Since the 2021-2022 school year has begun, Nike’s Air Force 1’s haven’t gone out of style. While these white sneakers have been trendy for a couple of years, I got my first pair in 2019. They still seem to match almost every outfit and aesthetic that I can think of.

One of my favorite things about Nike’s shoe line is the unisex appeal to each design. While some shoes can be more masculine than feminine, and vice-versa, overall, the sneakers are made for a purpose: looking good and being comfortable. 

While I’ve grown exponentially in my fashion taste since 2019, I find that my AF1’s still blend into whatever else it is that I’m wearing. Back in my freshman year, these shoes were the centerpiece of my look, and honestly, that’s what makes me repulsed—the outfit choice, not the shoes themselves. 

Wearing white shoes should complement your outfit, not make or break it. While monotone colors are easy to wear and style, stay away from them when wearing AF1’s; this looks like you’re trying to blend in. For more subtle colors and tones, wear colorful shoes that catch your eye. In any outfit, one piece should be at the center of your attention—it shouldn’t be something basic like white shoelaces and a matching Nike swoosh.

While AF1’s are easy and accessible, you need to be careful about which items are stealing the show. The best way to wear these shoes is to make the outfit tie all together. My favorite thing is wearing pants that land on the wilder side of fashion in the best way possible. 

Wearing either colorful pants or an interesting print with bits of white can make your look match from the top of your head to the tip of your toes.

It looks jumbled and inconsistent when you throw a green long-sleeve with black sweatpants together when there are no similarities between the two. If anything, the AF1’s make this hot mess even worse. 

Don’t let society’s most basic pair of shoes make the rest of your outfit less flattering to your individuality. 

As someone who doesn’t own the fanciest, most expensive, or vibrant shoe brands that are on the market, I love how easy it is for AF1s to seem high-end. While mine are busted from the years of use to various events, well-kept white shoes are the perfect add-on.

While these pairs of shoes can be easy to style, finding socks that don’t take away can be a little difficult. All I have to say is: wear something simple. On most dress occasions, it’s best to match your socks to your ensemble, but for this more relaxed or sporty look, I recommend matching socks. My go-to’s have always been high, white, athletic Nike socks because they match not only the shoe’s color and pattern, but also the entire vibe the shoe gives off.

It’s obviously a fine line between too much and too little with this shoe. They seem easy to style and a stress-free alternative to matching outfits, but there is such a thing as too much simplicity. If you’re someone who enjoys dressing like everyone else and blending in, there are plenty of ways to do that with the Nike AF1s, but there are still many ways to stand out.

In most of my outfit choices, Nike’s are not my first choice, but they’re a good alternative when you can’t find anything else to wear. They’re easy to match and do a great job pulling an outfit together when dressed appropriately. To show your individuality and the unique sides of your personality, this shoe might not be perfect for you. I see how this shoe is still in style, but be cautious not to conform too much to the basic stereotype that follows in these shoes’ footsteps.