32 Ways to Wear Nikes That Actually Don't Involve Your Gym Clothes
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Fashion is still rightfully sneaker-obsessed. There's nothing more comfortable on our feet, and thanks to designer iterations from the likes of Pyer Moss, Balenciaga, and Chanel, they've also never been so prominently featured on the runway or in high fashion. So you can — and we do — feel free to mix them with athleisure, a day dress, and even a suit.
While I admit, I have a thing for designer sneakers (Isabel Marant makes a very good pair), I always come back to Nikes, thanks to their versatility, affordability, and staying power. Dressed in Nikes, you need not wonder if you've got on the right footwear, you just know they look cool with just about anything — yes, even a tulle skirt.
If you need convincing, I've curated some of my favorite outfits. The ones that'll stop you in your tracks, and as you try to trace what exactly makes them so good, you'll notice those Nikes. Effortless, even when they're bright or bolder than classic Cortez styles, they seem to say, "I'm chill, my outfit's chill — and maybe I did or didn't go to the gym today."
Let the outfits ahead inspire you.
Channel quintessential '90s style with Nike high-tops and loose-fit shorts and a tee.
What could be easier than throwing on a tee and a pair of blue Nikes to match your blue jeans?
Mix up a blazer with jeans and rainbow-hued high-tops.
Channel summer-camp vibes with a hoodie, cargo pants, and a sweet pair of Nikes.
Why yes, Nikes do go with a little tweed dress.
With leather pants, Nikes only make your outfit look cooler.
I love the look of Nikes and track pants or sweats, but throw on a tie-dye tee and the look is next level.
Toss a button-down and blazer over bike shorts and add high-tops for the coolest iteration of on-the-go style.
Play with quirky, vintage-inspired layers on top, but embrace sporty on the bottom.
Play with menswear, a midi dress, and sporty sneakers and watch the compliments roll in.
Day glow looks sporty and sophisticated when you pair ultrabright Nikes with an ultrabright suite.
Lean into your sporty side when you pair Nikes with an athletic popover and utility vest.
Amplify a monochrome ensemble with fresh white kicks.
If you're going bold with neon, embrace it right down to your toes with a highlighter-hued pair.
Give your weekend look the perfect complement with a pair of white Nikes.
White sneakers are a fresh way to finish off a vibrant maxi dress.
A crop top and jeans combo doesn't have to mean "too sexy"; just throw on your favorite gym shoes (for real!), and the look reads more everyday cool than overdone.
Make casual extracool with retro-feeling Nikes.
Surprise everyone when you pair a statement ensemble with understated Nikes, not heels.
Update a nostalgic-feeling suit with contemporary kicks.
Emphasize a sporty look with coordinating sneakers in the same color palette.
Dress down a frilly, flirty dress with way-cool kicks, the perfect counterpart.
There's something downright chic about a pair of sleek sneakers and an understated jumpsuit.
Nikes with brilliantly hued laces are the complement your hot pink fanny pack was waiting for.
I love the unexpected addition of sleek sneakers with a ladylike dress.
Finishing an easy jumpsuit with sneakers is always a reliable — and cute! — weekend look.
A dress over jeans? Yes. Add sneakers? Even better!
Echo a pretty color scheme, like bubblegum pink, with Nikes that match a feminine skirt.
Tights and a pleated skirt go from conservative to cool girl with Nikes.
Modernize bike shorts and a blazer with sleek Nike Max Dia sneakers.
Mix brights and contrast a colorblock dress with high-octane sneakers.
Dress down a feminine skirt with an oversize sweater and high-tops.