How to Wear a Suit with White Sneakers

The Fashionisto

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Updated September 21, 2024

Suit with White Sneakers Coat ModelPin
Discover how to wear a suit with white sneakers. Photo: Shutterstock

Wearing a black, blue, or grey suit with white sneakers has become a prevalent trend in the fashion industry in recent years. Initially considered a significant fashion faux pas, pairing athletic shoes or casual sneakers with formal attire has become standard on catwalks, red carpets, and boardrooms.

This innovative sneaker outfit combination has revolutionized contemporary men’s fashion, allowing men to exude style and comfort simultaneously. The versatile suit and sneakers combination can be styled in various ways to craft unique looks, making it a great addition to any wardrobe.

Wearing a Suit with White Sneakers

Richard Madden attends the April 2023 premiere of the Citadel series in Los Angeles, California. The actor wears a navy Dior Men suit with white sneakers.Pin
Richard Madden attends the April 2023 premiere of the Citadel series in Los Angeles, California. The actor wears a navy Dior Men suit with white sneakers. Photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Whether attending a business meeting, wedding reception, or even black-tie events, this trend can be adapted depending on the occasion, making it the perfect option for men looking to break free from traditional formal dress codes without sacrificing style. With this look, men can achieve an effortlessly chic appearance while maintaining a professional and refined ensemble.

Over the years, numerous celebrities, including Richard Madden and Ryan Reynolds, have flaunted this sneaker combo at various events. Hollywood’s finest have wholeheartedly embraced this style statement. Additionally, renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton and Tom Ford have featured suits with sneakers in their collections, further solidifying this trend’s staying power.

Bring a casual attitude to velvet with a white sneaker and suit ensemble. Pin
Bring a casual attitude to velvet with white sneakers and a suit ensemble. Photo: Shutterstock

In this guide, we will explore how the suit with white sneakers trend has gained popularity recently and provide valuable style tips on successfully pulling off this fashion-forward sneaker outfit without violating any style rules.

Key elements include choosing the right sneakers, such as Adidas Stan Smith or other high-quality leather options, selecting a well-tailored suit or unstructured blazer, and coordinating with a white shirt or polo shirt for a polished look. Following these simple rules and tips from style experts can ensure you make a statement the next time you step out in this modern suit look.

Matching Your Suit with White Sneakers

Liam Payne Suit with White SneakersPin
Liam Payne pulls off the suit with white sneakers look, attending the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in 2019. Photo: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

White sneakers have transcended their casual roots and now hold a prominent place in the fashion world. They effortlessly complement various types of suits. However, not all suits are equal; some work better with white sneakers than others.

To achieve a successful suit-sneaker combination, it’s crucial to consider the color and fabric of your suit. For instance, exceptionally bright blue suits perfectly match white sneakers.

The striking contrast between dark blue and crisp white creates a sophisticated and modern look that will make a statement. Grey suits, especially in charcoal or lighter shades, also pair well with white sneakers, offering a neutral color scheme that allows the footwear to stand out without dominating the outfit.

Black suits can work, too, but careful attention is required to ensure the right shade of white complements the ensemble.

Santiago Cabrera Linen Suit with White SneakersPin
Santiago Cabrera wears a linen suit with white sneakers. Photo: Jean_Nelson / Deposit Photos

Linen suits are a great way to achieve a casual look during the summer months. The lightweight fabric and relaxed fit pair well with white sneakers for a comfortable yet stylish outfit.

In more formal settings, double-breasted suits with peak lapels can be worn with white sneakers for a unique take on formal wear. When it comes to choosing the best sneakers for your suit, consider the color of your shirt and the dress code for the event.

For a more formal look, opt for sleek, low-profile white sneakers, while chunky or high-top sneakers can add a casual touch to smart casual settings or relaxed office environments. Ultimately, personal stylists and style experts agree that there are no fixed rules for pairing suits with sneakers.

However, following general guidelines and experimenting with different combinations can lead to a fashionable and unique outfit perfect for various occasions. So, whether it’s a casual Friday at work or a special event during the warmer months, don’t be afraid to embrace the versatility of white sneakers and elevate your suit game.

Tailoring Your Suit

Tanner Buchanan Green Suit with White SneakersPin
Donning a green suit with white sneakers, Tanner Buchanan attends the 2022 PaleyFest LA. Photo: imagepressagency / Deposit Photos

When wearing a suit with white sneakers, your suit must fit you perfectly. A poorly fitting suit can detract from the stylishness of your overall look.

Additionally, pairing an ill-fitting suit jacket or trousers with sneakers can appear sloppy or unintentional. Therefore, prioritize fit and tailoring above everything else when shopping for a suit to match your favorite pair of white kicks.

Ensure it fits you like a glove without feeling too tight or restrictive in any area, such as shoulders or armholes. Similarly, ensure that the trouser length is perfectly hemmed so as not to bunch up around the ankle area while wearing them with low-top shoes like sneakers. This will give you fashionable yet comfortable attire perfect for any casual outing.

Adding a T-shirt

Consider pairing it with a T-shirt to enhance the casual aesthetic of your suit and white sneakers ensemble further. This seemingly unorthodox addition helps maintain the relaxed vibe white sneakers bring to the outfit while exuding a sense of sophistication.

Opt for a high-quality, well-fitted T-shirt in a neutral color, such as white or grey, to keep the overall look polished and cohesive. This combination is perfect for occasions where a more laid-back approach to formal attire is appropriate.

It allows you to showcase your unique style without compromising the sleekness of your suit. Embrace this modern twist on a classic outfit, and you’ll make a stylish statement.

The Sneakers

White Sneakers Pinstripe Trousers CloseupPin
Opt for no-show socks for a sleek sneaker and suit look. Photo: Shutterstock

When selecting the perfect shoes for your suit, white sneakers can be a versatile option that works with various suit styles. Several types of white sneakers, including low-top and high-top sneakers, can work well with a suit.

Low-top sneakers are more casual and are best paired with slim-fitting suits in lighter colors such as beige or grey. Conversely, high-top sneakers offer more coverage and support around the ankle and tend to work well with more formal suits, such as black or navy.

Another factor to consider when choosing your white sneakers is the material they are made from. Leather sneakers offer a polished look and work well for formal events, while canvas sneakers offer a more relaxed vibe that pairs well with casual suits.

Overall, it’s important to ensure that your shoes complement the overall style of your suit.

Styling Tips

Jack Harlow White Sneakers with Navy SuitPin
Jack Harlow cleans up in a navy suit with white sneakers for the Variety 2021 Music Hitmakers Brunch. Photo: imagepressagency / Deposit Photos

One of the great things about wearing a suit with white sneakers is that it’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For formal events, such as weddings or black tie affairs, opt for a tailored suit in a dark color like navy or black.

Pair it with classic white leather sneakers and accessorize with a minimalist watch and pocket square. Choose a slim-fit suit in grey or charcoal paired with white canvas sneakers for business meetings.

This combination exudes confidence and professionalism while remaining stylish and comfortable. Accessorize with a matching belt and watch to complete the look. For casual outings, have fun playing around with different textures and colors.

Pair your favorite light-colored suit jacket with jeans or chinos for a more relaxed feel. You can even add some patterned socks for an extra pop of personality.

Celebrity Inspiration

Timothee Chalamet Red Suit White SneakersPin
Timothée Chalamet goes bold in a red Louis Vuitton suit with chunky off-white sneakers at the 2019 premiere of Beautiful Boy. Photo: Jean_Nelson / Deposit Photos

Many famous celebrities have been spotted rocking this trend on the red carpet, proving that it’s not just reserved for fashion bloggers or influencers. Stars like Timothée Chalamet, Ryan Gosling, and David Beckham have all sported this look at various events.

These celebrities prove that wearing a suit with white sneakers is stylish and a timeless and versatile look that anyone can wear regardless of personal style or fashion sense.

The Importance of Socks

Trousers with White SneakersPin
Be mindful of the socks you wear with your sneakers and suit. It may be preferable to wear a no-show sock. Photo: Shutterstock

Socks can make or break the look by wearing white sneakers and a suit. The wrong sock choice can instantly cheapen an otherwise polished outfit, so it’s important to consider the color and style of your socks carefully.

For a formal occasion, choose a pair of dress socks that match the color of your suit pants or shirt. This creates a cohesive and streamlined look that appears intentional and put-together.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a pair of patterned socks that complement the colors in your suit or tie. Just be sure to keep any patterns subtle and subdued. You have more room to play with sock choices for casual outings.

A classic choice is no-show socks, perfect for showing off your crisp white sneakers while keeping your feet comfortable and sweat-free. Alternatively, you could try pairing colored or patterned socks with your sneakers for a playful pop of personality.

Laces Matter Too

John Krasinski plays with a mix of blues as he dons a suit with white sneakers outfit for the Season Two Premiere of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan in 2019.Pin
John Krasinski plays with a mix of blues as he dons a suit with white sneakers for the Season Two Premiere of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan in 2019. Photo: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

The type of laces on your white sneakers can also impact how well they work with a suit. Thin laces generally look more sophisticated than thick ones, as do round laces over flat ones.

When selecting laces for your sneakers, consider the overall aesthetic you’re going for and choose accordingly. For example, if you’re wearing a slim-fit navy suit and want to keep things sleek and modern-looking, opt for thin round laces in black or navy to match your ensemble.

Alternatively, if you’re aiming for an edgier vibe with distressed denim jeans instead of tailored trousers paired with white sneakers under that blazer, then chunky flat laces in contrasting colors like red or yellow could add some visual interest without clashing too much against other elements in the combination.

Remember: every detail counts when achieving the perfect look, so don’t overlook the small things like your socks and laces when styling your suit with white sneakers.

Final Thoughts

Milan Fashion Week Street Style Men in SuitsPin
Men show off their sartorial flair during Milan Fashion Week. Photo: aniarenard / Shutterstock.com

After discussing the different aspects of wearing a suit with white sneakers, it is clear that this trend has become a stylish and versatile option for men. From the different types of suits to the various styles of sneakers, there are endless possibilities for creating an outfit that fits any occasion.

It is important to remember that fit and tailoring are key components in achieving a polished look when wearing a suit with sneakers. Regarding the type of suit, navy, grey, and black are classic colors that pair well with white sneakers. However, choosing a suit that fits properly and looks tailored is important.

A well-fitting suit gives off an air of sophistication and complements the casualness of the sneakers. There are also many styles of white sneakers, such as low-top or high-top, canvas or leather materials.

Keeping your sneakers clean and well-maintained will prevent you from looking stylish and make them last longer. Small details like socks and laces elevate your outfit even more.

Wearing a suit with white sneakers has become increasingly popular in recent years because it’s stylish, comfortable, and versatile. With so many options available in suits and sneaker styles, anyone can pull off this look regardless of their personal style or body type.

So embrace this trend confidently, knowing you’ll look sharp wherever you go.


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