How to Style Sneakers for Fall, According to a Fashion Writer

4 min readFall is easily my favorite time to get dressed for. I love the crisp mornings, when I can finally pull out my favorite jeans, oversized sweaters, lightweight jackets, and all the other pieces that have been sitting in my closet. And, of course, it’s the perfect time to bring my comfortable sneakers back into rotation. After years of testing sneakers for work, I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing which pairs I’ll reach for with my favorite fall outfits (usually slim sneakers like an Adidas Samba or Puma Speedcat)—and which ones I’ll save for workouts and long walks (like my cushiony Hokas and Brooks pairs).The good news? You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to make your favorite sneakers work for fall. Some of my favorite outfits start with the sneakers I already wear on repeat and my capsule wardrobe essentials. One of my biggest styling takeaways is that the proportions of your outfit should help determine the sneaker you reach for: relaxed, oversized pieces tend to work best with chunkier or retro-inspired sneakers, while sleeker styles can balance out dressier pants, skirts, and dresses. And after testing everything from ultra-cushioned walking shoes to low-profile everyday sneakers, I’ve learned that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style—the best pairs are the ones I can wear all day and still want to put on the next morning.With a Hoodie and LeggingsEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesFor this combo, start with a clean, white sneaker (think a Nike Air Force 1 or, IMO, its chicer older sister, the Alo Recovery Mode sneaker). Then grab a pair of black workout leggings (I like a slight sheen or a totally matte finish), a neutral-toned hoodie, and crew socks. The finishing touch? A long wool coat, which helps balance out the more casual pieces with a bit more structure. A hoodie, leggings, and sneakers don’t sound like much, but with the right pieces, this combo totally hits that clean-girl, laid-back vibe.With Jeans and a Cute TopMoritz Scholz//Getty ImagesAll millennial and Gen-Z gals know the power of jeans and a cute top (aka jeans and a going-out top). If you have a slim, low-profile sneaker (like an adidas samba, puma speedcat, or similar), you can recreate that same outfit formula with a more relaxed (but not frumpy) look perfect for errands or even brunch. Pair your sneaker with relaxed jeans, a cute top (think something satin, lacy, asymmetrical, or patterned), and a matching jacket and/or bag.With Wide-Leg Pants and a JacketChristian Vierig//Getty ImagesYou can go for a chunkier sneaker or something slimmer for this outfit—it depends on what you wear up top. A pair of wide-leg trousers goes surprisingly well with almost any pair of sneakers in your closet. I usually start with a plain T-shirt, then layer on a leather jacket, bomber, or trench. I find a low-profile sneaker looks best with the leather jackets and trench coats, while a chunky shoe pairs better with barn jackets, varsity jackets, or any of the above layered over a hoodie.With Baggy JeansEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesWhen in doubt, a simple court sneaker and a pair of baggy jeans—whether you go light wash, medium wash, or black—and some kind of jacket is an easy sneaker outfit to copy. I love how the jeans in this inspo pic pool a bit around the sneaker, giving it an overall easygoing vibe. You could make this outfit more relaxed with a varsity jacket or cardigan, or dress it up with a leather jacket or trench coat.With Sweatpants and a Boxy JacketJeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesSweatpants don’t have to look frumpy or lazy, and this outfit proves it. A chunky sneaker (you could even grab your go-to pair of cushiony running shoes) helps to keep the sweatpants from overwhelming the lower body, but this combo also works with a platform sneaker. Pair yours with your favorite sweats, a matching hoodie or even a T-shirt, then layer on a boxy barn jacket to make it feel a bit more styled.With Biker Shorts and a Crewneck Jeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesFor early fall weather, what better outfit than the iconic Princess Diana fit? A chunkier sneaker, like a New Balance, is the crown jewel here, since it helps balance out the form-fitting biker shorts and oversized crewneck sweatshirt. Bonus points for some scrunchy crew socks.Shop More Clothing We LoveCapsule Wardrobe Essentials | How to Style Activewear | How to Style Biker Shorts | Best Matching Workout Sets | Best Workout Tops | Best Hiking Clothes | Best Workout Clothes for Women | Best Sweatpants | Best Hoodies | Best White Sneakers | Best Walking Shoes for Women | Best Leggings | Best Flare Leggings | Best Lounge Pants For Women | Best Running Hats | Best Gym BagsShannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women's Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.