The Adidas Originals SL 72 is having a serious moment. Originally released in 1972 for the Munich Olympics, this retro runner has been reimagined for today’s trendsetters. Whether you’re into minimalist neutrals or maximalist street style, the SL 72 is your new best friend. Lightweight, iconic, and full of character—it’s the kind of sneaker that doesn’t just complement your outfit; it completes it.
Ready to refresh your wardrobe? Let’s dive into 14 outfit ideas that mix fashion and comfort, all centered around this nostalgic-meets-now sneaker.
Creamy Neutrals & Green Kicks
Outfit: Oversized beige tee + white shorts + green Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Vacation cool with city edge
Style Hack: Keep your outfit neutral to let colorful sneakers pop. Add crew socks and a crossbody bag for that easy, polished finish.
Sporty Preppy Remix
Outfit: Oversized beige sweatshirt + pleated mini skirt + Adidas SL 72 in burgundy/yellow
Vibe: Athletic academia with a vintage twist
Style Hack: Pair warm-toned sneakers with earthy staples like khaki or taupe skirts. The pleated mini adds a structured, school-girl feel, while the slouchy sweatshirt keeps it relaxed and wearable. Don’t skip the crew socks—they bridge the sporty and preppy vibes effortlessly.
Denim Bermudas & Street Edge
Outfit: Vintage Adidas sweatshirt + raw-hem Bermuda shorts + teal/yellow Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Cool girl in the city
Style Hack: Go for longer denim shorts to create a fashion-forward silhouette, then balance with a slightly oversized graphic sweatshirt. Bright-colored SL 72s add personality and pop—especially paired with white socks and chunky gold jewelry for a bold, urban finish.
Earth Tones & Easy Denim
Outfit: Brown ribbed tank + straight-leg jeans + brown/yellow Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Effortless and earthy
Style Hack: Earth-toned sneakers pair naturally with warm neutrals—opt for browns, tans, or cream tops. Straight-leg jeans give that relaxed but polished silhouette, and a beige crossbody or shoulder bag softens the look for everyday wear.
Cropped Coats & Cuffed Denim
Outfit: Boxy brown jacket + wide cuffed jeans + brown/yellow Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Sophisticated casual with retro flair
Style Hack: Use oversized silhouettes on top—like a structured crop jacket—to balance cropped or cuffed denim. Matching your sneaker tones with your outerwear (brown on brown) pulls the whole outfit together, while the exposed socks and rolled jeans keep it laid-back
Leopard Print & Statement Reds
Outfit: Oversized graphic tee + leopard midi skirt + red Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Trendy, fearless, fashion-girl-on-the-go
Style Hack: Mix prints and colors by letting one element loudly lead (in this case: red sneakers + red tee graphic). The leopard skirt adds contrast and print play, while the oversized tee keeps it street-style chic. A black quilted bag and sunnies give it that polished high-low finish.
Black Dress, Bold Steps
Outfit: Sleeveless black button-down midi dress + brown/yellow Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Minimal meets modern retro
Style Hack: Let your sneakers add personality to a classic black dress. A woven tote and striped strap elevate the summer vibe while grounding the outfit with sporty practicality. Perfect for city strolls, farmers markets, or spontaneous café runs.
Wine & Butter Neutrals
Outfit: Deep plum midi dress + soft yellow striped shirt + Adidas SL 72 in plum/cream/rust
Vibe: Elegant streetwear with a vintage sip
Style Hack: Swap loud contrasts for tone-on-tone richness—plum sneakers paired with a matching dress make the look feel intentional, while the pale yellow shirt lightens the mood. Cream stripes on the SL 72 echo the softness in the top, tying everything together like a well-poured red with a cheese board.
Cream Knit & Plum Soles
Outfit: Oversized cable-knit sweater + wide-leg cream trousers + plum/cream Adidas SL 72
Vibe: Warm minimalism with retro roots
Style Hack: Go full monochrome on top with creamy textures, then let your sneakers bring in contrast through rich tones like plum and rust. The chocolate tote and knit beanie add depth without complicating the palette—perfect for a chic day off in cold weather.
Parisian It-Girl
Vibe: “Oh, this? I just threw it on.”
Outfit: Navy striped long-sleeve + A-line black mini skirt + SL 72 in red/white
Style Hack: Add a beret if you dare, or layer with a trench coat. Très chic!
Luxe Loungecore
Vibe: Off-duty model vibes
Outfit: Matching knit lounge set + SL 72 in cream or navy
Style Hack: Add a slicked bun and gold hoop earrings for contrast. Bonus points for a large tote and cold brew in hand.
Music Festival Main Character
Vibe: Daring, free, photogenic
Outfit: Graphic baby tee + frayed high-rise denim shorts + SL 72 in a bold hue
Style Hack: Layer with mesh or fishnet tights, add a belt chain, and finish with colored sunnies or glitter makeup.
Farmer’s Market Muse
Vibe: Earthy, effortless, and eco-friendly
Outfit: Loose cotton sundress + SL 72 in soft beige
Style Hack: Accessorize with a straw tote, shell necklace, and messy top knot. You’ll look like you stepped out of a Kinfolk spread.
Modern Denim-on-Denim
Vibe: Fashion-forward, not formulaic
Outfit: Cropped chambray top + wide-leg light wash jeans + SL 72 in contrasting color
Style Hack: Make it fashion with a bold lip and small-frame sunglasses.
Final Tips for Styling the Adidas SL 72
- Mix decades: SL 72 gives retro, so blend it with Y2K, 90s, or even 80s elements.
- Sock play: Crew socks, mesh socks, or even slouchy ones can completely change the feel.
- Texture pairing: Match suede shoes with leather, linen, or denim for visual balance.
- Color contrast: Don’t be afraid to mismatch sneaker colorways with outfits—clash is the new cool.
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