How to wear white trainers, five ways
Before you relegate white trainers as the most basic of basics, bear this in mind: “The right pair of white, minimal trainers can actually make an outfit look more polished,” says Thread Senior Stylist Sophie Bailey-Hine, who advises 1. Going for the simplest pair you can find, without logos, contrast or any extra details, and 2. Wearing them with smart clothes you want to dress down, or casual clothes you want to dress up.
“Because simple white trainers are neutral and streamlined, and not eye-catching, they’re more versatile than you might think,” she explains. “They go with clothes from jeans to formal trousers.”
Here, Sophie shares how to wear one pair of Oliver Sweeney white trainers to five very-different occasions. (See the best white shoes for you in our Spring Essentials tab.)
1. For a wedding that feels casual
Outfit: White trainers, blazer, shirt and formal trousers.
Why it works: “First, here’s how to tell if a wedding is casual: If the groomsmen are wearing anything less formal than a suit — such as a blazer with non-matching trousers or chinos — then this outfit is perfectly appropriate. (If the invitation says ‘black tie’ or ‘suited and booted,’ then it’s definitely not.)
“It also works for other events where you could wear a suit, but it might feel a bit too formal — like unofficial races or award nights. I like this combination in particular because all the items are simple, and because the white shirt balances the white trainers.”
2. For a date you’ve been looking forward to
Outfit: White trainers, shirt and formal trousers.
Why it works: “This outfit is more comfortable and relaxed than a shirt and blazer, but still gives the right signs that you’ve made an effort. The texture in the trousers makes them feel less office-y and slightly more casual — a good match for the trainers — and the untucked shirt gives the same smart-but-relaxed vibe.”
3. For a casual Friday
Outfit: White trainers, white t-shirt, grey sweatshirt and black jeans
Why it works: “Simple white trainers are the ideal casual Friday shoes: on the smarter side, but comfortable and not too eye-catching. Plus black jeans look a little sharper than blue, and the black socks keep it clean and minimal. You could stick a white shirt under the jumper — and/or switch the jeans for chinos — to up the smartness.”
4. For a Saturday that could turn into a night out
Outfit: White trainers, white t-shirt, navy bomber jacket and dark blue jeans.
Why it works: “The streamlined trainers and nicely fitted bomber jacket make this outfit look sharp enough for a night out … but it’s also casual and comfortable for a morning of errands. Also, picking two colours and varying the hue is a safe and winning combo. A lot has to be said about the freshness of blue and white.”
5. For a Sunday pub lunch
Outfit: White trainers, grey t-shirt, khaki utility jacket, black jeans
Why it works: “On one hand, this outfit involves chucking on a t-shirt, jeans, trainers and a jacket — probably what you already wear on Sundays. On the other, it looks more thoughtful than that because the green and grey go well together (we stylists call these ‘earthy neutrals’), and because each piece is clean and simple, including the trainers.”
Originally published at www.thread.com/tips
