Trainers – or sneakers – were once seen as little more than essential attire for a run or a sweaty session at the gym, but whilst they are still a must-have in any active individual’s wardrobe, over recent years they’ve become a fashion staple for the everyday.
Present in every style-savvy individual’s wardrobe and a key ingredient of off-duty cool, we have the rise of the luxury athleisure trend to thank for their new status as a symbol of good taste and sophistication. And, with the world’s biggest luxury fashion houses coming up with some truly iconic and highly coveted models over the paste decade or so that exude the sense of opulence for which they have become best known, you’re now just as likely to see them teamed with a pair of jeans and a leather jacket on the streets or with a dress or suit at a red carpet event.
Here are three pairs to add to your wardrobe this season, and what to wear them with.
Nike Air Jordan 1
A model that quickly became iconic following its launch back in the 80s, the Air Jordan 1 sneaker has held its own in the years that have followed, cementing its status as one of the most highly sought-after trainer designs of all time. An homage to renowned American basketball player Michael Jordan after he joined the Bulls in 1984 and signed a lucrative deal with Nike, Jordan himself was regularly seen sporting a pair and was wearing them when he collected his Rookie of the Year award for the 84-85 season.
Since then, the Air Jordan 1 has remained a top seller and a must-have in any sports enthusiast’s collection. Exuding effortless cool, wear yours with a suit to create an edgy and dressed down look for a semi-formal or smart-casual occasion this summer, or with jeans, a white t-shirt and a leather jacket for everyday style. Laced.com has a great selection in a variety of different colourways – just match your choice to your mood.
Gucci’s Rhyton trainers
One of the first major fashion houses in the world to fully embrace the concept of athleisure, Gucci’s sophisticated range of luxury sports and loungewear has become highly sought-after amongst lovers of high-quality off-duty attire. Celebrities and fashion influencers alike have been building a buzz around the brand’s opulent new Rhyton model, which appears in both the men’s and women’s ranges for this year and showcases a minimalistic design comprising a neutral colour palette designed to bring the classic GG logo to life.
We love the women’s chunky Rhyton heart model, in ivory leather which, with its pastel embellishments, is the perfect pair to see you through the spring and summer months in style. Wear with a simple white or black t-shirt and a midi-skirt or throw on with a pair of new-season low-rise shorts and a denim jacket for a casual look for those good-weather days.
Alexander McQueen Tread Slick
Perhaps best known for its iconic runway looks, Alexander McQueen isn’t one to shy away from a burgeoning trend, and is perpetually one step ahead of the game when it comes to creating must-have styles in limited numbers that invariably sell out fast.
The Tread Slick boot-style trainer is the star of the 2023 men’s range, with an edgy high-top style and round toe finished off with a classic lace-up front fastening, and a brand-embossed tongue.
The women’s Tread Slick Sneaker, meanwhile, features a low top and a chunky sole with a heel – so if you’ve always dreamt of a pair of trainers that would provide you with some much-needed extra height, then look no further, because these are the perfect hybrid. And thanks to their unique style, they lend themselves even better to a variety of different looks, so if you’re ever unsure just how ‘smart’ or how ‘casual’ that ‘smart-casual’ dress code entails, then pop these on, and you can’t go wrong.
An understated pair of monochrome trainers like these is essential in every stylish capsule wardrobe, and this particular pair will go with just about everything you own.
In 2023, there are no hard and fast rules about what you can and can’t wear sneakers with – in fact, anything goes, as long as you’re ready to carry it off with confidence. From the gym to the office, and onto the bar, these three pairs will see you through every eventuality in enviable style, and are sure to win you plenty of compliments along the way.
