Credit: Courtesy of Brands
Fashion
Why bright retro dopamine-inducing trainers are the perfect addition to your January wardrobe
By Lucy Reber
2 years ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
Bold and colourful retro trainers are just what you need to give your January wardrobe and mood an instant lift. Lucy Reber picks three of the best.
It’s January, it’s chilly and we’re all a bit skint. Christmas is over and it very much feels like we should be getting our lives together, whatever this may look like for you. There is a lot of new-year-new-me chat around, and despite obviously being in favour of anything that improves people’s lives, I can’t help thinking what we really need in January is a bit of light-hearted frivolousness.
On that note, I think I have found the perfect addition to our January shopping baskets and wardrobes too. A retro trainer. Specifically in bright, dopamine-inducing hues.
We all know about the sell-out success of the white Adidas Samba and the appeal of the retro trainer is set to grow for 2024. “Retro sneakers have seen a huge surge in demand,” says Libby Page, market director for Net-a-Porter. “Searches for Adidas’s Samba styles have increased by 80%, requiring multiple reorders. This includes the collaborations between Wales Bonner and Adidas, with each drop almost selling out in all sizes upon launch. We’re also thrilled to announce the launch of Onitsuka Tiger on Net-a-Porter in 2024, which I believe will have the same response from our trend-driven customer.” Stylist’s very own Holly Bullock has picked out the Onitsuka Tiger trainer as the next viral shoe on her list of hot things for 2024.
Credit: Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
So not only is the retro trainer clearly a big trend, but it’s also comfortable. Exactly what our January selves are most in need of. A bold and colourful trainer is the perfect finishing touch to a cosy, quiet luxury-inspired look, with an outsized woollen coat, slogan cap and simple grey joggers – as seen in this perfectly pitched street style shot.
And while we may all be on a strict January budget, a pair of trainers is a way we can elevate a plethora of looks for under £100 – depending on the style you go for. I’ve invested in a pair of bold green Adidas Originals and my wardrobe is already feeling the benefit. They’ve added a spark of joy to my minimal monochrome work looks and off-duty weekend style too.
Treat yourself and embrace happy feet.
Onitsuka Tiger EDR 78
In this instance, it was a chic office worker in a pared-down navy suit, worn with an oversized shirt and bright yellow Onitsuka Tiger trainers.
It just worked and now I am desperate for a pair.
Adidas Originals SL 72 RS
Adidas makes perfect shoes for now. This chic green and yellow colourway is reminiscent of the sell-out Wales Bonner x Adidas collaboration (back in stock soon at Matches Fashion, apparently) that I have on my wishlist.
I love the idea of this with a semi-smart tonal green look: a khaki trench, simple white T-shirt and wide-leg pleat front trousers.
They would also look amazing with a ribbed-knit dress; John Lewis has an amazing one for the new season.
New Balance Made in USA 998 Shoes
Orange is a joyous colour, and I just love the mix of it with the bold green and blue as seen here. These trainers will look just as good with a simple grey tracksuit or a flowing cotton dress come summer.
A smart addition to any wardrobe.
Add To Basket is a new franchise from Stylist, headed up by our fashion director, Lucy Reber.
Every two weeks, she’ll zone in on the piece you should be buying and why it’s going to elevate your wardrobe in an instant.
Follow her for more style advice @le_reber.
Credit: Victoria Adamson
Images: Victoria Adamson; Getty; courtesy of brands
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.