How One Stylist Wears Her Favorite Sneakers

Created with New Balance

Published on: November 22, 2022

Becky Malinsky is a personal stylist and trend forecaster, former deputy fashion director at the Wall Street Journal’s Off Duty section, and owner of a particularly fun-to-follow Instagram account. We pay attention to what she posts—and lately, she’s been posting her New Balance sneakers. And we understand why: They’re comfortable and enduringly classic and complete virtually any outfit. Below, Malinsky shares four looks featuring her favorite styles.

Make Your Shoes the Neutral

“Sometimes it’s nice when a shoe can fall away so the rest of your outfit can shine. The grey New Balance 990s are such a cult classic by this point that they are a justifiable shoe choice with just about everything. They help tame the vibrant colors in this outfit and keep them grounded—no pun intended. The belt makes the look feel ironically masculine, while the pink balances out all the menswear styles.”

Dress Down Your Work Pants

“I love, love, love a sneaker with tailored trousers. The more functional the sneaker, the better. I paired the Fresh Foams with navy tailored trousers by Attersee and a grey The Great sweatshirt tucked in. Freshwater pearls around the neck give this outfit a feminine touch. Without them, it gets overly boyish.”

Gorp-ify Your Fall Look

“Gorpcore’s techy neons and chunky hiking soles easily pair with jeans and a fall sweater. The fall shades help keep the neons in check since we aren’t actually professional mountain climbers (at least most of us). Here, I am balancing the neon green and bright purple with faded jeans and a Fair Isle cardigan. For a city dweller that misses out on the fall foliage, these sneaks with a camp sock scratch the trail itch, without leaving town.”

Pair with a Pretty Dress

“I love pairing things that might not go together at first glance. I especially love how the bold blue shoes intentionally mismatch the pink-and-black floral dress. The sneakers also make the big cashmere sweater tied around the waist feel sporty. A true mix.”