I've always been a little tomboy. I was on every sports team in school from soccer to tennis to track and field to cross country. As I got older and my body changed, so did my style, but my love for the sport never waned. In my early 20's I discovered and joined some running collectives in London. There I made many friends with whom I arranged to go running every weekend. But there was always something to consider before I laced up my shoes and hit the road: my style.
How I styled my outfits gave me the confidence and fearlessness I needed to run a race (and was therefore a reason to jump out of bed at 8am every Sunday). I paired leopard print leggings with a bright pink running jacket and matching sneakers, or neon yellow shorts with a purple long sleeve top and white sneakers. In competitions like marathons, of which I've run four, from the Boston Marathon to the Great Wall Marathon, I've always done the same thing: I've put on my floral headband, put pink glitter on my eyelids and a bright red on my lips - everything to match my colorful outfit.
Over time, I've incorporated my running outfits into my everyday personal style, combining my athletic look with more feminine pieces. Wearing bold, bright, colorful clothes makes me feel and look good. When it comes to styling myself to fit my lifestyle, comfort comes first. When choosing an outfit, I automatically choose sneakers for my shoes because of their versatility, functionality and practicality. That's where the On Cloudnova Wrap sneaker comes in. Made by On, a running brand that's all about soft landings and explosive starts, the Cloudnova Wrap is the first exclusive women's shoe. It combines comfort and style thanks to its cushioning cloud technology, spring-like sole and minimalist design - making it a shoe that I reach for for every occasion and every season.
My style is often determined by how I feel when I wake up in the morning, but mostly I look for outfits that work effortlessly and in style - from brunch to the office. On a daily basis, my style remains practical and minimal: jeans, white blouse, gray sweater and a vinyl trench coat in khaki, combined with the On Cloudnova Wrap sneakers in Flame color.
The color scheme in purple and orange complements my slimmed down everyday look and underlines the minimalistic yet functional outfit. This means I can do whatever I want without worrying about being uncomfortable - because the Cloudnova Wrap literally conforms to your foot. For someone who always embarks on spontaneous adventures and urban escapades, this combination of functionality and comfort is essential.
I challenge the assumption that sneakers cannot be styled with feminine garments. I love teaming the utilitarian style of the Flame color with a flowy floral dress and denim jacket for spring. Combining more feminine styles with sturdier accessories is something I like to experiment with. This look proves that the Cloudnova Wrap isn't just about comfort and performance: the colored finish and tie closure make it a fashion statement in its own right.
However, my style is changing. Wearing color is important to me: it gives me confidence, it makes me feel strong and powerful, which is why I chose to pair the Cloudnova Wrap in Cumin with a red suit. If you want to dare something, then you have to keep it simple underneath. That's why this combo works so well - I love the break with the cute, minimalist designs. The red oozes boss bitch vibes and proves that cool women can multitask when it comes to fashion. This type of outfit reflects my good mood on a sunny day - wearing bright colors makes me instantly happy.
My relationship with running has undoubtedly strengthened my connection to fashion. I've found empowerment and confidence in the combination of style and comfort that I carry with me whether I'm walking down the street or competing.
