How to wear the it-sneaker color of 2017

If 2015 was all about the white sneaker and 2016 saw the emergence of the pink sneaker, 2017 is officially the year of the new neutral.

Beige, nude, tan, greige—call it what you want, but brands are churning out these shades of sneakers faster than a new toast trend emerges on Instagram. From fan favorites like Adidas Gazelle and Puma Creepers to luxe fashion houses like Carven, everyone is putting their take on the formerly “blah” shade.

“I see these beige, gray, and blush sneakers as a dressier alternative to the white sneaker street style look.”

“We’ve seen the solid white sneaker dominate the market for several seasons, but more recently have seen sneakers in tan and beige take hold,” explains Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop. Part of the popularity is the fact that they give an outfit a glam update (rather than sporty, which you’ll find with your beloved Stan Smiths). “I see these beige, gray, and blush sneakers as a dressier alternative to the white sneaker street style look,” explains Meg Biram,style and travel blogger.

But there’s a thin line between chic and orthopedic when it comes to nude kicks—what’s the styling secret that keeps them firmly on the sophisticated side of things?  “Our shoppers are wearing them with a cool anklet and raw cropped hem denim, chic sweatpants, wide-leg pants, and, once spring finally hits, they can throw them on with a romantic dress,” says Maguire.

Biram is all about pairing them with other neutrals: “These colors look amazing with a monochromatic outfit—so tan on tan—but would also look amazing with white, cream, black, gray, or even olive green. But,” she adds, “when all else fails, a classic pair of jeans will go with any shade.”

Ready to step up your neutral sneaker game? Scroll down to shop some of the chic styles.

If you’re in the market for some new trends for spring, see why this new wave of leggings make them the most office-appropriate yet. Or stick to the classics with the best-selling pairs of all time.