10 Outfits to Style With Adidas Sambas

Initially designed in the 1950s as a humble pair of high-performance soccer shoes, Adidas Samba sneakers have since made their way from grassy fields to It-Girl wardrobes. Modern versions featuring sleek silhouettes that pair well with any outfit make it no wonder these retro kicks have become a closet mainstay. And given their ubiquity, you’re guaranteed to find Adidas Samba outfits everywhere.

For starters, look toward the celebrity crowd, where Sambas reign supreme as a cherished footwear favorite. Katie Holmes, for example, often relies on her black-and-white Samba sneakers for casual errand runs around Manhattan. The actress usually wears trusty lace-ups with laid-back pieces like simple T-shirts, roomy pants, and cozy coats (if temperatures call for extra layers).

Holmes isn’t the only A-lister who uses this trending sneaker to anchor her on-the-go looks. Stars like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner follow a similar style philosophy. They often team their Sambas with relaxed separates like streamlined tank tops, wide-leg jeans, and sporty bomber jackets, all giving off a low-effort-high-impact vibe.

That said, Samba outfits also exist beyond celebrity circles. The street style set has championed these trainers for quite some time now—so much so that it’s nearly impossible to step outside without noticing a Samba or two. Just ask Marie Claire’s fashion e-commerce editor Julia Marzovilla, who spotted these striped shoes styled alongside fall dresses, sharp suits, and leather jackets during New York Fashion Week.

The list of Samba sightings goes on, but we’ll keep things short and cut right to the chase. Ahead, you’ll find ten no-fuss Adidas Samba outfits you’ll want to wear repeatedly. We’ve curated this list with both fall and winter in mind so that these looks will fit right into your rotation of cold-weather outfits.

Preppy, Please

Put a polished twist on this sporty sneaker with a knit sweater vest layered over an oversized button-down shirt. If you’re not looking to achieve a full-on schoolgirl uniform, ditch the pleated skirt and opt for a pair of baggy jeans, which just so happen to be trending at the moment.

Oh-So Edgy

If there’s one thing for certain about a black leather jacket, it’s that it’ll instantly add a grungy feel to any outfit. There are plenty of leather jacket outfit ideas to choose from, but why not play into the classic Samba colorway by pairing your rugged layer with a white T-shirt and coordinating bottoms?

A Side of Olive Green

Alongside high-spirited shades of brat green, olive green is another color trend poised to take over this season. Get on board with a blazer drenched in the delectable shade, and complete your look with a ribbed tank top, a pair of high-rise black jeans, and neutral-toned Adidas Sambas.

Spice It Up

It’s perfectly acceptable to rely on ordinary outfit formulas, but if you want to shift away from a run-of-the-mill mindset, consider a pair of striking red Adidas Samba sneakers to do the trick. Feel free to use this outfit for reference, which demonstrates how to transform an easygoing look with fiery shoes that scream, “Look at me!”

Stealth Wealth

You don’t necessarily need ladylike kitten heels or glossy Mary Janes to embody codes of quiet luxury. A pair of Sambas will fit the bill—just make sure to dress them up with pieces that whisper tunes of sophistication, like a structured wool coat, a slim-fitting turtleneck, and a pair of flattering dark wash jeans.

The Monochrome Agenda

When you’re not in the mood to think too hard about your outfit, take a page from a style expert’s playbook and dress in the same color from head to toe. Any fashion connoisseur will tell you a monochromatic look is the best way to look instantly pulled together.

The Hero Piece

When you’re looking to add a little something extra to your outfit, a leather trench coat can swoop in and save the day. With a luxe finish and a tailored silhouette, this timeless style will seamlessly top off any ensemble. Ground your look with a pair of matching Sambas.

Off-Duty

Whether grabbing a quick cup of coffee, heading to your local grocery store, or taking a stroll in the neighborhood, you can use this toned-down look as a key player in your lineup of off-duty outfits. The best part is that it doesn't take much brain power to make this look come to life—you’ll need a cozy hoodie, a leather jacket, and a pair of jeans that give off the comfort of sweatpants.

Business Casual

For those moments when you want to give your sky-high heels a break, style your fall work outfit with a pair of Adidas Sambas. They’re the type of work sneaker that you’ll actually want to wear all day long, thanks to their cushioned sole and soft leather upper. Plus, they’ll look classy with a smooth blazer, a pair of tailored trousers, and a workhorse leather laptop bag.

Strike a Balance

Samba sneakers are inherently versatile, which means they can be styled to achieve a variety of different moods. If you’d like your look to fall somewhere in the middle of the sartorial spectrum, try teaming a pair of colorful Sambas with a low-profile outfit and a high-end designer handbag.