We Tried Styling The Same Pair Of Shoes For A Week

Style starts from the ground up.

The fact of the matter is a pair of shoes can make or break an outfit.

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And no one knows this more than two of BuzzFeed Australia's most stylish individuals — Sohan and Ryan.

Which is why we challenged them to try styling and wearing the classic New Balance 480 sneakers every day for a whole week.

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The New Balance 480s are one of the most popular sneakers at the moment — and we wanted to see if we could pinpoint precisely why they just hit different.

And so, of course, they rose to the challenge. Here's how they styled their fresh New Balance sneakers over the course of a week:

Ryan Paturzo / BuzzFeed, Sohan Judge / BuzzFeed

Ryan: In styling this outfit, I'm channeling the '80s as I wanted to have a retro vibe, but I also need to be comfortable as I'm shooting videos all day.

The denim and the puffy vest are key to giving this outfit that retro feel, along with the New Balance 480 shoes, which have that retro basketball shoe look to them and very clean lines. Then, there are also squiggly faces on the white shirt — so I wanted to have those clean lines as a constant throughout the outfit, with the black glasses matching the black lines of the shirt.

Sohan: Working from home doesn't mean you have to dress down. This matching set is a super easy, chill WFH outfit. Because the set is so relaxed, the leather New Balance 480s, with its crisp lines and sleek silhouette, help dress up this look.

When it's sunny, I like to make the most of the sunshine by working from the balcony and going for a lunchtime walk. This hat keeps things cute, but sun-safe, and the sneakers are a perfect all-day shoe — whether I'm sitting, standing or walking around.

Sohan Judge / BuzzFeed, Ryan Paturzo / BuzzFeed

Sohan: This is an ideal office outfit — the blazer is a piece that exudes professionalism and brings boss vibes, while the colourful stripes make it fun. The New Balance 480s are key to dressing this outfit down a little bit and making this whole look a touch more casual, which is exactly the balance I wanted to strike here. To complete the look, I've chosen a pair of sunnies in the same hue — I always try and match the colour of my sunnies to what I'm wearing. It's a little detail that has a big impact.

Ryan: I wanted this to be a corporate look — but relaxed and event appropriate, as I'm going to the launch of a new bar after work. That's why I went for these wide-legged grey trousers and a pinstripe white shirt, but with no belt. The white New Balance 480s help make this outfit feel more casual — which is a must for me, because there's a lot of moving around in my job!

Ryan Paturzo / BuzzFeed, Sohan Judge / BuzzFeed

Ryan: Colour always helps spark my creativity, so today's look is centred around this bold orange jumper that adds a pop of colour. I'm in the office again, so the collar peeking out from the jumper keeps the look professional — but I don't want it to be overly corporate, which is why I've opted for sporty but classic New Balance shoes and wide-legged trousers.

Sohan: It's work from home Wednesday for me! The aim today is pure comfort, so that means a sporty chic outfit channelling the '90s. I'm opting for mellow blue tones in soft, stretchy fabrications and New Balance 480 sneakers, which are actually deceptively comfortable courtesy of the Ortholite insole inside the shoe.

Sohan Judge / BuzzFeed, Ryan Paturzo / BuzzFeed

Sohan: This look is all about colour, obviously, and is what I'm wearing to go get drinks with the girls. The mesh of the skirt adds some texture and keeps the look interesting while the New Balance 480s are perfectly understated and lets the focus be on the colour.

I've also chosen orange sunnies because it just matches. These sunnies are also more of an aesthetic choice as they're not that protective against the sun, so I can wear them indoors and still be able to see clearly.

Ryan: This multi-layered outfit has a nude palette because I think light, casual clothing is well-suited for a nice, warm day. From the white New Balance 480s up, I'm working different neutral tones in — but all in relaxed silhouettes. The unbuttoned shirt is a great layering piece especially because it has a slightly longer sleeve, which makes it feel more effortless.

Ryan Paturzo / BuzzFeed, Sohan Judge / BuzzFeed

Sohan: I bloody love a matching set — it's such an easy style trick that makes you look put together — paired with a white sneaker, like these New Balance 480s, which is such a style staple and works with everything. This set is cute, preppy and casual — but still styled, and it's perfect for the gig I'm going to later tonight.

Ryan: To end my week on a high, I'm trying something a little more experimental today. This outfit is inspired by Korean culture and K-fashion, where the silhouettes often play with proportions and tend to be a little boxier in cut.

By wearing only black, there's space to focus on the details of each item I'm wearing. There's the boxy cut of the shirt; the relaxed, cropped leg of the pants; the sash-like quality of the fitted, but flowing belt (as well as its silver hardware); and it also helps the all white New Balance 480 sneakers contrast in colour and stand out by comparison.

There are no rules when it comes to how you wear your New Balance 480s. Let this enduring classic become an instant addition to whatever your personal style is.

Buy it from New Balance for $140, available in sizes EU 36–49 and in four colours.