How to Wear White Sneakers: Tips for Styling White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is a versatile everyday shoe and styling tool no matter the occasion you’re dressing for. Whether you’re accessorizing your outfit with a pair of sporty, off-white athletic trainers or a cream-colored platform tennis shoe, read on for a series of styling tips that will empower you to curate the best outfits to wear with white sneakers.

1. 1. Accent with socks. White socks are a classic styling choice for white sneakers, and it’s essential to wear the right sock height for your particular shoe. Use your socks to accentuate your sneaker’s ankle height because awkwardly visible socks (or invisible socks) can look messy. Consider adding a pair of white, printed, or neon ankle socks underneath your high-tops to protect your shins from any chafing material. Try wearing a pair of no-show socks with a pair of low-top sneakers to keep the combination clean.
2. 2. Try a formal look. White sneakers aren’t just for casual outfits. Pair clean, white leather sneakers with pleated slacks, a tucked blouse, and a black or grey blazer for business meeting attire. Make sure that your white sneakers—especially leather or suede ones—are spotless if you’re wearing them with a more formal or professional outfit.
3. 3. Go monochromatic. Extra-white sneakers perfectly complement a monochromatic summer or winter look of any color. For an all-white outfit perfect for winter, pair a slouchy white turtleneck sweater dress with white jeans, a white duster coat, and some classic white sneakers with rolled socks. White sneakers also make a great complement to an all-pastel outfit in different, delicate shades of pink, blue, or purple.
4. 4. Clean regularly. Always keep your white sneakers as clean as possible. Luckily, white canvas sneakers are easy to toss in the washing machine whenever they get too dirty. (Add in some bleach to make them spotless.) A mixture of water, baking soda, and detergent (with a stiff-bristled toothbrush) works to spot clean your favorite white sneakers. Work the brush in small circular motions until the discoloration disappears. Always check your shoe’s specific care instructions before cleaning them.
5. 5. Go classic. White sneakers pair perfectly with any of your classic, all-purpose styling pieces like chunky knit turtleneck sweaters, denim jackets, premium white tees, or leather jackets. Anything from white tennis shoes, to running trainers, to high-top canvas sneakers pairs perfectly with a classic piece.
6. 6. Pick the right denim. White sneakers work with any type of jeans—from dark wash jeans to light wash, black jeans to blue jeans, skinny jeans to baggy jeans—but it’s best to mind the length of your jeans and the ankle height of your sneakers. High-top canvas sneakers pair perfectly with a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans, but low-tops can shorten your figure if too much of your ankle is visible. Tuck a loose, striped T-shirt into the pants and cover it with a button-down shirt. However, denim shorts pair perfectly with any type of sneakers, from low-tops to high-tops.
7. 7. Dress for the season. White shoes or sneakers go just as well with summer and winter outfits. During the warmer months, pair your favorite sneakers with a vibrant sundress or some side-vented pants. Tuck a white crew-neck T-shirt into a patterned midi skirt and don a white pair of shoes for a breezy late-summer combo. Style your white sneakers with straight-leg jeans, a chunky cardigan, and a long brown (or tan) peacoat in the winter. Alternatively, accessorize this look with an oversized scarf or a beanie to keep yourself warm.
8. 8. Relax in athleisure. White sneakers never go out of style, but their resurgence as a trend is due to athleisure's recent popularity. This style—a combination of workout wear and loungewear—is geared towards sleek, clean comfort. A comfortable hoodie, jogging pants or leggings, and white athletic shoes make a great outfit for running errands or hanging with your friends at the park.

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