green ones! Though seemingly similar from afar, the Adidas Gazelle Bold sneakers ($120) stand out from the Samba Classics given their thicker rubber sole, suede outer, and understated tongue.

With the bulkier look, a more structured ‘fit would look great with the Gazelle Bold sneakers. Think wide leg cargo pants and varsity jackets.

The Gazelle Indoor Shoes ($120) stand opposite the Bolds with a flatter foot, plus they come in a gorgeous royal blue color, which Glamour predicts will be a massive footwear trend come summertime!

• More popular colorways:
  • Blue + red
  • Orange + neon green
  • Mint green + pink

Adidas Campus 00s

While the Adidas Sambas and Gazelles are more soccer/football-focused, the Campus 00s ($110) draw inspiration from skateboarding culture.

The sneakers have a bulkier, more padded look to them that feel reminiscent of the early 2000s Osiris shoes that were (regrettably) everywhere (even on my own feet). The laces are wide and chunky, while the outer material is fully suede. Still, the Campus 00s retain the signature Adidas stripes down the sides for recognizability.

The cool gals are wearing these Adidas sneakers with baggy jeans and baby tees – an exceptionally easy uniform to rock year-round!

• More popular colorways:
  • Red + light pink
  • Pink + white
  • Gray + black

Adidas Handball Spezial

The Adidas Handball Spezial sneakers ($110) were originally designed for indoor handball players in 1979. Like the Gazelle Bolds, the Spezials have a uniform outer that’s entirely suede, with the signature stripe trio being an exception (made from leather).

The shoe’s tongue and gum rubber sole are familiar, too, and make the style super casual.

You can easily style these Adidas sneakers with your go-to jeans or even some long shorts and they’ll look iconic.

• More popular colorways:
  • Brown + white
  • Indigo + blue
  • Light blue + orange

Adidas Forum Low

Inspired by “the energy of collegiate style,” the Adidas Forum Low sneakers ($100) have a sporty, practical feel, but boast versatility when it comes to styling. The mixed-material outer favors smooth leather, which provides a more formal vibe for pairing with everything from sweatpants to denim.

The Forum Lows are definitely more padded than the Sambas or Gazelle Indoor models, with even more tread at the bottom to support your steps.

• More popular colorways:
  • Pink + red
  • White + blue
  • White + red

A New Day Jonie Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals

Want the headed-to-the-Hamptons look without shelling out extra coins? Turn your attention to these simple, chic beige sandals. This pair is designed with an ankle strap so your feet won't slide out of them and they're cushioned to provide the maximum amount of comfort!

Toss these on with a flowing Anthropologie dress and you'll be ready to take on the day for sure. Plus, your quick hot mom walk won't be complete with them!

Universal Thread Betsey Clog Mule Flats

These Birkenstock Boston dupes are everything. Again, comfort is queen, and these low key shoes don't require a lot of effort. Clog mule flats give you the chance to slide your feet into something that doesn't require you to be dressed up, yet still feel put together. Grab these to go with your fave casual spring outfit, and walk out the door in style.

A New Day Janie Ballet Flats

It's giving the Chanel flats for waaaaaay less! With the ballet flat resurgence, I'm so here for this affordable take on a classic look. These are great for all your ballet-core looks, date night dresses, and french style fits.

Reebok Classic Nylon Performance Sneakers

Reebok really struck gold with this pastel palette and pretty silhouette. These classic sneakers tend to withstand the test of time, and even seem to look better the more you wear them. The Nylon Performance Sneakers are perfect for days you want to wear an elevated, yet comfy look.

A New Day Annette Slingback Heels

Silver heels can make any outfit shine and look perfectly polished — not just because of their shiny exterior. 😉 This kitten heel is only 2 inches, so you get a little lift without straining your feet too much. I'd love to pair these with some wide-legged jeans and a band shirt or a graphic tee!

A New Day Blakely Mule Heels

Wedding season is quickly OTW, so it's essential to have a pair of breathable, comfy heels in case you're on bridesmaid — or dance floor — duty. This style is guaranteed to take you from standing by the altar to letting loose at the recepetion without any issues! The pair comes in three colors (black, cream, and nude), so they can go with basically anything, too...including that ​interesting ​dress the bride so kindly picked out for you. 😘

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.