
I enjoy wearing a variety of different styles– especially fun and fresh pieces! I love the looks of Vans, and I know that my former students will be excited to see me rocking the brand from head to toe, especially as a 45-year-old woman! Fashion has no limits, right? Take a walk on the wild side and try out these new styles for fall. Read on about the history of this famous company and find several ways that you can style Vans for your age and frame.
Early History of Vans

The Van Doren Rubber Company was founded in Anaheim, California on March 16, 1966, by two brothers named Paul and Jim Van Doren. The very first pair of Vans shoes were the #44 Deck Shoes. What makes the brand unique is that it manufactured the shoes on the premises and sold directly to the public. The shoe had a rugged style and sticky sole tha appealed to skateboarders. By the end of the 1970s, the shoe brand was distributed to 70 stores in California and sold through dealers both national and international.
Although the company started as a sneaker company reserved for skateboarders, soon enough others began to adopt the sneaker as a part of their style such as athletes, singers, and actors. In addition to skateboarding, they became a significant influencer in surf and BMX.
As the leader in action sports footwear, Vans has also launched an extensive apparel collection for both men and women. The brand has collaborated with all the big names, such as Disney, Metallica, and Karl Lagerfield. They also worked with streetwear brands such as Supreme, Thrasher Magazine, and Gosha Rubchinsky.

Unique facts about the brand
In the year of 1982, the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High premeired in theaters. Actor Sean Penn, who played a surfer was seen wearing Vans Checkered Slip-Ons in the movie and in the movie posters. The shoes gained international appeal once they hit the the screen and became a massive part of pop culture.
An interesting fact about the brand is that in 1998, they opened a 46,000-square foot indoor/outdoor Van’s skatepark, located at Orange Mall in California. Did you know that Vans sponsored the Warped Vans Tour in 1995? It is a popular music festival featuring artists such as Sum 41, Katy Perry, and Fall Out Boy just to name a few.
Paying it Forward
I love that Vans believes in giving back and being a global citizen. The company has put more than $375,000 into the high school art programs, which is something that touched my heart. I am a teacher, and it is often hard to get funding for specific programs many schools. I genuinely admire that the company chose to give back to the community.
Styling for fall
As a woman over 40 with petite clothing, sometimes it is a challenge to find the appropriate style and fit in the clothes we wear. However, there are ways that you can find out the best fit and what is the right style for you! Vans can be worn in many different forms.
Sporty
Dressing sporty is one of the most comfortable ways to wear Vans. I wore a Vans hoodie alongside a pair of camouflage pants to complete the look. I truly had fun experimenting with this style, and you can too!
(Grace)
Casual
The most casual way that you can wear Vans shoes is to pair them with some classic skinny jeans and a short sleeve white t-shirt alongside a black jean jacket. The look would pair best with slip-on Vans of any color that you choose. This option is the best way to look stylish when you need to get out the door. This look is basic enough that you can accessorize however you want!
(Pinterest )

Work Attire
Sometimes finding an outfit for work can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Change up your work attire by pairing your Vans shoes with slimming black and white striped dress pants and an oversized sweater. Wearing this look is a cool way to show up to the office!
(Pinterest)
Rock and Roll
Dressing up doesn’t have to be safe. Shake it up by pairing your Vans with a motorcycle jacket and a pair of jeans. Vans of any style and color will go along with this look perfectly. It is also an ideal way to dress for a petite frame.
(Pinterest)
Are you ready to challenge your young heart and vibe with Vans this fall? If you live in Michigan, you can find it at Somerset Collection Mall in Troy. Have fun experimenting with these edgy new looks!

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Photo credit: Grace Liang
Grace
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64 Comments
Shelbee on the Edge
I have loved Vans since I was in high school and had a skater boyfriend! However, I currently don’t own a pair. I think I need to think about adding a pair of Vans to my wardrobe now. You look so great in this sporty look! Super edgy and cool! And thanks for sharing the interesting history of the brand. Super fun read.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for the compliments, Shelbee! I think you should definitely add a pair of Vans to your wardrobe – they would look great on you! 🙂
Laurie
I’ve been debating about wearing trainers being petite. You always look stylish in yours Grace. xx
Grace Liang
Thank you, Laurie. I think you should go for it! 🙂 I’m sure you would style them so well!
Jill
I’ve always loved Vans and it’s so interesting to hear about their history! Love your fun and edgy outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Jill! I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Vans are so a fun to style!
mireille
Didn’t know their history so it was neat to learn about that! I love your look! Fun and edgy!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Mireille! This was such a fun look to wear!
Gail
Some great suggestions Grace, I like the idea of wearing the shoes to work with dress pants and an oversized sweater! My son-in-law, who’s in his 20s, wears a lot of their stuff! Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday!
Grace Liang
I’m so glad you liked these suggestions, Gail! That was one of my favorite looks also! 🙂
Ruth Josey
My favorite style of sneaker! I had no idea that Vans were initially made with skateboarders in mind – great to learn a little history about them. You’ve styled them perfectly and look really cute in that outfit! I love the combination of the green sweater and plaid pants in one of your set suggestions, too!
Ruth
http://www.VogueFauxReal.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Ruth! I had a great time styling these shoes!
Gina
You are most definitely rocking these Vans! Love your sporty styling! I really like the workwear outfit too!
Grace Liang
You are so kind, Gina! Thank you for the support! 🙂
vanessa
You look so lovely! Loving the summer VANS vibes! Sending so much love your way!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.com
Grace Liang
You’re so sweet, Vanessa! Thank you for your kind words and support! It means so much <3
Lizzie
Those are super cute! Vans are such a classic closet staple!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Grace Liang
I couldn’t agree more, Lizzie! They have been my go-to shoes lately!
Laura
You look adorable with those shoes! I love your camo pants too!
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Laura! It was such a fun outfit! 🙂
Dara
I have never worn Vans but they are cute and I love the outfits!
Grace Liang
Thank you, Dara! I think you would look great in a pair of Vans! 🙂
Kiran
I don’t own a pair of Vans but I love the camo trousers you are wearing, they are so versatile xxx
Kiran | http://www.alittlekiran.co.uk
Grace Liang
Thank you for being so kind, Kiran! I am a big fan of versatile pieces!
Bojana
I learned so much reading this post! Love how you’ve Syed them from sporty to preppy. I love my Vans.
Grace Liang
I’m so glad you found this post helpful, Bojana! I love how versatile Vans are! 🙂
Nancy
I don’t see Vans here that much in the Netherlands. But you look fantastic in it! And it was a lovely story to read!
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for the support, Nancy!
Julie | This Main Line Life
These are great outfits you put together. I really like those pants you’re wearing and they’re perfect with the vans. I got a pair of black polka-dot, slide on vans this year and really like them.
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Julie! Vans are the best aren’t they!? 🙂
Loren Gomez
This is a pretty neat post! love how you shared the history of Vans and ways to style it.
Thanks for sharing
Loren | plaidandsugar.blogspot.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Loren! I’m so happy you enjoyed this post!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
I had no idea about the history of Vans! It’s so interesting to hear the story behind brands.
Grace Liang
I completely agree, Cristina! I always love learning the history of brands also!
Ashley
Vans make for such a cool + classic look! I love how you styled these!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Grace Liang
They definitely do, Ashley! Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
Donna Walmsley
I love the camo pants!! Just gorgeous!! Very cool look on you and you wear the whole outfit very well!! Thank you for sharing!!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🙏
https://donnadoesdresses.com
Grace Liang
You are so sweet, Donna! Thank you for your kind words! It was such a fun outfit to wear! 🙂
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Those camo pants are so cute and my son LOVES Vans! They do have some stylish shoes. Love the hoodie!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Grace Liang
Thank you very much, Carrie! Your son has great taste in shoes! 🙂
Hannah
This look suits you so much! I’ve been meaning to invest in clothing from Vans for a while, as it looks so comfy too. This is such a great post, and I’ve learnt things about the brand I didn’t before!xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
Grace Liang
Thank you for your support, Hannah! Clothing from Vans is definitely worth the investment – so cute and comfy! 🙂
Luiza Salles
Que artigo excelente, seu site é muito bom mesmo, estou toda semana visitando e lendo seus artigos.
Parabéns!
Meu Blog: Vale Sorte
Grace Liang
Muchas gracias por su apoyo! Estoy tan feliz de que disfrutes el contenido que publico!
Ellibelle
What a great look! I don’t own any Vans myself but my kids do and I might just have to get a pair as well. Thanks for sharing, it was also great reading about the history of Vans.
https://www.simplyellibelle.com/search/label/Fashion%20Friday
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Ellibelle! I think you could definitely rock a pair of Vans! 🙂
Dário
Que artigo excelente, seu site é muito bom mesmo, estou toda semana visitando e lendo seus artigos.
Parabéns!
Meu Blog: Blog Loteria Vale Sorte
Grace Liang
Muchas gracias por su apoyo, realmente lo aprecio!
The Evolista
I’ve always loved Vans and the outfits you put together with them here are so cute! Totally love it!
xx Jenifer
https://www.theevolista.com/best-places-to-travel-in-september/
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Jenifer! Vans are such fun shoes! 🙂
Heather
They look so cute on you. Love the whole outfit!
Grace Liang
Thank you, Heather! It was such a fun look!
Nora Minassian
This is such a fun look Grace!
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for your support, Nora! 🙂
Kara
Vans are my favorite and I love all the different ways you showed to style them! It was interesting to learn more about the brand and I love that they give back. Thank you for the inspiration!
x Kara | http://karascloset.net
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for being so kind, Kara! I’m glad you liked this post! 🙂
Jessica
Can’t go wrong with this classic casual brand. You can style them with almost anything, and they never go out of style. Also, love your all-white Vans dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Grace Liang
Thank you, Jessica! I completely agree with you – I love how versatile they are!
Kathrine Eldridge
This post is right up my alley because I’m petite and over 40! I adore the cool, relaxed vibes of your look. Need to get a pair of Vans asap.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Grace Liang
So glad this post can be helpful to you, Kathrine! I think you would definitely rock a pair of Vans! 🙂
Tracy
I love how you styled these Vans! I never knew that they support arts in the schools and I think that is amazing! I am a music teacher in the public school system so I see the important impact the arts has on children every day!
Tracy
https://www.findyourdazzle.com
Grace Liang
Thank you Tracy! I was so happy to learn that about Vans also! Such a great brand. 🙂
Jacqui Berry
They are fabulous – and just what I need for my next trip abroad. Thanks for adding to the #linkup Jacqui Mummabstylish
michelle
You can wear Vans at any age! They are casual and cool!
michellespaige.com