Move Over, Dad Sneakers—This Fall Trend Reigns Supreme

So long, dad sneakers. It's been a good run, but I think it's finally time to part ways. As much as I wanted to love the chunky-sneaker trend, I never really figured out how to wear them, so I'll admit that I'm relieved to see a new sneaker trend starting to take its place. I've seen retro sneakers, especially classic styles that have longevity, everywhere I look. With all the classic and bourgeois trends having a moment this fall, it's only right that the accompanying sneakers would be on the same page.

I've noticed that a growing number of celebs such as Alexa ChungKate Middleton, and Kate Bosworth (not to mention all of the editors at Who What Wear) are getting behind the sneaker trend, a surefire sign that something's brewing. Seeing as dad sneakers have been on the decline for a minute, we're excited to usher in some more timeless silhouettes to our sneaker collections. The specific styles defining the trend include Converse's cult-favorite high-tops and throwback styles like the Nike Cortez and Reebok Club C, all of which are celebrity-approved. Ahead, see how our favorite It girls are wearing the retro-sneaker trend, and then shop our top picks.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569015545538-image

Kate Middleton
(Image credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Style Tip: Style low-top sneakers with wide-leg trousers and a crisp white shirt for a cool off-duty look.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569015968858-image

Selena Gomez
(Image credit: LALO-Sanchez/BACKGRID )

Style Tip: Pair the classic kicks with a romantic floral dress like Selena's Reformation frock.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569015542789-image

Kaia Gerber
(Image credit: Arnold Jerocki/GC Images)

Style Tip: Try out a '90s-inspired look like Kaia Gerber did, and wear high-top sneakers with straight-leg jeans and a cropped cardigan.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569018091087-image

Rihanna
(Image credit: BlayzenPhotos/BACKGRID )

Style Tip: Take a cue from Rihanna and invest in a pair of Nike's timeless Air Force 1 sneakers.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569017741301-image

Emily Ratajkowski
(Image credit: Elder Ordonez/SplashNews.com)

Style Tip: White sneakers pop against a minimalist black dress.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569018346655-image

Ashley Graham
(Image credit: MXRF/Star Max/GC Images)

Style Tip: Update your airport style when you swap in a pair of these classic sneakers in place of sportier styles.

retro-sneakers-282647-1569018664631-image

Hailey Bieber
(Image credit: Gotham/GC Images)

Style Tip: Two of fall's chicest "boring" trends—beige and check print—go flawlessly alongside retro sneakers.

Now, shop more retro sneakers we love:

Next up: all the sneaker trends we're splitting up with.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.