How Fashion Insiders Style Their New Balance Sneakers
There’s something undeniably refreshing about the rise of comfortable footwear in high-fashion circles. Gone are the days when sneakers were reserved exclusively for the gym—today, they’re the centerpiece of some of the most stylish outfits on our Instagram feeds. New Balance, with its perfect balance of retro appeal and modern functionality, has emerged as the unlikely fashion hero embraced by trendsetters worldwide. What makes these chunky dad shoes so versatile? How are fashion insiders styling them? And more importantly, how can you incorporate them into your wardrobe without looking like you’re headed to a track meet?
The Street Style Breakdown
The camel coat and New Balance pairing is perhaps one of the most sophisticated ways to style these sporty shoes. In this elegant European street style moment , we see a masterclass in high-low dressing—the structured camel coat adds polish while the relaxed jeans and white sneakers keep the look grounded. The beige scarf creates a cohesive color story that elevates the entire outfit. The key styling tip here: balance proportions by pairing something oversized (the coat) with something fitted (the white tank) and relaxed denim.
Athleisure gets a fashionable upgrade when paired with statement outerwear. The dark trench coat transforms what could be basic workout attire into a considered look. The tonal green sports bra and leggings create a sleek foundation, while the white socks and sneakers add a crisp finish. When recreating this look, focus on choosing athletic wear in sophisticated colors rather than loud prints to maintain that fashion-forward edge.
For warm-weather styling, the matching set approach works beautifully. The light gray crop top and flared leggings combination shows how sneakers can complement body-conscious pieces. The sunglasses add just the right amount of attitude. This outfit works because it commits fully to a monochromatic palette, letting the silhouette do the talking.
Collegiate style gets a modern update with the red and white combination . The oversized gray tee paired with bright red leggings creates a sporty yet polished aesthetic. Notice how the matching cap reinforces the color story while the gold watch adds an unexpected touch of luxury. This is weekend-wear perfection—comfortable enough for errands but put-together enough for casual brunches.
The minimalist’s approach to sneaker styling comes through in the pale blue t-shirt dress look. The simplicity of this outfit allows the shape and texture to stand out—the relaxed fit creates an effortless silhouette that still feels intentional. White sneakers and socks provide a clean finish that works perfectly with the understated vibe.
For a more polished interpretation, the asymmetrical black top and tailored gray pants demonstrate how New Balance can work in smarter contexts. The amber-tinted sunglasses add a contemporary edge that balances the formality of the trousers. This look works because it plays with contrasts—structured versus casual, fitted versus loose.
The black mini dress styling proves that sneakers can absolutely work for evening. The button-front detail adds interest while keeping the overall silhouette clean. White socks create a deliberate styling choice rather than an afterthought. This look succeeds because it commits to a minimal color palette while playing with proportions.
Shopping Guide
To recreate these looks, start with the foundation—the perfect pair of New Balance sneakers. The 990v5 remains the gold standard for fashion insiders, offering that perfect chunky silhouette without veering too far into statement territory. At the luxury end, consider the collaborations with Casablanca or Aimé Leon Dore, which typically retail between $150-200.
For a mid-range option, the 327 model offers a sleeker profile with retro-inspired colorways around the $100 mark. Budget-conscious shoppers should look to the 574 series, which delivers the New Balance aesthetic for approximately $80.
When building your outfits, invest in quality basics that elevate the casual sneaker. COS and Arket offer excellent oversized coats similar to our first look, while Reformation and Girlfriend Collective provide sustainable options for the athletic sets shown in images 2 and 3.
For an unexpected addition, consider Portuguese brand Näz for minimalist pieces similar to the blue t-shirt dress—they use deadstock fabrics to create timeless pieces that pair beautifully with sporty footwear.
My Verdict
After closely examining how fashion insiders style their New Balance sneakers, I’m convinced this trend has staying power beyond the typical footwear fad cycle. What makes these looks successful isn’t just the shoes themselves but the thoughtful styling that elevates them from purely functional to intentionally fashionable.
My one critique? The trend risks becoming formulaic—there’s a certain Instagram uniformity developing around the “fashion person in New Balance” aesthetic. The most compelling interpretations are those that maintain personal style rather than simply recreating a template.
How are you styling your sneakers this season? Are you leaning toward athletic pairings or contrasting them with more formal pieces?
