Few men’s fashion trends of recent times have been as controversial as wearing sneakers with suits. There are passionate fashionistas on both sides of the debate, but like so many questions in life the answer to whether sneakers with suits is acceptable is “it depends.” It depends on what sneakers are being worn, what suit they are being worn with, and the often overlooked factor of where this is all taking place.
There are contexts in which this trend looks good, and ones where it’s wildly inappropriate. This short guide will teach you everything that you need to know to tell the difference, as well as the best ways to make the look work for you.
1. Pick your moments wisely
Firstly, understand that regardless of how smart a suit you have on, your outfit becomes casual the moment you add sneakers to it. This means that you can rule out ever sporting this style at formal occasions. Weddings, interviews, and funerals are just some examples of where this look will be getting you the wrong kind of attention no matter how stylish your choices. If you’re ever in doubt about whether it’s the right occasion, just play it safe and wear a nice pair of dress shoes.
Social events, parties, and more casual or creative workplaces are the kinds of places where the suit and sneakers look can go down well.
2. Avoid running shoes
The sneakers that work best with suits are those which are closest to dress shoes. That’s the ones that do not have large logos on them, which do not have lots of cushioning under the feet, and which are not very pointed at the toes. They also shouldn’t be many different colours. The ones that you want look like they are designed for style, not running a marathon. A sleek, neutrally-coloured pair with minimal branding, round toes, and flat soles is ideal.
There are also sneakers that fall somewhere in between, such as the Nike TNS mens range. They’re not really designed for running long distances, and lots of people wear them for everyday use. However, they’re still a bit too athletic-looking for our purposes. They’d be better off in the gym or with a fully casual outfit.
3. Wear a light, casual suit
Like how you should pick sneakers that are closer to dress shoes, you should wear a suit that is closer to casualwear. Generally, that means a two-piece suit in a light colour. Most people pass on wearing a tie, too. Some even swap out a dress shirt for a T-shirt.
4. Keep them clean
Dirty sneakers will distract from everything you’re trying to achieve with your look. Keep them as close to box-fresh as you can.
5. Show your ankles
While trousers traditionally “break” over dress shoes, this just doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing with sneakers. Aim for trousers that barely touch your sneakers at all.
Conclusion
Under the right circumstances and with appropriate attention to the details, it is possible to stylishly wear sneakers with a suit. The trick is to make sure the items complement each other, for example by making the sneakers more formal and the suit more casual.