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Home / Blog / Shoes / Sneakers

How to Wear White Sneakers (4 Outfit Ideas)

Published on November 5, 2018 by Brock McGoff · Shoes, Sneakers May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

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

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.

White sneakers shorts t-shirt
T-Shirt | Shorts | Shoes

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.

Looking at watch

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.

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date grey

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.

White sneakers athleisure outfit
Raincoat (sold out) | Sweatshirt | Chinos | 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.

White sneakers athleisure outfit

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.

White sneakers jeans henley
Henley Shirt (sold out) | Jeans | Sneakers | Bag

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.

White sneakers light wash jeans

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.

White sneakers smart casual outfit
Sunglasses | Sweatshirt | Shirt | Chinos (similar)| Sneakers | Bag

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.

White sneakers olive chinos

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!

Shoes, Sneakers white sneakers

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About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Katrina says

    November 30, 2022 at 7:06 pm

    Can you give more detail regarding the white J Crew shoes? The link goes to 404 not found

    Reply
    • Brock says

      December 1, 2022 at 10:47 am

      None of these sneakers are from J.Crew. Which link are you referring to?

      Reply
  2. Kurt says

    December 15, 2021 at 8:54 pm

    Any brand recommendations for wide feet? Most models seem to only come in D.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      December 16, 2021 at 10:37 pm

      Allen Edmonds makes a great leather sneaker with more room, and also avail in wider widths.

      Reply
  3. Abdullah says

    May 2, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    Are white sneakers with side details versatile and better than the plain ones?

    Reply
  4. Nick says

    September 14, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    Hey Brock, I’ve always been the athletic shoe wearing guy even into my late 20’s and am finally getting everything in order thanks in large part to you and your content!

    I have a hard time deciding what color socks to wear with white sneakers and chinos/jeans. Picked up a pair of tan and a pair of blue chinos and slowly building out my wardrobe. Can you provide some advice? Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Abhishek Yadav says

    March 10, 2019 at 12:56 am

    Bro can the style 4 look good on short and fat guy (height 5’4)(weight 63 kg)

    Reply
    • Brock says

      March 10, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  6. Dave says

    November 6, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    Hi Brock as a 60 plus 5’4″ guy where do you buy decent pants & shorts so they fit, I live in Australia.

    Reply
  7. Oral Blankson says

    November 6, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    Where is the raincoat from? The raincoat link takes you to a t shirt – thanks!

    Reply
    • Brock says

      November 6, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      Fixed. Here you go – https://fave.co/2quyY7B

      Reply
  8. Oral Blankson says

    November 6, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    The link to the raincoat seems to link to a shirt. Would like to know where the raincoat is from – thanks!

    Reply
  9. Gregg Schroeder says

    November 5, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    Yup, I wear beat-up white Rebox all the time.

    Reply
  10. A says

    November 5, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    What’s your opinion on how dirty / beat up white sneakers are? I personally like the slightly beat look and think the pristine white looks tacky.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      November 5, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      I agree, beat up and slightly dirty is much better.

      Reply

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