It's Shocking How Much Cooler This '90s Sneaker Trend Makes Jeans and a Blazer Look

The glorious thing about sneaker trends is that they tend to stick around for awhile. The perfect example of this is the chunky sneaker trend that made a name for itself in the '90s and has made a very strong comeback in the 2020s. They're a sportier alternative to the '70s retro sneaker trend that they share the stage with, and they make even more of an impact on the outfits they're paired with. If you want proof of that, take a look a what Natalie Portman just wore while stepping out in Rome.
Portman's classic, low-key outfit consisted of a double-breasted blazer, a black T-shirt, and baggy jeans. If she'd worn, say, ballet flats, loafers, or kitten heels, the outfit would've been chic but not particularly noteworthy. Her more unexpected choice to wear chunky sneakers gave her a fashion-person edge that the safer shoe choices wouldn't have.
So, to sum things up, next time you have a classic outfit (such as a blazer and jeans) and are feeling bored with it, swap out your shoes for chunky '90s-inspired sneakers and give your feet the comfort they deserve. Keep scrolling to shop a few pairs that'll help you achieve this.
On Natalie Portman: Dior sunglasses, bag, and Chrono Sneakers ($1190)
Get the Look
Shop More Chunky '90s Sneakers

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
If You Hate Denim Shorts, It's Because You're Not Styling Them With *This* Fresh and Sophisticated Shoe Trend
Hold the sneakers.
-
Aritzia Is a Fashion-Person Paradise—These 25 Standouts Are Now on Major Sale
The basics alone are worth checking out.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.
-
Sneakers Are the Real MVP of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—These 29 Cool Styles Are Proof
New Balance, Asics, Converse, and more.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer Wardrobe
Imagine the chic outfits.
-
Hello, Fans of Non-Skinny Jeans—These Styles From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Perfect for Fashion People
Don't miss out on the discounts.
-
It's Now or Never—54 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Day Deals You'll Regret Skipping
Elevated basics, celeb dupes, luxe-like styles, and more on sale.
-
Just so You Know, *This* Is the Denim Trend New Yorkers Wear With Loafers (Sorry, Skinny Jeans)
And they're on sale right now on Amazon.