Truth be told, it can be hard to come up with fresh outfit ideas at the start of the year. It’s cold, and the post-holiday hangover is real. If this has led to an outfit rut for you, you’ve come to the right place. Something that I’ve discovered in all of my years of studying outfits for a living is that winter is chic-sneaker-outfit season. Sneakers paired with items such as sweaters, coats, and trousers tend to look effortlessly elegant and expensive.
As I’ve been scrolling through Instagram in search of outfit inspiration recently, I’ve come across a plethora of rich-looking sneaker outfits without even seeking them out, and all of them happen to be worn by European fashion people. Most of these outfits feature elevated sneakers made of leather or suede as opposed to sportier styles, which was an interesting observation I made. With that, keep scrolling to see the rich-looking outfits, shop items to help you re-create them, and shop elevated sneakers to wear with them.
The Outfit: Sweater Over a Sweater + Baggy Cuffed Jeans + Burgundy Sneakers
Something about matching your sweater to your sneakers is so eye-catching and chic—especially when the color is burgundy.
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Reformation
Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater in Chianti
Agolde
Fran Low Slung Jeans
Adidas
Gazelle Shoes in Collegiate Burgundy/Cloud White/Gold Metallic
The Outfit: Cropped Trench + Black Trousers + Leather Sneakers
One would typically think to pair this outfit with ballet flats or heels, but the unexpectedness of sneakers makes it so much cooler.
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Pixie Market
Oversize Crop Cotton Blend Trench Jacket
Adidas
Samba OG Shoes in Brown/Brown/Gum
The Outfit: Long Wool Coat + Half-Zip Pullover + Jeans + Chocolate-Brown Sneakers
On the next chilly day (so tomorrow), I’m copying this layered sneaker outfit piece for piece.
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MANGO
Pocketed Virgin Wool Blend Coat
Everlane
The Half-Zip in Everyday Cotton
TOTEME
The Sport Suede and Shell Sneakers
The Outfit: Trench Coat + Scarf + Black Jeans + Leather Sneakers
A trench coat makes anything look rich and elegant—sneakers included. (It doesn’t hurt when the sneakers are New Balance x Miu Miu.)
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The Frankie Shop
Mavis Oversized Trench in Light Beige
Agolde
90’s Pinch Waist: High Rise Straight Jeans
New Balance X Miu Miu
530 SL Deco Calf Leather Mules
The Outfit: Cable-Knit Sweater + Baggy Jeans + Colorful Suede Sneakers
A cozy cable-knit sweater and jeans are go-to pieces for many of us. Next time, try pairing them with colorful sneakers.
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Argent
Oversized Cable Sweater in Wool Nylon Cream
DAZE
1999 High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Dries Van Noten
Leather and Suede Sneakers
The Outfit: Brown Faux-Fur Coat + Baggy Jeans + Retro Sneakers
Most of us wouldn’t think to pair our chic brown faux-fur coats with retro sneakers, but this is your PSA to try it.
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Madewell
The Darted Barrel Leg Jeans
Nike
Dunk Low Basketball Sneakers
The Outfit: Camel Jacket + White T-Shirt + Jeans + Samba Sneakers
Want to make jeans and a T-shirt look elevated? Wear them with a camel jacket and Sambas.
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The Outfit: Brown Trench Coat + Tan Tee and Trousers + Chunky Sneakers
Khaki trousers and chunky sneakers are right out of the ’90s style playbook. Add a chocolate-brown trench for a rich touch.
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