Some shoes just make an outfit better, and retro sneakers are a good example. Faded colours, a bit of suede, a sole that looks slightly old-fashioned, and suddenly a plain outfit has some character. New Balance is one of the brands people go for when they want that throwback look, and most of its pairs work with clothes already sitting in the wardrobe. Anyone stuck on how to style retro sneakers can relax, because it’s easier than it seems. Here are ten ideas that need very little effort.
Start With Jeans
Jeans are the safest bet, so this is the easiest place to begin.
1. Straight jeans and a white tee: Simple and clean. The shoes do all the talking.
2. Baggy jeans and a hoodie: A loose fit sits nicely next to a chunky sole. It’s also very comfy, which never hurts.
3. Light jeans and a denim jacket: All denim can look a bit flat, so a pair of grey or cream shoes helps break it up.
These three are the easiest retro sneaker outfits to copy on a lazy morning when nobody wants to think too hard.
Trousers and Shorts Work Too
Jeans aren’t the only option. Plenty of good looks don’t include them at all.
4. Cargo trousers and a fitted top: Roomy legs balance out a bulky shoe, and a neat top keeps things from looking messy.
5. Shorts and a loose shirt: Great for summer. Wear the shirt open over a plain tee and keep everything light.
6. Joggers and a sweatshirt: Nothing fancy here, but it’s one of the comfiest casual sneaker outfits around. Decent shoes stop the whole thing from looking sloppy, which is half the battle with joggers.
Dress Them Up a Bit
Retro sneakers cope with smarter clothes better than most people expect.
7. Wide trousers and a soft jumper: This looks neat and put together, and the trainers keep it from feeling stiff. Stay with neutral colours like cream, grey or camel.
8. A midi skirt or a simple dress: Sneakers with a floaty skirt never really go out of style. Keep the top plain and let the shoes add the relaxed touch. New Balance pairs in grey, cream or soft green suit this kind of outfit well.
Watch the Colours
Retro pairs usually come in quiet shades. Grey, beige, navy, faded green. That makes them much easier to wear than loud, bright trainers. A handy trick is to pick one colour from the shoe and repeat it somewhere else, like a navy cap or a beige jacket. It ties everything together without looking forced.
There’s also a simple rule to follow. If the shoes are busy, with lots of panels and colours, keep the clothes plain. If the shoes are simple, there’s room to be a bit braver with the rest. Two or three main colours is plenty. Once that rule sticks, most sneaker outfit ideas need hardly any planning.
When It Gets Cold
Cold weather doesn’t mean the trainers have to go back in the box. Winter just calls for a few extra layers.
9. Puffer jacket and slim trousers. A big coat looks great next to a slightly chunky shoe. It feels warm, and it looks sorted without trying.
10. Long coat over a hoodie. Smart on top, relaxed underneath. It looks planned even when it wasn’t. Wool or camel coats work best here.
Chilly days don’t have to end with casual sneaker outfits. Thick socks and a decent coat are usually enough to keep them going all year.
Keep It Easy
Good outfits rarely need to be complicated. A few basics, one decent pair of shoes and a bit of confidence cover most of it. Keeping the shoes clean helps as well, because a scuffed pair can drag down even the best outfit. A quick wipe now and then goes a long way.
For anyone still browsing, taking a look at what New Balance sells is a good way to see the different retro shapes and colours out there. Whatever pair gets picked, there’s no need to stress. Try a few of these retro sneaker outfits, notice which ones feel natural, and wear them on repeat. That’s all there is to how to style retro sneakers, and New Balance pairs, like most retro ones, tend to match far more of the wardrobe than expected.