As I’m sure you recall, several years ago, the only sneakers anyone wore were stark white ones. Well, that changed, and colorful sneakers became the go-to, with tan sneakers being the neutral sneaker color everyone started swapping all-white ones for on occasion. But I’m here to report that white sneakers are still cool, because they’re a classic. What’s evolved is what people wear them with, and it’s no longer just jeans. It’s the job of a Who What Wear editor to put highly specific trends on your radar, so let’s discuss the one Charlize Theron just wore with her white Saint Laurent sneakers in Midtown Manhattan.

The pant trend I’m referring to is white balloon pants. The balloon pants trend first garnered attention last summer, but it’s gone fully mainstream, and complements white sneakers perfectly, as Theron so expertly displayed. I’m seeing white balloon pants styled with a great many shoe styles this spring, but I have to say that the contrast of white sneakers makes for an especially fresh and cool pairing. See for yourself below, and shop white balloon pants and a few standout white sneakers to wear with them.

As Seen on Charlize Theron in Manhattan

On Charlize Theron: Alaïa Denim Blouson Jacket ($1700); Saint Laurent sneakers

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