How to Wear White Sneakers (4 Outfit Ideas)

White sneakers are one of the most versatile types of shoes you’ll ever own. Here are four easy ways to wear white sneakers.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t even own a pair of white sneakers until a couple years ago. I thought they’d be hard to match with my favorite outfits and would get dirty too quickly.

I always figured grey or blue were better colors, but I was wrong. A while back, I finally got my first pair of white leather sneakers and have worn them at least twice a week since – even more in the summer. They fit in perfectly with my mostly neutral wardrobe.

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Granted, all white kicks are often viewed as more of a spring/summer shoe, but you can get definitely wear them all year round.

They’re also a more casual type of footwear (compared to a Chelsea boot, for example), but that doesn’t mean they can’t be dressed up. Some guys even like to wear white sneakers with a suit!

I don’t wear mine with suits, but I will show you four of my favorite ways to wear these sneakers, from casual to smart casual.

Ready? Let’s get into the outfits!

White Sneakers Outfit #1: Shorts and T-Shirt

This is a super casual warm weather outfit that pretty much any man will look great in.

I’m wearing navy chino shorts (above the knee, of course) and a dark grey crew neck t-shirt. Navy, grey and white look awesome together.

To spruce up a simple outfit like this one, just add accessories. I pretty much always wear sunglasses and carry a bag that can fit my laptop.

Adding a luxury watch like this vintage steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date produces a subtle flex without too much flash.

White Sneakers Outfit #2: Athleisure

Sneakers work really well with the athleisure aesthetic because, technically speaking, they’re athletic shoes.

I like minimal white leather sneakers, but you could also wear canvas sneakers, high tops or running shoes like the Adidas Ultra Boost or Nike Epic React.

Any of these would look great with these dark blue joggers and a dark green cotton crew neck sweatshirt.

Instead of wearing a nylon windbreaker or technical pullover, I dressed this outfit up a bit with a classic tan raincoat and my favorite compact umbrella.

This outfit is extremely comfortable – perfect for lounging around or running errands on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

White Sneakers Outfit #3: Jeans and Henley

Jeans and Henley shirts go together like Brad Pitt and David Fincher. If you put them together, it’s probably going to work out nicely.

If you like low contrast outfits like I do, go for lighter wash jeans with a lighter Henley. This palette works especially well with white sneakers.

For outerwear, you could wear pretty much any type of jacket. I like the field jacket, especially in olive green, but a topcoat, bomber, Harrington or leather jacket would also work well here.

As always, adding a couple of tasteful accessories will help elevate a simple getup in a way that seems cool and effortless.

White Sneakers Outfit #4: Smart Casual

When it comes to wearing white sneakers in a less casual way, this is about as formal as I’ll go.

Layering a button up shirt under a sweater is one of the easiest ways to create a smart casual outfit. Notice three small details that make this outfit more casual:

First, the sweater. To me, crew neck sweaters always seem more casual than v-necks, so they work really well with sneakers.

Second, the untucked shirt. Letting your button up show under your sweater is a casual, somewhat preppy detail that makes it look like you’re not trying too hard (even if you are). If you tucked the shirt in, it would clean up this look a bit, making it slightly less casual.

Third, the socks. I almost never recommend wearing colorful, bold or novelty socks. But if you rest of your outfit is pretty subdued, adding a pop of color with your socks can be a good choice (if it fits your personality).

To my wife’s chagrin, this is about as “fun” as I get with my socks.

How Do You Wear White Sneakers?

Your turn. Leave a comment about how you like to wear white sneakers. Better yet, drop a link to a picture of you wearing them!