How to Wear Sneakers with Everything

 A Man's Guide

We're talking sneakers today, so get comfortable and put your feet up. There are several myths about how to wear sneakers now, especially when it comes to suits and business casual apparel. And the reason for it is that not all sneakers are made equal. Well-maintained, leather-lined white sneakers (like these) are a world apart from your worn-out pair of Volleys with the enigmatic green spots around the toe. For dates, classy cocktail parties, and meeting your mother-in-law, one pair is completely appropriate; the other, not so much.

A Timeline for Sneakers

Over the past ten years, there has been a clear easing of the restrictions on footwear. It's no longer considered a fashion faux pas to wear sneakers with a professional attire or to smear some tan leather trainers underneath a smart grey suit. The beauty of high-quality, smart-casual shoes is that they quickly remove the starch from anything, and we cannot emphasize this enough. And that's perfect for situations like family lunches and Friday night date nights where wearing a complete three-piece suit and brogues might be too much. Men's sneakers can be compared to the mullet of the smart-casual world: professional on top, social on the bottom.

When to Avoid Donning Sneakers

Even though you can wear sneakers practically anyplace and with anything, there are still some situations where it's best to keep them in the closet. A job interview is a big deal, unless you're applying for a position at a Silicon Valley start-up. It's a bit of a gamble even then. For any genuinely formal occasion, a good pair of leather loafers or Oxfords will be your best bet. 'Black Tie' gatherings are undoubtedly another excellent example. It's quite improbable that you will be able to find sneakers that go with a black satin tuxedo.

Tips for Wearing Sneakers

Since they go with everything, a good pair of white sneakers has practically become a wardrobe essential during the past several years. The short version of our full piece on how to wear white sneakers is that you can either go for the athleisure look, which calls for tapered joggers, crew neck tees, and bomber jackets, or you can wear cropped pants (or cuff your ankles). A high cuff actually helps define that silhouette because the whole goal of shoes is to draw attention down there (no, further down).

sneaker shoes with jeans

The sartorial equivalent of strawberries and cream is jeans and shoes. They belong together, and you don't need us to tell you that. However, there are some considerations to make while styling your favorite denim. Color is first. Do you prefer something fascinating or a bulky white sneaker outfit? Blue jeans look great with both khaki suede and forest green leather sneakers. Second is trimmed. Since the release of Clueless, baggy jeans and sneakers have become unfashionable. You want something tidy and well-kept with a high cuff and a tapered leg—it doesn't have to be painted on skinny.

Sneakers with suits is acceptable

On how to wear sneakers with suits, entire volumes have been written (we've even written a little bit ourselves here). One of our favorite preppy styles is smart casual shoes worn with a bright blue or grey suit, but there are a few things to watch out for. One mistake some men make is attempting to accomplish too much with their sneaker-and-suit ensemble. Don't stray from traditional, solid colors; the obvious choices are white, black, navy, and tan. Consider combinations next. Khaki green sneakers and a black pinstripe suit probably won't go together (this is why white sneakers are such a god-send, they go with basically everything). Focus on the cut last. There is only so much edge you can offer a big, unattractive, poorly fitted suit jacket. Sneakers give suits an edge. Choose a slim-fitting jacket, and ensure that the legs of your pants are neat, straight, and properly cuffed (not too high, but not too low either).

At the end of the day, it is entirely up to you how to wear sneakers and when. Numerous stylish costumes are available for shoes. The secret is to experiment and play around until you find something that feels perfect.