Originally designed in the 1950s as a technical pair of high-performance soccer shoes, Adidas Samba sneakers have since gone from grassy fields to modern It-Girl wardrobes. Modern versions featuring sleek silhouettes pair well with virtually any outfit, making it no wonder these retro kicks have become a closet mainstay.
Just look at the celebrity crowd, where Sambas reign supreme as a ubiquitous footwear favorite. Katie Holmes often relies on her black-and-white Samba sneakers for casual errands around Manhattan, pairing her trusty lace-ups with signature laid-back pieces like simple t-shirts, roomy pants, and great winter coats.
But 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 streamlined sweaters, wide-leg jeans, and sporty bomber jackets, all giving off a low-effort-high-impact vibe.
Of course, 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 (or three). The style was often spotted alongside knit dresses, sharp suits, and leather jackets during New York Fashion Week.
The list of Adidas Samba sightings goes on, but it's easy to incorporate the sneaker into your own wardrobe. Ahead, you’ll find ten no-fuss Adidas Samba outfits you’ll want to wear repeatedly. We’ve curated this list with winter in mind so that these looks will fit right into your rotation of cold-weather outfits.
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Sambas might have an informal reputation, but this look proves otherwise.
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 when paired with sophisticated pieces like a black coat, a slim-fitting turtleneck, and a pair of flattering dark-wash jeans.
Preppy, Please
They might be soccer shoes, but Sambas don’t have to be worn with a jersey.
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 trending baggy jeans. Pull on a wool coat for extra warmth.
Oh-So Edgy
‘Tis the season for effortlessly cool leather jackets.
A black leather jacket can instantly add some edge to your outfit. There are plenty of leather jacket outfit ideas, but why not play into the classic Samba colorway by pairing your rugged layer with a white t-shirt and coordinating bottoms? Remember: the ruling against white after Labor Day is a myth.
A Side of Olive Green
According to the runways, this shade is one of the hottest hues for winter.
Alongside high-spirited shades of brat green, olive green is another color trend that has been rising this season. Get on board with a blazer drenched in the shade, and complete your look with a white turtleneck, a pair of high-rise black jeans, and neutral-toned Adidas Sambas.
Spice It Up
Red Sambas are the key to making a straightforward outfit feel less stuffy.
Relying on ordinary outfit formulas is usually foolproof. However, to shift away from a run-of-the-mill mindset, consider a pair of striking red Adidas Samba sneakers in a bright pop of color alongside matching separates.
The Monochrome Agenda
There’s something about wearing one shade that never fails to send a polished message.
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
A leather trench coat should be a must-have in any cold-weather wardrobe.
When you’re looking to add a little something extra to your outfit, a leather trench coat can 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 of course.
Off-Duty
A lowkey outing calls for an outfit that prioritizes comfort.
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
If your office has a pro-sneaker policy, pin this look to your workwear mood board.
For those moments when you want to give your sky-high heels a break, style your winter 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
There are no limitations regarding what sort of accessories go well with Sambas.
Samba sneakers are inherently versatile, which means they can be styled to achieve a variety of different moods. If you’d like your outfit 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. Lastly, layer your look with a puffer jacket.
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