The Power of Clean White Sneakers
White sneakers are essential in a man's wardrobe.
Their unmatched versatility is why I always recommend them as one of the first pieces for a men's capsule wardrobe. This article aims to further showcase their interchangeability by demonstrating how to style white sneakers and giving tips on where to find some for a great price.
From t-shirts and jeans to suits and smart casual date-night outfits, a pair of white sneakers will always remain stylish.
What Makes a "Good" White Sneaker
Of course, this is subjective. But if you ask me, a "good" white sneaker is solid white, not too bulky or chunky, and has a classic silhouette with little to no apparent branding.
It should be made of leather or a similar material, and it needs to be comfortable enough to wear for prolonged periods without being so expensive that it exceeds your budget.
There are countless options available when it comes to white sneakers. If you're looking for something under $100, I recommend the New Republic Kurt sneakers or the Adidas Stan Smiths.
New Republic Kurt (Left) Adidas Stan Smiths (Right)
If you've been bitten by the "style bug" and are willing to drop extra cash on a pair of high-quality leather sneakers for a reasonable asking price, look no further than the Oliver Cabell Low 1 sneaker. These are easily on par with the iconic Common Projects Achilles, which frequently sells at over $400!
If $200 is too steep for you, I recommend checking out Beckett Simonon. You're getting a product on par with the famed Common Projects Achilles, for even less than Oliver Cabell. Beckett Simonon's Reid sneaker is consistently sold at under $200, making it a no-brainer.
These sneakers feature full-grain leather, which is soft, supple, and durable and will develop a beautiful patina over time.
Beckett Simonon shoes are well worth the investment, offering excellent quality and construction. The company’s shoes are comfortable and stylish (provided you're willing to wait a while to receive your order).
"Made-to-order" refers to products being physically constructed after your online submission. This generally results in longer wait periods but helps minimize waste, ensure quality control, and allow for competitive pricing.
Oliver Cabell Low 1 (Left) Beckett Simonon Reid (Right)
Canvas Sneakers vs. Leather Sneakers
When it comes to any casual shoe, such as a pair of clean white sneakers, the best types to invest in are those that help you feel confident and suit your personal style.
The materials are certainly less important than how we choose to style white sneakers; however, leather sneakers are often the most elegant choice and well worth the money, in my personal opinion.
Don't get me wrong; there is a place for Vans and Converse, both of which are made from canvas, but for a more mature and elegant look, the most versatile sneakers any man can own are clean white leather sneakers that aren't too chunky (like the Nike Air Force 1).
To further prove this point, here are thirteen outfit ideas featuring various types of clean white sneakers.
How to Style White Sneakers (13 Outfit Ideas)
Look #1: Button-Down Shirt & Jeans or Chinos
In addition to recommending white sneakers for a starter capsule wardrobe, I always recommend a clean white oxford cotton button-down (OCBD) shirt, dark wash jeans, and khaki chinos.
As you can see, simply swapping the pants can change the vibe while keeping everything else the same. Throw on a classic pair of sunglasses, and you're in business for spring or early summer.
Look #2: Black Polo With Jeans or Chinos
Like an OCBD shirt, a neutral-colored polo, such as black or navy blue, is a timeless casual piece for spring and summer. Pair it with khaki chinos or classic blue jeans—it's up to you.
Look#3: Button-Down Shirt, Sweater & Jeans or Chinos
Adidas Stan Smiths (Left) Oliver Cabell Low 1 (Right)
Layering a gray crewneck sweater over a white OCBD shirt effectively smartens up the look.
This also exemplifies a smart casual outfit with a sporty edge, thanks to the inclusion of white sneakers; after all, these are "technically" sports shoes. This look is a classic example of creating clean, visually pleasing outfits using neutral colors.
Look #4: Navy Bomber Jacket & Chinos
White pairs exceptionally well with shades of gray, navy blue, and a hint of black. The timeless lightweight bomber jacket is ideal for spring and is reliably suitable for dates, casual outings with friends, or even running errands.
Look #5: Denim Jacket With Dark-Wash Jeans
New Republic Kurt (Left) Adidas Stan Smiths (Right)
The denim jacket is another timeless piece worthy of pairing with clean white sneakers.
Black or dark indigo-washed jeans and a different shade of denim jacket are great for pairing with clean white sneakers. Just remember to opt for differing shades of denim so as not to get too close to "Canadian Tuxedo" territory... unless that's what you're going for.
Look #6: Cardigan Sweater, T-Shirt & Chinos
There are so many sweaters, and just about all of them can be worn with white sneakers. Here, I have a casual green cardigan sweater paired with classic khaki chinos and a plain black T-shirt.
Throw on a similarly colored ballcap to lean more into a casual direction, and voila! You're ready for errands, a nice day out with your friends, or even a casual date night with that special lady in your life.
Look #7: Summer Sport Coat, Polo & Chinos
A seersucker sport coat outfit is lightweight, playful, breathable, and comfortable for summertime, keeping things casual, fun, lighthearted, and breezy.
Seersucker is a traditionally lightweight and airy cotton fabric that will impress those around you while keeping you well-ventilated.
The subtle khaki stripe pairs nicely with classic navy blue chinos, and the addition of a polo shirt maintains a comfortable and casual vibe that complements the white in the sneakers.
Look #8: Navy Blazer, Polo & Chinos
Twenty years ago, an outfit like this wouldn't have been acceptable in almost any office setting, but today, the definition of "business casual" has changed dramatically.
Adding clean white leather sneakers and cuffed khaki chinos may not be a style everyone can adopt at work.
Still, depending on how your boss defines business casual, this could be a great way to modernize and ultra-casualize a traditional business casual look while still firmly keeping it within the smart casual category of the business casual spectrum.
Look #9: Sport Coat, Polo & Chinos
The sport coat goes well with a pair of white sneakers in much the same way as a navy blazer. Given that there are more types of sport coats in terms of pattern, fabric, etc., it can offer more options. Just remember that a blazer and sport coat are not the same...
Look #10: Rain Jacket, Polo Shirt & Chinos
I love blue and green. These are analogous colors, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel and pair well with other neutrals, such as tan, khaki, or white.
Here is a great look that will shield you from the rain and wind while allowing you to remain dapper for the day ahead. Ivy green chinos and a navy blue pique polo shirt are a perfect analogous combination that complements the tan jacket and white sneakers.
Look #11: Brown Leather Jacket & Chinos
Leather jackets and leather sneakers go together like Steven Spielberg and John Williams (they just work). Not every leather jacket is created equal, but a classic brown variant like the one above is a safe bet.
Paired with neutral chinos and a textured shirt or sweater, you have the perfect date night ensemble for spring or fall.
Look #12: Topcoat, Chunky Sweater & Blue Jeans
Black is painfully generic. If you opt for a dark topcoat, use charcoal or navy blue. They will afford more options in the long run, trust me. Here, I have a charcoal topcoat with a chunky beige turtleneck sweater. The blue jeans are exceedingly casual and pair well with the white sneakers due to that fact.
This look is somewhere between street style and smart casual. What makes everything come together is color and texture. Often, when those are in line, the only additional requirement is that your clothes fit you properly; as you can see, that isn't a problem here.
Look #13: Dark Navy Suit & Plain White Tee
White sneakers and a suit are seldom easy to pull off.
Only do this if you have a premium pair of white leather sneakers, utterly devoid of additional accented colors and no apparent branding. This means that the Adidas Stan Smiths are off the table, given their more plastic-like look and contrasting colorway (often green) on the heel.
Suit trousers must be tapered, which means they must be tailored to you. Very rarely are they already like this off the rack. As far as the length is concerned, only wear leather sneakers with a suit if the length of your trousers is at a slight break or no break.
If I ever wear white sneakers and a suit, I opt for a navy blue or dark navy sharkskin suit with a white dress shirt (no tie) or a clean white crewneck t-shirt (as featured above). Proceed with caution if you are looking to adopt this style!
The "Go-To" Everyday Footwear
A pair of white sneakers can be your "go-to" everyday shoes to complement all of your casual outfits. These shoes are unquestionably some of my favorite pairs because of their timeless style, classic silhouette, and endless versatility.
Whether you wear them with a button-down shirt, casual suit, sport coat, blazer, or just a plain old t-shirt, these fashion sneakers can create the right amount of visual interest to elevate your looks to a whole new level. Hopefully, after reading this guide, you will see just how many options are available to you.
Honestly, I could quickly come up with over a hundred outfits that all include a pair of white sneakers, and so can you. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair if you have not already done so.
