The annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities event going on in Atlantic City this week is well known for its endless parade of short parties and meet-and-greets that are spread up and down the boardwalk and throughout the marina.
It’s easy to get your 10,000 steps in by midday.
This year, more and more women say they are determined to attend with sensible footwear that doesn’t compromise their style: Simply put, they are wearing eye-catching sneakers.
Crystal Pruitt, the external affairs lead for Atlantic Shores, was sporting a pair of silver metallic sneaks from Nine West. She said it’s a new era at the League.
“This year, I went for both fashion and function,” she said. “I’ve been to the league enough times only to hobble around on the second day. I’m not doing that anymore. These are comfortable and fashion-forward.”
Mishael Azam, the VP of external affairs for United Healthcare, took an American classic to a new level, wearing a pair of sparkling gold Keds – from their Barbie collection, no less, she said.
Azam, who has been coming to the event for more than a dozen years, said she’s learned a universal truth.
“It’s all about networking – people don’t look down,” she said. “I want to look professional, but at the same time, be comfortable.”
Karen Kessler, the founder and CEO of Kessler PR, couldn’t agree more. She came with a pair of silver platform sneakers that she got on Amazon.
“I believe as long as I look great from the waist up, I can wear sneakers,” she said.
The women admitted they are stealing a page from a fashion trend starting by men, who have been wearing sneakers with suits for some time. Gov. Phil Murphy has long been part of the trend as he has made Airwalks his shoe of choice since his first campaign.
“They gave us a license to do this,” Azam said.
Of course, most men don’t have the same fashion sense.
“Men could not pull this off,” Pruitt said.
More from the League:
The League: Breaking down the Day One parties
Will this be a trend that continues on the Walk to Washington? Aixa Lopez, the VP of operations for the Statewide Hispanic Chamber, sure thinks so.
Wearing a pair of shiny black Chuck Taylors with a platform sole, she said she’s never going back.
“I’m done with heels,” she said.
