What’s your old-school sneaker obsession? Is it the Nike Cortez, beloved by Forrest Gump and model and #InternationalGirlCrew member Paloma Elsesser? Converse, which age like fine wine and afford infinite lace-styling possibilities? Vans, the world’s favorite skate sneaker? Classic Reeboks, often sighted on the sportswear brand’s spokesmodel, Gigi Hadid? If you’re a fashion enthusiast living in 2017, the answer to that question is likely “all of the above.”
We are, without a doubt, in the midst of a sneaker renaissance. The Fall 2017 runways were full of unexpected, amazing twists on would-be gym shoes. J.W.Anderson paired minimalist, metallic-tinged boxing sneakers with feather and fringe-heavy cocktail dresses. Leopard print tights complemented Dolce & Gabbana’s ultra embellished tennis sneaks. Would-be Reeboks walked Stella McCartney’s athleisure-filled runway. At this point, sneakers are so ubiquitous that Demna Gvasalia and Alessandro Michele are proposing we buy them dirty and DIYed.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned by now, it’s that sneakers go with everything. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have some visual references. When deciding how to wear sneakers, the best source of inspo is the shoes’ native habitat — the streets. Editors, stylists and bloggers from New York to Milan spend their days scurrying to fashion shows in flat tops, Stan Smiths, Comme des Garçons x Nikes, etc. And while they scurry, we take notes.
Click on the gallery below for plenty of sneaker styling inspiration from these sure-footed fashion girls.
[ Next: 30 Sneakers You’re Going to Want to Wear With Everything This Season ]
How to Wear Sneakers With Everything
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #1
If there’s one piece that belongs in every fashion girl’s wardrobe this season, it's a pair of supersaturated non-blue jeans. Balance your extreme bottoms with a plain white tee. Top things off with an ankle-crazing coat with details (contrast seams, etc.) that mimic your bottoms; ground the look with chic yet casual white sneakers.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #2
Cinch a romantic (ruffled) frock with a logo-happy leather belt; slip on some luxe, rainbow-bright sneakers for a dose of alternative edge.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #3
Bold canvas belts are the accessory du jour, second only to reflective statement sunnies. Style yours with an ironic, vintage-feeling tee, 80s-inspired mom jeans and footwear of choice. Don't forget to cuff your denim.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #4
Oversized coat plus supersized knit plus barely-there bottoms equals foolproof outfit formula tested by many a fashion scientist. The crowning elements? Box-fresh tennis sneakers and statement socks pulled high.
Image: Imaxtree
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #5
Complement a billowy, maxi-length smock dress with variegating stripes with futuristic, all-white Reeboks. Complete the cool, cozy look with a thoughtfully messy top knot.
Image: Imaxtree
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #6
To reiterate: bold striped dresses are neutral sneakers' best friends. Rock a vertical striped midi, a matching colorblocked handbag, tri-stripe Adidas and a leather jacket draped over the shoulders for added sass.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #7
Behold, a study in contradictions. Team a red carpet-worthy off-the-shoulder dress (extra points for a cut-out accent) with multiple chain necklaces, geek-chic glasses and a metallic statement purse. Lace your seemingly out-of-place Converse to your ankles to give your 'fit a street-savvy vibe.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #8
A silky jumpsuit has a soft-spoken glamour that is best accompanied by lace-free (would-be) Keds.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #9
Play with texture. Rock cropped leather-look pants with a fashion Patagonia and classic Chuck Taylors, reach for a perforated clutch, live your maximalist truth.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #10
You can't go wrong with a strong-shouldered blazer, high-waisted pants and a cool graphic tee. Especially if you match said graphic tee to your Kate Moss-approved Gazelles.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #11
Still, don't worry about being too matchy-matchy. Here's another great example of a color-coordinating outfit that doesn't overload the senses.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #12
Sport an Issey Miyake-approved dress with this season's It coat (the trench), this season's It bag (strangely enough, the fanny pack) and an always-in-vogue shoe that matches your micro pleats.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #13
Colorblocking, fuzzy coats and side-zip pants FTW.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #14
If you want to wear sneakers with a patterned suit, make sure at least one color on your shoes matches. That'll tie your look together.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #15
When sporting a Canadian tux, skip the Stan Smiths. Throwback (suede) high-tops are less expected and far more eye-catching. Just be sure to roll up your denim to avoid 90s realness.
Image: Getty
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #16
That said, you can't go wrong with Adidas classics. Think of them as a neutral basic. They're the "little black pump" of the shoe kingdom.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #17
Matching your accessories has never been chicer. When you can't find the exact color, select items in the same family, like slate and dove gray.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #18
If the whole furry shoe trend doesn't appeal to your vegan sensibilities, you can still get in on the action with fuzzy trainers that reach the same goal.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #19
Want to elevate your fall trench? Pair it with colorful kicks that make a statement.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #20
When in doubt, a pair of Chucks and a leather jacket will up your edge factor any day of the week.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #21
White sneakers will take cashmere loungewear from the couch to the cafe. Add a statement coat and a casual day clutch and you'll be good to go.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #22
Sometimes we can all get a little tired of our monochromatic black uniform. To shake things up, replace your Chelsea boots with trainers on days when you have a lot of miles to cover.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #23
If the focus of your outfit is a white button-down, grab a pair of white slip-ons with metallic detailing, like silver paneling or studs. They're clean, sporty and will match your mirrored sunglasses.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #24
A good rule of thumb: Leopard print is seen as a neutral in fashion. Mix and match with abandon.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #25
Got some free time? Think about personalizing your Adidas trainers to really make them pop.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #26
To wear sneakers with a lace-trimmed slip dress, throw on an oversized jean button-down to give it a more casual feel. Then pair with tennis shoes in the same colorway.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #27
We don't know about you, but we're still obsessed with 90s minimalism. To get the look, pair basic black low-tops with a black tank dress and a black and white backpack. Keep the rest of your accessories simple.
Image: Getty
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #28
The robe coat was a big hit on the Milan runways for Fall 2017. Get a head start this season by purchasing a cold-weather version in a bright shade of turquoise. It'll elevate your everyday basics, like jeans, T-shirts and white tennis shoes.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #29
A studded day bag, a sleek black hat and black leather sneakers will chase the country right out of your overalls.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #30
Headed to a date? Balance out your mini with sneakers. After all, you don't want to look like you tried too hard.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #31
Canvas lace-ups aren't just for beachside summers. As long as you switch out your seasonal accessories, you can make your lace-ups last through October.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #32
See what we mean?
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #33
An all-white outfit is just begging for metallic sneakers. If the look feels too bland, add a pop of color with your handbag.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #34
To prolong summer's cropped pants, swap out your open-toe sandals for sheer tights and no-fuss sneakers.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #35
Can you wear your Stan Smiths with a sophisticated white dress? Of course you can. Watch and learn.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #36
Old-school Vans (the new Stan Smiths) work equally well.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #37
Guess what? You don't have to wear heels with your cocktail dress. You have plenty of flat options, from pointy sling-backs for night to Converses for day.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #38
When you keep your outfit to two colors — like black and white — you can make just about anything work.
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How to Wear Sneakers With Everything #39
These models are proof that you don't need a pair of expensive designer shoes to make sneakers work. Nike, Reebok, Adidas and Converse all have affordable options under $100.
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