Do you recall the days when you owned a pair of white Keds sneakers? Ah, the simplicity of youth. Well, sneakers are still stylish in a BIG way. On a recent trip to Italy, I saw everyone of every age wearing them. Not only are they comfortable, but they are also stylish and YOUTHFUL. And, you can wear them with just about everything.

Yes, I said EVERYTHING. Even dresses.

“Oh, they’d look too casual and even shabby,” you say. But, I beg to differ. Take a look at these stylish outfits that all begin with a great pair of sneakers:

Midlife bloggers have been donning sneakers for years. I’m sure you’ll remember:

Susan Blakely from her popular blog une femme d’un certain age.

Or Josephine Lalwan, of Chic at Any Age: Shown here wearing a jersey maxi dress and white sneakers.

Above are style bloggers Pam Lutrell (Over 50 Feeling 40), Susan Street (Susan After 60), and Lyn Slater (Accidental Icon).

Here’s a picture from Pinterest illustrating how to wear a simple tiered, jersey dress four different ways. Including with sneakers.

I found this belted, striped shirt dress at Walmart for only $36. This is the kind of casual dress that would look awesome with a pair of sneakers.

And here’s a snapshot of a cotton dress I own–dressed up one way with sandals and a belt, then casualized with sneakers (and no belt).

Think of all the versatile ways you can wear your sneakers. They aren’t just for athletics anymore. “Comfort’ is the key word here. But, chic is just an added bonus.