Slim Retro Silhouettes

Slim retro sneakers have stolen the spotlight all year long. Since winter, the European-inspired silhouette has replaced the long-loved chunky dad sneakers and ultra-trendy platform low-tops with a streamlined design that looks dainty yet athletic. According to NYC-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López, the shift to slim kicks is aligned with the industry’s overall embrace of skinnier silhouettes, from jackets to jeans.

Luckily for fashion lovers, many footwear brands have hopped on the trend, so in addition to the cult-favorite styles from Puma, Nike, and Adidas, we now have options from Alo, Vivaia, Larroudé, and more. “There is a slim to almost no sole or platform on the shoe, and it’s the perfect contrast to the super baggy pieces that have been trending the past couple of years,” López says.

Mary Jane Sneakers

If you’re craving a slightly daintier sneaker look, Mary Janes are the way to go. “You heard me—we’re combining a Mary Jane with a sneaker, and it’s feminine, modern, and playful all at the same time,” intuitive personal stylist and color analyst Susan Padron tells us. “It’s the coolest addition to your fall dresses.”

The best part is that Mary Jane sneakers exist on a spectrum of styles. Whether you’re looking for something ultra-sporty or simple and chic, there’s a silhouette for your choosing.

Soft Suede

Suede might not be groundbreaking for fall, but it’s a go-to autumnal textile for a reason. It’s soft, cozy, and adds an eye-catching pop of texture that can really tie an outfit together. “Leather and canvas will always hold a special place in our hearts for sneakers, but for the fall, we’re seeing the softness of suede for our sneakers, especially,” Paron says.

López agrees: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen the color trend transition from black to browns, navies, and lighter hues—so suede is the natural fit for the trending color palette,” she explains.

Other colors to consider for fall 2025? Teal, cranberry, and chartreuse. They’re rich and moody, and beautifully done in suede—especially when you pair your kicks with a coordinating handbag.

Classic White Low-Tops

Suede sneakers are thought to be a cozy contrast to stark white kicks, but Padron reveals that low-top classic white sneakers are also at the forefront of fall fashion this year. “White canvas or leather low-tops are a timeless classic,” she says, noting that they’re popping up across the market.

Silver Sneakers

The fashion world has been mesmerized by metallics for a couple of years now, and there’s no sign of that slowing down for fall 2025. “Who doesn’t love a good pop of metallic?” López quips. “Silver has been the metal of choice for the past couple of years, and a metallic sneaker can dress up the look but still be so comfy. It’s the elevated choice for sneakers and the perfect way to dress up jeans, trousers, or a dress.”

Animal Print

Want to have fun with a print? Opt for all things animal-inspired: cheetah, leopard, snakeskin, zebra, tiger, cow—anything goes. “I personally think animal print is neutral, so if you’re looking for a way to dress up your sneaker game, opt for a leopard print, cowhide, or snakeskin,” López says.

For Padron, snakeskin stands out. “Snake print really taps into 2025’s loud luxury trend, and we’re seeing it in sneakers all over,” she says. “It’s leopard print’s louder sibling, and fall 2025 is here for it.”

Primary Colors

Maximalist style and bright colors are a cornerstone of 2025 fashion. This fall, however, López suggests going back to the basics with primary color sneakers: red, yellow, and blue.

“With the return of the retro silhouette, bold colors and nods to nostalgia are back,” she explains. “We’re seeing a surge of primary color sneakers on the runway and in street style. If metallic or animal print is not your vibe, add a pop of color to your look to tie in your accessories or make a statement on its own.”