Adidas Gazelle Outfit Ideas: How to Style The Iconic Sneaker
The Adidas wave hit hard in 2023, and it’s still going strong this year. When it comes to Adidas, some girls are a Samba girl, or even a Campus girl. But personally, I am a Gazelle girly! Gazelles are comfortable, simple, and so fun to style. Today I am breaking down a few of my favorite ways to wear these sneakers. Surprise, surprise…I like to dress them up just as much as I like to dress them down! Hopefully this post helps give you some Adidas Gazelle outfit inspiration for 2024!
Adidas Gazelle Outfit History
When it comes to iconic sneakers, this one ranks high on the list. Adidas Gazelles made their debut in 1965 in a classic shade of red. Over the years, they have been redesigned with small touches and updated for better performance. However, even today they still boast the same overall timeless design and style. These sneakers have been a worldwide favorite for decades, but I am loving how they are having a trend moment right now.
Adidas Gazelle 101
Before jumping into styling ideas, I wanted to talk a bit about fit and comfort. In my opinion, these shoes run true to size and have zero break-in period. I feel like there is nothing worse than getting what should be a pair of comfortable sneakers and walking around with non-stop blisters. I typically wear this shoe with these no-show socks. But when it’s cooler outside, I do what all the TikTok cool girls do and wear them with basic white tube socks.
If you are looking to shop the Adidas Gazelle I have found the biggest selection to be here and here, but check out Net-a-Porter for some really unique colorways here.
Adidas Gazelle Outfit Ideas
Okay, let’s talk about styling. There are so many ways to put together an Adidas Gazelle outfit. I mean, literally thousands! This is one of the reasons why I love this sneaker so much, it’s extremely versatile. There’s really no right or wrong way to style them. Here are some of my current favorite ways to dress them up and down.
Keep it Casual
Let’s start with an easy, everyday way to wear the Gazelle – styled with denim. If you happened to read my denim guide, you know I love a straight-leg, high-waisted, cropped pair of jeans. And this style just happens to pair perfectly with the Adidas Gazelle!
Pair with Denim
I have recently been wearing this pair of MOTHER denim with these black gazelle shoes and an oversized sweater. I top it all off with this oversized leather tote (a recent obsession) and a simple pair of timeless black shades. And if the temps dip, I just add these crew socks and an oversized coat. This Adidas Gazelle outfit has basically been my January uniform.
Pair with Pants
Looking for some additional casual options? These shoes also look great with charcoal denim, a great cargo pant or a tapered olive pant. When it isn’t quite so cool, I swap out the cable knit sweater for an oversized button down (as shown here) or even a simple tank top. This $8 tank is a favorite of mine – I own it in almost every color! And this summer I am looking forward to swapping out my straight leg denim for these denim shorts. I love that it’s so easy to create a casual Adidas Gazelle outfit for every season!
Dress it up
Obviously, these sneakers are perfect with a denim, casual look. However, don’t let the opportunity pass to also dress them up! I have always been a fan of pairing casual shoes with a formal or more “buttoned up” look. I think the casual and dressy combination helps the look feel more “everyday”.
Pair with Dressy Pants
I recently wore my black Adidas Gazelles with one of my favorite pin striped suits and La Ligne sweater (see the outfit here). I love the casual twist that the sneakers brought to an otherwise formal look. It made the outfit feel more relaxed, not to mention, my feet were comfortable all day long.
Pair with Skirts
Lately I have been dreaming up ways to create an Adidas Gazelle outfit that gives off a 90s feel by pairing them with a mini skirt and an easy sweater. This skirt, this skirt, this skirt and this skirt would all be perfect with Gazelles. To paint the full picture, imagine pairing these sneakers with this plaid mini skirt, this cream sweater, and this darling jacket. Such a sporty, yet feminine look! If you are a mini skirt girl, peek this recent post on how to style a mini skirt where I share all kinds of outfit ideas!
The Wrong Shoe Theory
Have you heard of the “wrong shoe theory”? Coined on TikTok, it’s the idea of pairing an outfit with a very unexpected shoe choice. The theory is that this unanticipated combination adds more interest to the outfit…It’s so wrong, that it’s right!
In this case, I love taking a casual shoe like the Gazelle and pairing it with a dressier look, as I did with this recent pink outfit. I think this sneaker looks so fun paired with a slip dress, a midi skirt or even a big tulle dress. I recently put together an Adidas Gazelle outfit with this midi skirt, a vintage graphic tee, and my classic Chanel bag. Definitely not the most expected outfit combination, but I loved it!
Other Sneakers to Love in 2024
While I have professed my love for Gazelles, I did want to highlight a few other sneakers that have caught my eye this season.
1. Veja Campo Sneakers
This shoe has lived in my closet for a few years (I own them in navy/white and pink). I love how sleek and minimal they are, and you really can’t go wrong with any of the color offerings. Certain combinations tend to sell out quickly, but you can browse all of the current Veja Campo options here and here.
2. APL Shoes
APL came screaming onto the scene about five years ago, and they have been an influencer fave ever since. I was behind on the trend and didn’t pick up a pair until last year. Instantly, I understood the hype. I love the look, the fit, and the feel. I currently own a neutral cream pair, and I’ve been eyeing these fun striped ones.
3. New Balance 574
New Balance 574 sneakers have been a favorite of mine since high school. They are timeless and easy to mix and match. This brand has really stepped up their game in recent years, and I have been loving some of the newer styles. Not to mention, they currently have some incredible color combos like these pink and purple sneakers!
How to Style an Adidas Gazelle Outfit
There is really no right or wrong way to style an Adidas Gazelle outfit. And thanks to these endless styling options, I get so much wear out of my sneakers. I’m actually considering adding another color to my closet! I am especially keen on these chic brown ones or this fun color combo. I don’t think the 90s sneaker trend is slowing down anytime soon, and I can’t wait to dream up new ways to style my Gazelles well into 2024!
