As seen on FQ’s editorial assistant Amberley Colby, a simple white sneaker needn’t be boring to do the job. On the topic of the quintessential summer sneaker, a considered pair can elevate an outfit just as easily as it can dress it down for a casual cool appearance. Opting for ECCO’s Nouvelle silhouette to slip seamlessly in with Amberley’s personal edit, this particular style delivers sneaker comfort in a classic dress shoe shape (note its metal eyelets, thick textile laces, and textured leather finish).  How we style it: Sighted out and about in Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland’s central Grey Lynn and surrounding suburbs, Amberley styles her ECCO Nouvelles with dark denim separates by Kate Sylvester, Georgia Jay baguette bag, and oversized gold Jasmin Sparrow earrings for practical yet chic look. For a more on-duty look, she’ll style them with wide back trousers, a black blazer, and her monochromatic Paris Georgia heart singlet. The Nouvelles have a lugged sole which add a more edgy aesthetic, perfect for Amberley’s style. Amberley wears the ECCO Nouvelle. ECCO Nouvelle 'white', $289.99 How to pick your pair: Though a classic sneaker is universally versatile, that doesn’t mean to say you’re restricted to a plain white pair. Selecting styles which complement your lifestyle and wardrobe will ensure maximum comfort and confidence. Coming into summer, pastels or neutrals will work tirelessly or you could even mix it up with playful prints and colour for a more maximalist expression. For those with a calm, more coastal aesthetic, the Soft 7s in hues like grey rose or air/powder will add a subdued softness to classic pieces. For those who like to hit the pavement or pilates studio often, you may be better suited to a style that reflects your active lifestyle like the Gruuv. And for our leisurely lunchers and shopping boutique strollers, embrace urban details seen in the Street 720s which come in multiple colourways to suit your mood. ECCO Soft 7 'air/powder', $329.99 ECCO Gruuv 'white/light grey', $339.99 ECCO Street 720 W 'multicolour air', $379.99 What to look out for: Quality, ethical manufacture, timeless styles and features designed specifically for comfort or ventilation are all green flags when choosing your summer sneaker. Motivated by Danish minimalism and driven by comfort, ECCO is an ideal starting point for premium sneakers. Most ECCO sneakers are crafted from artisanal leather made in ECCO’s own tanneries using the ECCO Dritan method of reducing water and chemicals used during the leather tanning process. Plus, most styles offer their FLUIDFORM construction which provides soft, flexible, fluid movement and/or PHORENE groove-patterned soles which absorb shock and add bounce for ultra-cushy walking experience. Some of their more active sneakers also feature Goretex waterproofing and 360 degrees of circulation to keep feet temperate. Ideal when battling fluctuating temperatures and climates.