Emily Ratajkowski Proves Why Vans Old Skool Sneakers Are the Ultimate Street Style Staple

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Street style often offers a practical look at how high-end pieces translate into daily life.

On June 3, 2021, Emily Ratajkowski was seen navigating the Soho neighborhood of New York City, opting for a layered, textured look that prioritized comfort over the typical red-carpet aesthetic.

Her outfit centered on a baggy cream-colored graphic tee featuring the text “There’s No Such Thing As The Wrong Beat Just Find The Right Rhythm.”

Emily Ratajkowski wears a “There’s No Such Thing As The Wrong Beat Just Find The Right Rhythm” teeEmily Ratajkowski wears a “There’s No Such Thing As The Wrong Beat Just Find The Right Rhythm” tee in the Soho neighborhood in New York City on June 3, 2021 (Credit: Mega / WENN)

She paired the oversized shirt with dark leggings and a Rowing Blazers deep-pile sherpa jockey fleece jacket. This jacket features a pink-and-green harlequin pattern, a full-length metal zip, mesh lining, and a logo rubber patch on the sleeve.

Anchoring the bold harlequin fleece and graphic tee, her clean white Vans Old Skool sneakers ground the look with a crisp, skate-rooted minimalism that keeps the outfit effortlessly wearableAnchoring the bold harlequin fleece and graphic tee, her clean white Vans Old Skool sneakers ground the look with a crisp, skate-rooted minimalism that keeps the outfit effortlessly wearable (Credit: Mega / WENN)

For accessories, she layered several pieces, including gold-plated hoop earrings from Missoma, a custom nameplate necklace, and a charm necklace by Susan Alexandra.

A green embroidered cap and tortoiseshell Reality Xray sunglasses completed the low-key look.

Layered gold necklaces and oversized hoops add a polished edge, while her bold pink-and-green sherpa jacket brings texture and color to an otherwise relaxed, off-duty lookLayered gold necklaces and oversized hoops add a polished edge, while her bold pink-and-green sherpa jacket brings texture and color to an otherwise relaxed, off-duty look (Credit: Mega / WENN)

The foundation of the outfit was a pair of Vans Old Skool shoes. A staple in casual footwear, these skate shoes use a low-profile silhouette with a padded collar and cotton drill lining.

Her white Vans Old Skool sneakers deliver flexible, city-ready comfort with a vulcanized sole and padded collar, balancing the oversized layers with a streamlined, street-smart finishHer white Vans Old Skool sneakers deliver flexible, city-ready comfort with a vulcanized sole and padded collar, balancing the oversized layers with a streamlined, street-smart finish (Credit: Mega / WENN)

The design is known for its signature side stripe, die-cut EVA inserts for support, and a vulcanized rubber sole that offers flexibility for walking in the city.

The iconic Old Skool gives off the classic SoCal vibe with a low-profile silhouette and a Sidestripe detailThe iconic Old Skool gives off the classic SoCal vibe with a low-profile silhouette and a Sidestripe detail

Why Vans Old Skool Sneakers Still Define Effortless Street Style

Grounding an oversized tee, textured fleece, and layered accessories, Emily Ratajkowski’s choice of Vans Old Skool sneakers shows exactly why this silhouette continues to resonate far beyond its skate roots. With its low-profile shape, signature side stripe, and easy versatility, the Old Skool remains a go-to for balancing statement pieces with something timeless and wearable.

If you’re looking to explore how this classic sneaker has evolved—and how celebrities continue to style it—these features offer a closer look at its lasting appeal:

👟 Explore the Versatile Style of Vans Old Skools:

  • The Timeless Sneaker for Any Occasion: An in-depth guide to the Vans Old Skool (originally “Vans #36”), highlighting its 1977 origins, the iconic “jazz stripe,” and how its accessible price point makes it a global favorite for celebrities and influencers alike.
  • 🎸 Rita Ora’s Bold Street Style: See how the British singer paired eye-catching Vans Old Skool Platform shoes with an animal print mini dress and a House of Holland checkerboard scarf for a high-contrast London look.
  • 👖 Kourtney Kardashian’s Edgy Casual: Kourtney elevates her off-duty aesthetic by styling classic black and white Vans Old Skool sneakers with heavily distressed Good American jeans and a sleek turtleneck.
  • 🌓 Breaking Gender Norms in Footwear: This feature explores the Vans Old Skool as a premier example of a unisex silhouette, detailing how the design bridges the gap between men’s and women’s fashion through versatile sizing and colorways.
  • 🐾 Wild Prints & Streetwear: A curated look at how animal prints transform classic silhouettes, including cow-printed Vans sneakers for a bold twist and Olivia Wilde’s effortless pairing of snakeskin leather Vans with denim shorts.