Sure, we love our stilettos and have a soft spot for a fancy pair of flats [1], but the one pair of shoes we continued to reach for over and over again this past year? Sneakers. And judging from our street style roundups [2], we weren't alone — 2014 was definitely the year for a pair of comfy, stylish kicks. Between both rounds of Fashion Month, Summer, and a casual outing or two, we spotted our favorite industry insiders sporting everything from souped-up Nikes to a popular pair of Adidas's Stan Smiths.
In fact, save for a few dressy events, we can't think of an occasion [3] that sneakers didn't work for this year — and we've got the proof. Ahead, you'll find a roundup of the greatest sneaker street style [4] we've seen in the past 12 months. Every season, every temperature, every event, these babies — white, black, multicolored, simple, and statement-making — were a constant, and we loved it every step of the way. Here's hoping we'll see the same come 2015 [5].
The easiest warm-weather shoe? A stylish slip-on.
Tone down a loud dress with a bright, white pair of kicks.
These black and white sneakers go well with this monochromatic look.
Comfy and chic — no heels needed.
Balance out a statement-making top with a simple shoe.
Adidas's Stan Smith sneakers pretty much go with every outfit.
Can you tell sneakers were the obvious shoe choice when it came to matching sets?
A dressy LBD suddenly becomes daytime-appropriate.
When sandals won't do, sneakers are a great Summer shoe.
An elegant maxidress gets toned down by white kicks.
Fun sneakers were a Fashion Week staple.
This whole look is very Taylor Swift [6].
If Jenna Lyons approves, you know this is a trend to try.
This maxidress and sneaker pairing can be worn just about anywhere.
The sneaker is also a great transitional shoe. It works for any season.
A little yellow accent to tie it all together.
This whole ensemble is very athleisure.
Take a set from stuffy to stylish in two seconds flat with some white sneakers.
A printed pair of slip-ons adds some flair to a solid outfit.
Who knew simple white kicks could look this polished and professional?
Snakeskin slip-ons: a fashion-girl must have.
These shoes give an otherwise ordinary outfit a cool-girl twist.
We love that pop of white against this style star's gray pants.
Flatforms are back!
Try a pair with a similar color scheme to your dress.
Think pearls and high-tops don't mix? Think again.
Eva Chen tied her look together by highlighting the orange accents.
A black pair of slip-ons are probably the most versatile shoe in existence.
A white pair of sneakers went well with another 2014 staple: the leather jacket.
Leather joggers and fancy kicks are the ultimate off-duty combo.
Sportswear gets a little edgy thanks to this model's dark makeup.
A pair of high-tops definitely saved us when we were in a rush this year. Way better than sprinting in heels.
Printed yellow slip-ons? Too fun!
Must. have. these. Chanel. trainers.
Trainers give this simple shift dress a not-so-simple twist.
Here's the Parisian-chic way to work your white low-tops.
Sneakers give this stylish outfit a playful touch.
Give loud fur a lighthearted spin by pairing your coat with some white kicks.
These multicolored kicks really popped against this white pair of overalls.
Relaxing Sunday brunch, anyone?
Loose-fitting jeans and sneakers: the perfect normcore outfit.
To make a statement-making piece the center of attention, opt for something simpler on the bottom, like a metallic pair of Converse.
These sneakers finish off this chic, sweater look rather well.
The worn-in look works for this model's '90s-inspired outfit.
Even Anna Dello Russo wore her Mary Katrantzou dress with a cool pair of sneakers — and then finished it off with a Fendi bag.
This snap is the epitome of Fall fashion.
This outfit shows you don't need to wear heels in order to look dressed up.
A full midiskirt and feminine outfit gets a tomboy twist thanks to these white trainers.
If these shoes are asking for our approval, it's 100 percent YES.
As Jenna Lyons once said, leopard is basically a neutral. A really, really fun neutral.