The Old-School Sneakers Everyone's Wearing at Fashion Week

I remember a few years ago when it finally became acceptable to wear sneakers during fashion week. This revelatory moment sounds so archaic as I type, I know, but it really wasn't done—unless you were something of a rebel, of course. Heels were the very backbone of this monthlong style trek, and only stilettos spoke the language of the fashion people, until everyone (finally) realised that wearing trainers was A.) a delightfully comfortable thing to do, and B.) that they look really good with so many outfits. 

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(Image credit: Shot By Gio)

Kate Foley wearing Old Skool Vans, a Rejina Pyo dress and J.W.Anderson Pierce bag.

So all sorts of sneakers since then have been laced up and into fashion's favour, from the easily recognisable (e.g., Adidas Stan Smiths, Nike Air Max, Converse All Stars) through to the more obscure (think Rick Owens high-tops, Axel Arigato lace-ups or Alexander McQueen's thick-soled sneaks). But now there's a new contender for the most sought-after trainer style of them all—a £52 classic from Vans. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Three very different street-style methods for wearing these retro sneakers.

The striped, rubber-soled sneak is called the Old Skool because it was a skater guy's OG go-to, but I also see old-school connotations of my own; did you also wear them when you were 15 and stomping through a grunger-girl stage?

Now the unisex trainers are being worn by all kinds of industry women: those who love streetwear as well as those who will only be found in divine dresses. But they all have one thing in common: Black-and-white canvas is the iteration all are focused on (although we wouldn't be surprised if the shopping trend started multiplying and street style stars diversify into the many other versions Vans have to offer). 

If you thought this was a flashback, wait until you see the radical sneaker trend Rihanna's bringing back.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.