The white sneaker has definitely earned a spot in every stylish man’s wardrobe. The styling possibilities are endless. And so with this article, I want to show you just how versatile minimalist white sneakers can be. 

I’ll be showcasing a lookbook of my own style as well as some other stylish gents.  

Let’s get started. 

White Sneakers Lookbook

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1. White Sneakers With Chinos

One of the smarter ways to wear white sneakers is with a pair of chinos that have a gradual taper towards the ankle and no break. Combine that with a light sweater layered over a button down shirt and you’ve got yourself a clean and classic sharp casual outfit.

Alternatively you could forgo the dressier knitwear and instead layer a staple leather jacket or bomber jacket over a white button up for something a little sportier and stylish as ever. 

Finally, in a more minimal approach, you could opt for a contrasting long sleeve or short sleeve t-shirt up top while sporting a simple accessory like a casual wrist watch. It’s simple, but thoroughly effective. Ultimately, wearing sneakers with chinos is a wonderful way to elevate the inherent casualness of white sneakers. 

2. White Sneakers With A Suit / Sport Coat

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White sneakers with suits are for the daring gentlemen among us. Not everyone can pull off the looks, but those that can, do so with a sartorial sophistication that’s as nonchalant as it is divergent.

In order for this to work though, there are 3 things to keep in mind:

1. The suit has to fit flawlessly
2. Stick with the neutrals like navy, grey or beige
3. Keep it casual (suit type/fabric & shirt style)

For example, a textured linen suit is much more suitable to be worn with white sneakers than say a suit made from worsted wool. And another way to create harmony between the suit and sneakers is to combine them with more casual tops like breton stripes or an unbuttoned OCBD.

Alternatively you can wear white sneakers with a sportcoat and odd trousers like chinos or even jeans. The rules are more lax here as you’re going decidedly more casual. Feel free to play around with a pocket square. For your top, you can opt for a polo shirt, basic white t-shirt or even the more refined rollneck sweater.

3. White Sneakers With Jeans

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Without a doubt, jeans are an everyday style staple for men everywhere, and for good reason — it looks great with just about anything, including white sneakers. The full spectrum of jeans from lighter washes and dark wash denim to contrasting white or black jeans, and even distressed denim can work exceptionally well.

For tops, you can’t go wrong pairing white sneakers and jeans with casual basics like hoodies or bombers and light quilted vests. The styling potential with jeans and sneakers is endless.

Moreover, if you want further proof that sneakers with jeans is the move to make, check out this badass photo of the King of Cool himself, Steve McQueen (see below) casually lounging in effortless style.

4. White Sneakers With Shorts

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Wearing sneakers with shorts is the style move to make in the warmer spring and especially summer months. It doesn’t get easier than a pair of tan shorts worn with a basic white or navy crewneck tee. You can even layer a lightweight suede bomber or a button down shirt to add a touch of effortless cool to your fit.

A heather grey tee and shorts combo combined with white low tops is also a viable option. And alternatively, if you want to put that short sleeve button down shirt or knit polo to work, these spring/summer staples are right at home with white sneakers and shorts cut several inches above the knee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Jul 13, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT

5. White Sneakers With Athleisure

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And finally, wearing white sneakers with the trendy athleisure style is definitely worthy of your consideration. Trainers after all are athletic shoes, originally worn on tennis courts decades ago.

To pull off minimalist white sneakers with athleisure style, you’re going to want to play with looser drapes up top and fitted joggers or performance chinos down low. 

The pants should taper downwards, and can even wrap around your ankle. Without a doubt, sneakers and athleisure were readymade for each other and it certainly creates a casual, cool aesthetic.

Why Are White Sneakers So Popular?

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White sneakers are so popular because they are versatile shoes that bridge the gap between smart and casual style. As this lookbook demonstrates, you can easily dress them up with a sport coat or suit and dress them down with jeans or a pair of shorts.

It’s this versatility that has catapulted the white sneaker into the menswear Hall of Fame — as an integral piece that won’t be going out of style anytime soon.

What Socks To Wear With White Sneakers

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Before we wrap things up, I want to give a quick primer on what socks to wear with white sneakers.

My recommendation is to wear no show socks in the warmer spring and summer months. They’ll help to keep your feet cooler all the while providing that stylish no sock look. If you don’t like wearing these socks because they always slip off your feet, then a pair of low or quarter length socks will do just as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Khoi N. | Style for Men (@thegentwithin) on Jun 19, 2019 at 1:50pm PDT

Come fall and winter time, I’d opt for a mid-weight merino wool socks in a crew length or even a thicker hiking sock. Some of my favorite socks are from FITS, currently. If you haven’t checked them out yet, give them a try and you’ll see why!

Wrapping Things Up

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I hope you now see why the white sneaker is such a popular shoe and why it’s a permanent fixture men’s wardrobes everywhere. From suits & athleisure style to chinos, jeans and shorts — white sneakers are certainly  with some of the best pieces in menswear.

Thank you for reading all the way through.

Cheers to your style,
–Khoi

Onto you, how do you wear your white sneakers?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.