The key to nailing mini-me fashion this festive season? Matching New Balance sneakers

It may not be overtly obvious to most of us, but over the last year, there has been a shift in how families get dressed in the morning. On TikTok, #daddydaughter outfits have garnered 2.9 billion views. Trending gift guides have garnered traction on Instagram, prompting couples to get matching holiday sweaters. Not to mention Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk's latest mini-me look – coordinating trenchcoats with her impossibly cute daughter Tuuli.

It's no surprise, then, that we're all keen to jump on the matchy-matchy bandwagon this holiday season. “Coordinating with your family, whether in complete looks or in more subdued ways, during the festive season creates memorable moments,” says Maria Barsoum, Vogue Scandinavia's senior fashion editor. “It's a way to visually connect and celebrate as a unit. Plus, it makes for great holiday photos that you'll cherish for years.”

According to Barsoum, shoes are the best way to get a ‘foot in’ to subtle style coordination. That's where New Balance's 550 sneakers come in. “Accessorising is your secret weapon against being too matchy,” says Barsoum, pinpointing how the 550s can help set the tone for the overall mood. “Here, they lay the foundation for the laid-back looks, focusing on staying comfortable.”

“Matching outfits can be a fun family tradition, instilling a sense of belonging and togetherness, which is exactly what the holidays are all about,” notes Barsoum. But, she is quick to point out that total looks may not be the way to go for everyone. “To avoid being overly matchy, mix and match patterns and textures within the same colour scheme. For instance, if everyone wears white sneakers, pair them with different clothing styles,” she says. “Mum could wear an oversized blazer while the kids get to be kids in comfortable grey sweats. It's about finding unity without uniformity.”

The 550 is a tried-and-tested Scandinavian sneaker classic, sported by tastemakers like Elsa Hosk, fellow former Vogue Scandinavia cover star Pernille Teisbaek, and Swedish actress Hedda Stiernstedt. The original 550 debuted in 1989, quickly making its mark on basketball courts in the US, before being brought back to life in 2020, kicking off the 550 renaissance we still relish today.

The 2023 rendition sported here sees the true generational appeal of the '80s classic: the streamlined silhouette, the heavy-duty design, the dependable leather, synthetic, and mesh upper construction is a classic look in any era – and, for that matter, any age.

While it may not seem like a big deal to wear the same sneakers as your loved ones, there's an emotional appeal to mini-me styling that resonates deeply with modern families. It's a way for parents to bond with their children through shared interests, and it reflects a fun, approachable aspect of parenting and family life. The festive season is about coming together, so what better way to show unity than through fashion?

The 550 is now available for the whole family on newbalance.com