I love the crisp mornings, when I can finally pull out my favorite jeans, oversized sweaters, lightweight jackets, and all the other pieces that have been sitting in my closet. And, of course, it’s the perfect time to bring my comfortable sneakers back into rotation. After years of testing sneakers for work, I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing which pairs I’ll reach for with my favorite fall outfits (usually slim sneakers like an Adidas Samba or Puma Speedcat)—and which ones I’ll save for workouts and long walks (like my cushiony Hokas and Brooks pairs).
You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to make your favorite sneakers work for fall. Some of my favorite outfits start with the sneakers I already wear on repeat and my capsule wardrobe essentials. One of my biggest styling takeaways is that the proportions of your outfit should help determine the sneaker you reach for: relaxed, oversized pieces tend to work best with chunkier or retro-inspired sneakers, while sleeker styles can balance out dressier pants, skirts, and dresses.
And after testing everything from ultra-cushioned walking shoes to low-profile everyday sneakers, I’ve learned that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style—the best pairs are the ones I can wear all day and still want to put on the next morning. For this combo, start with a clean, white sneaker (think a Nike Air Force 1 or, IMO, its chicer older sister, the Alo Recovery Mode sneaker). Then grab a pair of black workout leggings (I like a slight sheen or a totally matte finish), a neutral-toned hoodie, and crew socks.
A long wool coat, which helps balance out the more casual pieces with a bit more structure. A hoodie, leggings, and sneakers don’t sound like much, but with the right pieces, this combo totally hits that clean-girl, laid-back vibe. All millennial and Gen-Z gals know the power of jeans and a cute top (aka jeans and a going-out top).
If you have a slim, low-profile sneaker (like an adidas samba, puma speedcat, or similar), you can recreate that same outfit formula with a more relaxed (but not frumpy) look perfect for errands or even brunch. Pair your sneaker with relaxed jeans, a cute top (think something satin, lacy, asymmetrical, or patterned), and a matching jacket and/or bag. You can go for a chunkier sneaker or something slimmer for this outfit—it depends on what you wear up top.
A pair of wide-leg trousers goes surprisingly well with almost any pair of sneakers in your closet. I usually start with a plain T-shirt, then layer on a leather jacket, bomber, or trench. I find a low-profile sneaker looks best with the leather jackets and trench coats, while a chunky shoe pairs better with barn jackets, varsity jackets, or any of the above layered over a hoodie.
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