How to Style Air Jordans | 13 Outfit Ideas
13 Outfit Ideas For Styling Your Timeless Air Jordans
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The Air Jordan 1 is often regarded as the most iconic of all sneakers, worn by Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan during the last game at Madison Square Garden of his Chicago Bulls tenure in 1998. The shoe itself, introduced in 1984 when the athlete signed a deal with Nike, is now a street style symbol, which means building outfit ideas around it — whether with jeans, shorts, or dresses — is practically essential.
After ESPN aired a 10-part docuseries, "The Last Dance," about Jordan's famous career, his original red Jordans from 1985, aka the "Notorious" Jordan 1s, sold for $560,000 in a Sotheby's auction. But today, there are 36 editions of Jordans and counting — with a new model released yearly — many of which you can find on resale sites and buy vintage.
As long as Jordans are still on the market, their legacy lives on, which is why they're often the focal point of someone's look, and not just an afterthought. From denim with front slits that reveal the retro kicks with every move to tailored short or skirt suits that put the inimitable shape of the high-top in full view, find 13 smart ways to plan an ensemble around a pair of Jordans ahead. We're breaking down the outfits for every style in the book, whether you prefer neutrals and own classic, monochrome Jordans or you're in proud possession of a multicolor, multitexture design from a limited-edition collaboration memorable enough to go down in history.
Keep reading to get inspired while you shop the right Air Jordans to help you achieve each aesthetic.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Complement neutral-toned Jordans with a khaki-colored short or skirt suit, layering a bare bralette underneath the look on an off-duty day in warm weather. Finish the look with a simple beaded necklace, dark sunglasses, and a structural bag.
Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT
Allow the soft, fresh tones of these Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT ($263) sneakers to act as neutrals against a tailored suit or coordinate set.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Coordinate a colorblock pair of Air Jordans with your outerwear, allowing a long jacket and the pieces you layer underneath to accent certain shades in your shoes. Opt for understated, dark accessories to complete this color story, so as not to appear overly matchy.
Air Jordan 1 Mid
The charm of these Air Jordan 1 Mid ($289) sneakers comes from the colorblock detailing and mixed-media finish. Make sure the rest of your outfit works to complement at least one or two of the shades in these statement-worthy shoes.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Play up a sporty pair of Jordans — ones that come with a flash of neon — with logofied statement jeans and a simple black tee. A hoodie casually draped over the shoulders keeps your look casual, while a statement bag in a bright color will make your shoes pop.
Just Don x Jordan Legacy 312 Low
These Just Don x Jordan Legacy 312 Low ($190-$750) sneakers were issued in 2019 and come with a brightly branded strap across the top with subtle elephant-print panels on the sides. The neon strips make them perfect for coordinating with basics in your wardrobe, like simple tees and denim.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Complement the texture of your Jordans in leather pants and a wool jacket that will play up the suede finish on your shoes. A hood lends itself to the athletic appeal of your outfit, while sharp, structural sunglasses can work to highlight other accessories, like a luxury designer bag in a recognizable silhouette.
Air Jordan 1 Mid SE
Even the soft touches of coral on these Air Jordan 1 Mid SE ($194) sneakers don't take away from their timelessness. Wear them with leather pants and an oatmeal-colored hoodie to let them steal the show.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Styles like the Air Jordan 4 have a chunkier look and will therefore contrast breezy, lightweight clothes nicely. Consider pieces like a breezy denim skirt or dress and a simple white tee to really let these shoes have their moment and ground out the outfit.
Air Jordan 4
The mesh details and metallic flash of the iconic Jordan logo on the tongue of these Air Jordan 4 ($449-$570) shoes make them unique, but the color palette is natural and easy to team with almost anything in your wardrobe. Balance the chunky soles with lightweight pieces.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Allow your classic, recognizable Jordans to peek out from a slitted, floor-skimming pant, and play into the tough appeal with a roll-sleeved muscle tee. Then add a completely surprising element to the ensemble, like a delicate strand of pearls.
Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT
These Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT ($226) sneakers are actually part of a Chicago Bulls-themed collaboration, but the scarlet patent-leather finish on the upper and around the ankle lends them even more edge. Wear them with a cropped or slitted pant so every detail is visible to the naked eye.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Make your Jordans seem like a casual afterthought. Start with flared, belted jeans that give off a western look, and finish with a statement jacket that might typically be complemented by a sleek heeled leather boot. Instead, throw on your Jordans and impress onlookers with how organic the combination appears to be.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG
Choose these Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ($336) shoes if purple is your favorite color and you're well versed in paring back sneakers to just about everything in your closet. Team these with cropped denim or even a pencil skirt and a cool jacket to allow them their moment.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Draw utmost attention to your prized Jordans with a cuffed jean and ribbed socks that peek out from the ankles. Complete with dark, streamlined basics up top, such as a blazer and a zip-up sweater, and choose a bag that highlights the tones of your shoes, so as to attract eyes downward.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High
These vintage Air Jordan 1 Retro High ($345) sneakers are from 2019 and come in flashy patent leather with a tall quilted tongue. Make them look like the prized possession they are by drawing attention to them with a ribbed white ankle sock.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Allow a pair of super-slouchy distressed jeans to be the stand-in for your sweatpants. Prioritize comfort in a lived-in tee and a quilted gilet that may or may not complement the finish on your bag as an added bonus.
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG
Wear these classic Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ($341) sneakers with baggy denim and a sporty top, balanced out with a delicate purse and dark sunglasses for an off-duty street style moment.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Style your Jordan Lows with a tapered, high-waisted trouser that hits above the ankles, tucking in your top and polishing off the look with a jacket in the same color of your shoes.
Air Jordan 1 Low
These Air Jordan 1 Low ($429) sneakers have a collegiate-inspired look in University Blue and white. Their curve below the ankle gives them a sporty, retro feel, so make sure to wear them with peds and bare your ankles to show off the complete silhouette.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Fun-colored Jordans are perfect for your loungewear-becomes-outerwear outfit, which starts with a colorful sweatsuit that matches the laces or upper patches on your shoes. Throw on a contrasting trench to break up the monochrome flow and complete with a dark-colored bag and sunglasses to run errands.
Air Jordan 1 Mid
These Air Jordan 1 Mid ($165) sneakers in Dutch Green are marked down and in great condition if you're looking to repurpose a memorable color combination in this classic silhouette. Style them with everything from jeans and leather pants to sweats on your more casual days.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Use your multicolor Jordans to make a street style statement in an embellished coordinate set that's trendy but not entirely distracting from your sneakers. Whether it's a black two-piece encrusted with beads or it's denim on denim with patchwork, just make sure your shoes are still the most eye-catching part of your outfit.
Air Jordan 2 Retro
These kitschy Air Jordan 2 Retro ($289) shoes come with multiple textures, incorporating pebbled leather, quilted leather, suede, nylon, and, finally, shiny patent leather at the toe cap. Needless to say, you'll want to wear them with neutrals so the mixed-media effect takes hold.
Outfit With Air Jordans
Use your Jordans to provide a casual twist on workwear, selecting your go-to tailored trousers and a luxe blazer to match while playing to the vibe of your shoes with a relaxed canvas tote bag.
Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT
These new Air Jordan 1 Zoom Air CMFT ($219) sneakers have a beautiful layered look at the ankle, where suede gets a distressed finish, appearing almost like canvas from afar. Play into the lighter tones by styling them with cutoffs or lightweight pants during the spring and summer months.
