Winter style guide 2025: How to style metallic and colourful sneakers for chic cold-weather outfits

Winter dressing often leans toward rich textures, cosy layers, and deep hues; however, this season metallic and colourful sneakers have stepped into the spotlight, adding a burst of personality to winter wardrobes. Whether you’re dressing for a festive gathering or elevating your everyday layers, statement sneakers can instantly modernise your look when styled with intention.

Let the sneakers shine

Statement shoes work best when the rest of the outfit creates a clean visual canvas. The ideal look for a party is to keep the clothing simple and elegant while letting the shoes carry the visual weight of the outfit. The best way to style for a party is to keep the attire simple and elegant while letting the shoes carry the visual weight of the ensemble, recommends Sankar Bora, COO of CHK.

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For women, Bora points to timeless silhouettes that naturally draw the eye toward the sneakers. “A finely fitted monochrome jumpsuit or a little black dress in crepe creates a clear geometric silhouette that naturally pulls attention to a pair of metallic styles or any of the vibrant colour for women. The continuity can be maintained by subtle accessories like a small metallic clutch or minimal jewellery that subtly reflect the sneakers. Keeping the clothing’s fabric simple will make the sneakers pop.”

Proportions and polished layering

To keep your sneakers purposeful and not hidden under winter layers, thoughtful tailoring makes all the difference. Style expert Tina Singh Walia recommends keeping outfits structured and clean. She says, “When you pair your sneakers with an LBD, a monochrome tailored jumpsuit, or neutral satin/silk separates, the simplicity of the outfit allows your shoes to take the spotlight without competition. Choose cropped trousers, tapered jeans, or midi skirts so the sneakers stay visible and purposeful instead of hidden. With structured layering, such as a turtleneck under a blazer and coat, you add a polished feel that balances the sneakers’ playful edge, keeping everything aligned.”

Colour co-ordinated

When working with colourful sneakers, especially with floral or bold prints, think of them as part of your outfit’s full colour story. Bora notes that thoughtfulness is key, “It’s important to consider the sneakers as part of the entire colour scheme rather than a second thought when pairing floral or brightly coloured sneakers with winter outerwear. The colour of the shoes should look planned rather than casual when paired with a long wool coat or trench in a traditional neutral, like camel, charcoal or deep blue. A midi skirt that doesn’t overshadow the lower part, pants that finish just above the ankle or softly cuffed denim will help the sneakers stay integrated with the silhouette by creating a smooth line towards the bottom.”

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Walia echoes this with a focus on intentional detailing. To keep your colourful sneakers looking cohesive under winter coats, focus on creating small but intentional connections. Walia adds, “Pull one colour from your sneakers into an accessory like your scarf, beanie, or handbag — this instantly makes the entire outfit feel coordinated. To blend fun sneakers with luxe winter textures for a semi-formal look, start with a sophisticated base in neutral or jewel tones so your velvet, tweed, or knit pieces maintain elegance. Then, pick one colour from your sneakers and echo it subtly in a small accessory to create harmony without overwhelming the outfit.”