Daniel Lara’s 2016 viral moment put white Vans and simple everyday outfits in the spotlight. The appeal of these looks is their repeatability: familiar sneakers, tees, denim and a backpack, combined in slightly different ways. Explore nine outfit formulas built around those staples and adapt the proportions to your own wardrobe.
The quick answer: Start with clean low-top sneakers, jeans or chinos that sit neatly at the ankle, and a comfortable tee. Add one interesting detail—a stripe, a graphic, a denim shirt or a colorful hoodie—while keeping the rest straightforward.
1. Parka, plain tee and tan chinos
A navy parka gives the first outfit structure, while a light tee and tan chinos keep it relaxed. The collage pairs those pieces with dark Nike Roshe-style sneakers and a burgundy backpack. The color contrast does most of the work; you do not need the identical jacket to recreate it.
Choose an outer layer that fits over your tee or sweatshirt without pulling at the shoulders. Straight or slim chinos both work if the hem clears the ground. For a lighter-weather version, swap the parka for a simple navy overshirt.
2. Track pants and a black tee
Striped track pants make this the most athletic-looking formula. A plain black tee and dark sneakers keep the outfit from becoming visually busy, while the backpack adds a small change of color.
Keep the trouser length controlled so the cuffs do not pool over the shoes. This works for casual days and travel; a more formal setting calls for a different pair of trousers. Choose sneakers for comfort instead of chasing the discontinued model shown in the collage.
3. White sneakers and blue jeans
White Vans, blue denim and a black tee are the clearest version of the look. The light shoes stand out against the jeans, and the plain top lets that contrast stay simple. A brown belt is useful if needed, but does not have to become a focal point.
The pictured jeans were skinny; a straight or relaxed cut can carry the same idea. The key is a hem that works with low-top shoes. No-show socks are an option if you like the appearance, but visible simple socks work too.
4. An open denim shirt over a tee
The denim shirt adds a layer without making the outfit feel formal. Wear it open over a pale tee with dark trousers or jeans, then use white sneakers to brighten the bottom half. A noticeable difference between the shirt and trouser washes makes the combination easier to read.
Check the tee and shirt lengths together. A little visible tee hem can look intentional, but excessive fabric bunching makes the layers harder to wear. Roll the sleeves if comfortable and leave enough room through the shirt to move.
5. A colorful hoodie and high-tops
A tie-dye hoodie becomes the main feature beside black track pants and dark high-top sneakers. The graphic tee underneath is part of the collage, but you can simplify the outfit with a plain tee if the hoodie already supplies enough pattern.
Keep the rest of the colors restrained. High-tops work best when the trouser hem does not conceal the entire shoe in a stack of fabric. Choose a hoodie with enough space for the base layer rather than sizing everything down.
6. A striped tee with simple denim
A fine stripe changes the familiar jeans-and-white-sneakers formula without needing another layer. The pictured look uses a light striped tee, blue jeans and the recurring burgundy backpack.
Let the stripe be the main pattern. Clean denim and a simple belt keep the outfit easy to repeat. If the tee feels too long or narrow, choose a cut that suits you; matching the old brand label matters much less than getting the proportions right.
7. A graphic tee and dark chinos
A dark graphic tee, slim chinos and dark low-top sneakers create a quieter outfit than the white-shoe combinations. The graphic supplies the interest while the trousers keep the look tidy.
Choose a graphic you actually want to wear and keep the rest of the palette simple. If everything feels too dark, switch to a lighter tee or add an overshirt. Use the HUF and Vans pieces as references; matching every brand is optional.
8. Casual shorts and low-tops
The warm-weather look combines neutral shorts, a patterned tee and low-top sneakers. It carries the same casual shape as the jeans outfits with less fabric and a lighter feel.
Choose a short length that feels comfortable sitting and walking. A relatively simple color on the shorts keeps the tee from competing with another strong pattern. Use socks that work comfortably with the shoes, whether you prefer them visible or hidden.
9. A light graphic tee and white sneakers
The final collage returns to blue jeans and white Vans, this time with a light graphic tee. Repeating the shoes and backpack across different looks shows how a small set of useful pieces can support several outfits.
Start with the jeans and sneakers you already own. Add a tee whose colors work with those pieces, then use the backpack for its practical role rather than as a compulsory styling prop. If you need a new bag, compare its capacity, laptop sleeve and carrying comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the exact white Vans from the original video?
No. A clean low-top sneaker can provide the same contrast with denim. If you want Vans specifically, check the current model name, color and size instead of assuming every white pair is identical.
Do these outfits only work with skinny jeans?
No. Straight, slim and relaxed jeans can all work. Adjust the hem so it sits comfortably with the shoe, and choose a rise and thigh fit that let you move.
Where can I find similar pieces?
The linked brand pages are a starting point for finding similar pieces. Check the model, color and fit: the exact pictured products may no longer be sold.
What is the simplest outfit to start with?
Try blue jeans, a plain tee and clean low-top sneakers. Once the fit feels right, add one layer or patterned piece rather than changing everything at once.
Can these outfits work beyond school or college?
Yes, for relaxed settings. Use the same simple combinations with fits and graphics you enjoy; adapt the shoes, trousers and layers to your plans and any dress code.