How To Wear Trainers With A Suit
When it comes to wearing a suit, there are basic style aspects that are easy to master. colour, fabric, and even accessories are relatively simple parts of a suit that can be handled with ease and little error. But then there are more complicated style moves like wearing trainers with your suit.
Classic haberdashery rules have always directed men to wear dress shoes with any suit. They’ve even specifically warned against wearing trainers with suits. But the truth is, when it’s done correctly, pairing trainers with a suit evokes high-end athleisure, however, when it’s done wrong, you’ll look far too casual (a bit like a dad commuting in to work from the suburbs that plans to change his shoes once he gets to the office.)
In order to avoid being the latter guy, follow these rules.
1. Keep Your Sneakers Simple
The sneakers and suits look allows you to take some of the formality away from your tailoring. People should notice that you’ve slipped on some trainers, but they shouldn’t be distracted by them.
In order to stick with your clean aesthetic, opt for a pair of white sneakers ( We would recommend Common Projects or all white Adidas Stan Smiths).
They provide the same kind of clean look as a classic oxford shoe and they won’t steal the show. If white is too bright for you, stick to neutral or earth tones. And keep them solid.
2. Low Is The Way To Go
High-tops are a no-no. Low-top trainers are a sophisticated way to dress down. it’s best to stick to a well tailored suit to pair with low top trainers. Anything oversized (intentional or not) will take away from wearing a statement menswear trainer. You should pair these trainers with a pair of cuffed trousers, as you don’t want to be wearing trousers where the hem rolls over the shoe.
3. Have a slight break in your trousers.
A slight break in your trousers (the slight bunching of cloth created when the cuff rests on the top of your shoe) is usually good for a tall man as it breaks your height up and draws attention to your sneakers. Also ensure that your trousers are slim- or tapered-fit; boot cut will cover the trainers and simply not work.
4. No Blank Canvas
Ensure your trainers are made of leather or suede. It might be tempting to reach for that pair of Converse All-Stars in your closet, but they’re way too casual. Chucks are a quintessential comfort shoe ideal for running errands on the weekend or skateboarding. Leather or seude trainers will compliment the quality of your suit/trousers.
Making the decision to wear trainers with your suit can seem like scary new territory. Keep it classic and minimalistic and you can’t go wrong.
Written by Jamilah Estrianna Toni | @Jamilahetoni