10 Ways To Style Your Sneakers That Aren’t Just Jeans And A Tee
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Everyone has their favorite pair of sneakers that they always reach for. Maybe that’s a pair of all-white sneakers, like Nike Air Force Ones, or maybe it’s the trendy “Dad” sneakers, like New Balance 990v5s. Whatever your style, these comfortable shoes can make you feel like you want to wear them all the time and for every occasion. (Trust me, there are ways.)
We live in a time when sneakers are becoming more appropriate and acceptable, both in a work environment and during special events. Brides and grooms are even wearing them as they walk down the aisle!
No matter the occasion, day or night, styling an outfit around your favorite sneaker is hard to stray away from. From the undeniable comfort to realizing how fashionably versatile they can actually be, your relationship with this chosen footwear is practically unbreakable.
However, there are more fashionable ways to put this shoe staple to use than with just a pair of well-loved black leggings. No shade to leggings, but we’re here to give you more inspiration than just jeans-and-a-tee outfits centered around this reliable footwear. Plus, we want to show you how you can create more elevated and dressy looks yourself!
How To Style White Sneakers
White sneakers are easy to style no matter what time of day it is. (In fact, I’m sure that you already have at least one pair that you wear often!) Even though these shoes are casual, they can offer an elevated look. These neutral sneakers can also match with just about everything, so it is easy to dress them up, whether you’re picking from a pair of classic Air Force 1s or other trendier styles, such as those with a chunky platform. All in, a pair of white sneakers is an absolute closet essential–the only tricky part is keeping them clean, shiny, and bright! (But don’t worry—we’ve got that covered, too.)
For An Afternoon Date
For an afternoon date, dress up those go-to white sneakers with a pair of flared denim and a textured crop top. Tie the whole outfit together by accessorizing with gold accents and complete it with a standout crossbody bag in a crochet or leather design to keep the outfit refined and chic!
Recreate The Look:
Reoria
High Neck Bodysuit
CTM
Green Crochet Crossbody
Billabong
Cropped Wide Leg Jeans
Sam Edelman
Ethyl Low Top Sneaker
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Blazer |
White Tee |
Biker Shorts |
Sneakers |
Sunglasses
For A Date Night
For a date night, consider pairing white sneakers with an oversized blazer. This combination of outerwear and sneakers creates a cool balance. Or, you can wear a skirt or flared black pants if you want a different look–faux leather pants are a great option. Don’t forget your favorite shoulder bag and gold hoops!
Recreate The Look:
Madewell
Oversized Blazer
Hue
White Crew Socks
Butaby
Rectangular Vintage Sunglasses
Puma
Mayze Platform Sneaker
Our Favorites:
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Amazon
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Allbirds
Tree Runners
Allbirds
Sustainably-made with recycled materials and pointed-toe design that looks great on everyone!
How To Dress Up Colorful Sneakers
It’s always fun to see how people wear a pair of colorful sneakers. If you think your fashion style is bold, then dressing up with multi-colored sneakers is for you. With the spring and summer months being a natural time for people to play with brighter hues and shades, it's also the perfect time to consider adding a pair to your wardrobe and convert them into a year-round outfit staple. Remember, colorful sneakers can be acceptable for special events, in-office looks, and days out with your best girls when styled correctly!
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Trench Coat |
White Tee |
Pants |
Handbag |
Sneakers
For The Office
For a fun office look, pick a pair of bright-colored sneakers from your closet and style them with a matching handbag, loose trousers, and a great coat (think: light trench coat, oversized blazer, or cropped jacket). After all, there is something about a quality jacket that elevates a whole outfit! And, of course, don’t forget your favorite iced beverage before going into the office.
Recreate The Look:
Kirundo
Classic Trench
Amazon Essentials
Linen Drawstring Pant
AIQUDOU
Green Chain Purse
Adidas
Gazelle Sneaker
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Sweater |
Trousers |
Handbag |
Sunglasses |
Sneakers
For A Day With Friends
For a day out with the girls or someone special, wear bright sneakers, an oversized sweater, and wide-legged pants. A sweater with a turtleneck or cowl neck can add a nice touch, too. Thick-rimmed sunglasses and a leather bag help you to feel more dressed up and tie the whole outfit together.
Recreate The Look:
BTFBM
Oversized Sweater
A&F
Tailored Trousers
Dollger
White Rectangular Sunglasses
New Balance
237 Sneaker
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Image: Adidas
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Nike
Image: Zappos
Image: Nordstrom
How To Dress Up Black & White Sneakers
Black and white sneakers are another timeless staple. Two of the most popular sneakers in history, Chuck Taylors and Vans Old Skools, are known for their comfort and classic edge. Don’t have a pair in your closet? Don’t fret–you can create just as many dressed-up looks with any pair of black and white sneakers in whatever style you prefer.
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Cardigan |
Jeans |
Handbag |
Sunglasses |
Sneakers
For The First Day
For an easy “first day” outfit, style a pair of wide-legged pants with a cute cardigan–and, of course, those black and white sneakers. (If you want to have fun with color, swap jeans for a bright pair of pants instead.) Finish the look with a dainty gold necklace and your go-to bag.
Recreate The Look:
Quince
Alpaca Wool Cardigan
Madewell
Wide Leg Denim
Dollger
White Rectangular Sunglasses
adidas
Grey Samba Sneaker
For Weekend Brunch
For a weekend brunch or a day out with friends, wear a simple tee, high-waisted trousers, black accessories, and sneakers! Keep the outfit chic with a large leather handbag in matching black—or a fun color if you want to make it pop. You’ll look great and your feet will be extra comfortable, too.
Recreate The Look:
Madewell
Oversized Blazer
Abercrombie
Trousers
VONSELY
Black Belt
Converse
Chuck Taylor High Tops
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Image: Nordstrom
Image: Zappos
Old Skools
Vans
We had to include this crowd favorite! If you already have them in your closet, maybe this is a sign for a newer pair?
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Zappos
How To Dress Up Retro Sneakers
What do you mean by retro? These sneakers are a little “old school,” but have a modern touch. Retro can also mean an older style that has made a cool comeback–the shape and the form of the shoe stay true to the original design, but are often re-released with new colorways. These sneakers are also typically priced higher, but are great additions for those looking to expand their shoe collection, as retro styles have a way of adding a more high-fashion touch with their updated style and designs.
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Coat |
Turtleneck |
Trousers |
Handbag |
Sneakers
For The Airplane
For an effortlessly cool airplane-to-office look, consider a monochrome look with your retro sneakers. Wearing an oversized top or sweater and loose-fitting trousers provides ultra comfort, but the single color makes the whole outfit look more refined. The jacket is optional, but make sure to use a leather purse or crossbody to stay dressed up!
Recreate The Look:
BTFBM
Mockneck Sweater
Quince
Ponte Pants
Kirundo
Classic Trench
New Balance
990v Sneaker
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Cardigan |
Tee |
Tennis Skirt |
Socks |
Sneakers
For An Athleisure-Appropriate Day
Another way to dress up with retro sneakers (or any on this list!) is with a tennis skirt, sweater, and minimalist graphic tee. The trendy skirt is a stylish change from leggings and sneakers, yet still comfortable. This outfit is easy and can be worn for many destinations and occasions, such as work, school, or travel!
Recreate The Look:
MTV
Graphic Tee
CRZ Yoga
Black Tennis Skirt
Sweaty Rocks
Cable Knit Cardigan
Asics
Gel Sneaker
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Image: Zappos
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Adidas
Image: Amazon
How To Dress Up Trail Sneakers
Trail sneakers are one of the biggest shoe trends of the year! They are popular for their comfort, suitability for different terrains, and out-of-the-box colorways. You’ll see celebrities like Hailey Beiber and Bella Hadid getting dressed up in their own pair of trail sneakers, while looking very stylish walking down the streets of New York City. These sneakers are often paired with baggy jeans and distressed tops, but there are other ways to get dressed up in these not-just-for-hiking-anymore shoes.
Shop:
Trench Coat |
Bodysuit |
Jeans |
Bag |
Sneakers
For a Dressed Down Look
A cute outfit to style with trail sneakers is by pairing a long coat with light-washed denim. Pull out your mini handbag as a luxurious fashion accessory. For warmer days, wear a denim skirt–any length will look great. This outfit can be ideal for many outings and events; however, most importantly, it’s easy to put together with items that you probably already have in your closet.
Recreate The Look:
Mango Pop
Crewneck Bodysuit
Hint Of Blu
Wide Leg Jeans
SG SUGU
Black Minibag
Salomon
XT-6 Mindful Sneaker
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Trench Coat |
White Shirt |
Cargo Pants |
Sunglasses |
Sneakers
For a Dressed Up Look
For a cool, dressed-up look with trail sneakers, try wearing a buttoned shirt with cargo pants. This outfit is perfect for any day that you’re feeling in a creative rut or when you want to look professional on top, but relaxed on the bottom (work from home, we’re looking at you). An oversized vest or a cropped style will do the trick if you want to create an even more dressed-up sneaker look.
Recreate The Look:
Aoysky
Sweater Vest
Free People
Cargo Pants
Pavoi
Gold Necklaces
Salomon
XT-6 Trail Shoes
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Image: Nordstrom
Image: Allbirds
SWT Trail Runners
Allbirds
Trail sneakers with a beige colorway are perfect to complete a monochrome outfit!
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
Fresh Foam X Hierro V7 Trail Shoe
New balance
This trail sneaker comes in endless colorways, paired with a chunky sole
Image: Nordstrom
Sneakers don’t always have to be seen as part of a dressed-down, casual ensemble. Instead, you can create a variety of stand-out looks for many different occasions. Choose your favorite style of sneakers and use any of these fun outfits as inspiration. But, most importantly, make it your own! Everyone looks–and feels–better when wearing a little bit of extra confidence, so whatever shoes make you feel your best–keep them on!
