It’s the era of sneakers. The comfortable footwear staple once reserved for athletics and lazy weekend errands has evolved into a staple that’s now a mainstay in even the most high-end designer collections. Balenciaga’s bouncy Triple S sneakers swiftly replaced heels among the street style set back in 2017. At Gucci, creative director Alessandro Michele adorned the Italian label’s trainers with oversized crystals for a maximalist take on athleisure. But for fall 2020, minimalist sneakers are poised for a comeback.
Over the last several seasons chunky ’90s reboots, Normcore nods, and futuristic silhouettes have dominated. But the new fall arrivals denote a shift toward a pared-back aesthetic with offerings like simple slip-ons, streamlined stitching, and minimalist detailing in solid neutral hues. It’s a big departure from something like Off-White’s neon-colored, spiky-soled trainers — but a minimalist option also feels trend-forward in all the right ways. It’s not meant to instantly catch your eye, but it’s effortless polish makes it an instant outfit booster.
Ahead, a few ideas from the Fall/Winter 2020 runways on how to elevate a pair of simple sneakers as well as a few street style and influencer snaps to translate the footwear trend to real life.
Minimalist Sneakers For Fall 2020: On the Runway
Tibi’s Amy Smilovic introduced a pair of ultra-simple high-tops for her Fall/Winter 2020 runway. Accessorized with a pair of opaque black tights and a color-block midi skirt, the result felt like something you could easily wear in a professional setting or at a dinner party.