Every week, our editors will be sharing "the one item they wear to death," whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
Everyone has that wardrobe staple they just love—that one black wrap dress or lace-up brown sandal they wear at least two, er, three times a week, secretly hoping the coworker in the next cube won't notice. (She won't!) For me, that beloved piece is a pair of Kenneth Cole "Kam" sneakers.
My once-white kicks are now coated with a light layer of New York City grime, because that's how much I wear them. (How much, you ask? If I'm being honest, usually five out of the seven days, give or take). They've officially replaced my summer mules, flats, and wedge espadrilles. Truly, I rarely need a different pair of shoes: I reach for them when I'm trying to get dressed quickly for work or when I'm attempting to pack light for a night at my boyfriend's apartment. They match with virtually everything in my closet, from printed slip dresses to winter sweaters, making them a no-brainer.
My love affair with this shoe started two years ago, when I came across paparazzi photos of Kendall Jenner in the Kam style (evidence, below) and subsequently received a press release (perks of working in fashion) on where to get them.
For months, I had been on the hunt for low-top white sneakers and these cute, affordable ones (I bought mine on sale for $75) finally concluded the search. I must admit, the fact a celebrity like Jenner owned the inexpensive Kam sneakers had little to no effect made me covet them too. Once the UPS guy delivered them to my door, I slipped them on my feet and never looked back.
Here I am wearing them on the first day of my new job at Marie Claire (!!). The photo is a little blurry because I was trying to get a quick snap before my coworkers caught me in action.
I've worn the sneakers to a rooftop bar in Brooklyn for post-work drinks with a friend. They matched effortlessly with my blue striped dress and cropped denim jacket.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
This is me asking my boyfriend (not pictured: him sighing) to take a photo of me in my cute work outfit. Luckily, our office allows for this casual look. But, you can count on me packing this exact jumpsuit and the Kam sneaks for my upcoming vacation, too.
So yes, I have really worn these white sneakers to death. In fact, I am now on my third pair! My first were worn down to the soles (I blame the city streets), and the second pair? Well, my sister "borrowed" them for the club and never returned. The Kam really is that comfortable and magical.
In case I've convinced you to get a pair for yourself...
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finds the Perfect Spring Dresses at Reformation
She's worn the brand twice in the past week.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Curiously, Just as Meghan Markle Sends Samples of Her New Strawberry Jam Out, the Buckingham Palace Shop Starts Promoting Its Own Strawberry Jam on Social Media
The clip promoting the Buckingham Palace Shop’s product—we cannot make this up—is set to Mozart’s “Dissonance Quartet.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Zendaya's Latest 'Challengers' Serve Is Nearly a Century Old
The 1930s-era dress may have been pulled months ago.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published