Print and Coloured Sneakers Advice

Have you been eyeing off the Adidas Gazelles, Sambas or similar styles?
 

With so many colours, stripes and prints to choose from, it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed.

So I did what I always do, I bought a few pairs, lived in them, styled them properly, and paid attention to what actually worked (and what didn’t).

Right now, I’m loving mine worn back with athleisure-style outfits, especially dresses with a side tape detail. It’s that relaxed, modern mix that feels effortless but still intentional.

Here’s what I’ve noticed to be consistently true:

When my dress or skirt finishes above the knee, I prefer a higher-contrast sneaker, where the light and dark are of equal strength. This frames the leg and gives it a clear finish point.

When my dress or skirt is longer in length and sits in a deeper or darker colour depth, I like my sneakers to have a light background overall, with a darker brighter side stripe. Like my light pink and cobalt stripe ones to your right above, I wear these a lot! 
 

And with my light, long neutral dresses, I reach for a deep bright coloured sneaker, where the background and stripe are similar in depth. That pop of colour frames and lifts the whole outfit, keeping it feeling fresh.

Then vice versa with my long dark neutral dresses, I keep the background sneaker colour light. 

So here’s my advice, based on the pairs I genuinely reach for and wear the most:
 

1. Black and white, in equal print value.
   These become your true sneaker neutral and are perfect when you’re wearing colour in your outfit.

2. A light background with a brighter, deeper colour stripe
   (that doesn’t include black or white).
   This option works beautifully with darker outfits and longer silhouettes; it lifts without overpowering.

3. A deep, bright colour background with a bright stripe
   (again, without containing black or white).
   This is my go-to when I’m wearing an all-over light neutral outfit and want the sneakers to do the talking.

And if you’re wondering how to wear sneakers like these with non-athleisure pieces, I’ve covered that too.

Nat xo

Wondering how to style the print street sneaker trend without overthinking it?