The Bold Color Trend Sneakeristas are Next-Leveling

Lately, we've been catching hints of a bold trend on the rise, spotted on the fiercest of fashion-forward chicks: juxtaposing over-the-top, color-blocked outfits with the understated cool of a classic sneaker. Obviously, we’re here for it.

Color-blocking, the mixing of big, bright "blocks" of solid color in an outfit, is one fashion statement you can always count on to make an impact. Traditionally the look has veered chic and preppy, ranging from the classic Mondrian dress broken up by yellow, red, and blue squares to collegiate blue button-downs paired with pink schoolgirl skirts.

But when color-blocked looks lean into athleisure separates, vintage scores, and unexpected silhouettes, all grounded with a simple classic sneak, it becomes streetwise and fashionwild as evidenced by these 8 looks.

Photo by @sleeplessinsuburbia

1. Opposites Attract

Solid brights are par for the course when color-blocking—but especially when they include a clover-green jacket paired with a badass T and tiger-orange pants that announce you’re no wallflower. Step it up with Vans Sk8-His that show there’s nothing reserved about this punched-up preppy look, which is never about blending in.

Photo by @maddirose123

2. The Monochrome Mix

While yellow doesn’t always play well with others, letting it play out in different shades makes for pure monochrome magic. And a sunflower-yellow top with buttery jeans are just the sunny companions to boost pair of beige or off-white sneaks—or even your fave pair of dingy beaters that have seen fresher days.

Photo by @celmatique

3. Bold Moves

On their own, vibrant red and deep purple are statement-making hues. But when combined, they’re a color-charged team packing double the punch. Applied to a cropped hoodie and high-waisted track pant and you have a no-nonsense athleisure look that gives ’90s workout style a full-force upgrade. Evening out this high-impact combo requires color-rich kicks, like solid black creepers or platforms.

Photo by @ryanalexandra.petit

4. Neutral Territory

There’s no rule saying you can’t color block with neutrals (it’s a good baby step for color-blocking newbies). There’s also nothing crazy-sexy-cooler than a pair of mocha overalls that top every denim version you ever owned as a teenager. Contrast them with a pale long-sleeve crop top for a light-hued lift, and finish the look with a pair of dark platform kicks to keep the chill color vibes perfectly grounded.

Photo by Julia Parris

5. The Layered Effect

Alternating brilliant colors with black is one approach that never goes out of style. But doing it with an awesome orange-red coat, high-hemmed pants, and peeping-pink socks paired with black sneaks takes the look from simple style formula to seriously elevated fashion that’s totally fabulous to boot.

Photo by @celmatique

6. (Be)Jeweled

A pair of gold workman’s pants topped with a bright pink shearling jacket just goes to show that mixing jewel tones is always a yes. They’re all you need to amp up your favorite black staples, like a hoodie and totally boss kicks. Polka-dot socks add a wink #FTW.

Photo by Natalie Yang

7. Warm It Up

When in doubt, layer up with varying warm tones for a fresh take on monochrome. A red-orange puffer with maroon corduroys and mustard socks add up to an athleisure look that totally delivers because it all traces back to the same color family. Work the palette all the way down with a pair of light-pink Old Skools that round it all out with a soft kick.
 

Written by Dickson Wong.