I mean this with absolutely zero judgment to my fellow style writers and consultants.
But, I rarely, almost never, use the phrase “you can’t go wrong with…”
There are too many nuances within dress codes for me to feel comfortable saying that about a single garment or accessory. Not to mention the fact that everyone has a different personal style.
I do, however, have one exception.
I truly believe you can’t go wrong with white sneakers. They’re year-rounders, they’re evergreen, they’re fun yet elegant, and they’re easy.
And as the range of outfits below proves, they accommodate any guy’s personal tastes.
Dynamically Handsome in Neutrals
This is might be the most deceivingly perfect outfit I’ve seen on the internet machine. Of course, its casual stylishness is easy to see. There’s a harmony between timelessness and cool factor too.
How does he manage to make neutrals on neutrals not look boring? How is it relaxed, effortless, yet still as handsome as a stuffy suit? It’s all about balance.
The sweater and tapered pants anchor the look with their loose yet clean-lined fits. Meanwhile, the jacket and hood add architecture. Though they have a different silhouette from a dress shirt and suit jacket, it’s a structured casual counterpart. That and the subtle contrasts up the classiness.
His lululemon Cityverse Sneakers feature a similarly well-balanced harmony. Their contours are reminiscent of a GAT, and the low profile of a standard minimal leather sneaker. The result is a shoe that’s classic yet distinct. Again, deceivingly perfect.
lululemon is synonymous with top-tier atheltic apparel, and while shoes aren't their bread and butter, the Cityverse Sneaker's comfort and quality is no different. The sleek contours and thick, cushioned sole give it a lot of character for a sneaker with minimal branding.
The overall combination look isn’t just sporty, it isn’t formal, nor is it fully workwear. But, by incorporating several elements from the menswear classics well, the result is a versatile and casually polished aesthetic.
Classy Street Style
This outfit is another example of partnering neutrals with structure to level up an informal look. This time though, this gent pulls from a more youthful and fashionable anti-fashion toolbox.
A lot of guys might see those white drawstring pants without context, unstyled, and think, “that’s a bit too early aughts middle school.”
However, he shows intentionality by going a tonal route with his shirt and Cityverses, then adding socks. He essentially creates one big color block. The drawstring pants and plaid shacket on his shoulders provide the structure mentioned earlier.
He’s pulling (or serving, as the kids say) a “look” without begging for attention. It’s a little street style, a touch of hip-hop, some dancer vibes, but nothing heavy-handed.
Off-Duty Dapper
I’m a fan of a well-fitting t-shirt and blue jeans look. With a couple of swaps though, you can take that same concept and make it more grown up.
This fellow goes for a highly flattering polo instead of a crewneck. Notice how the sleeves stop just above his mid-bicep and how the cinched design sits perfectly around his arms and waist? Moreover, the collar is flat and sporty, not high and stifling.
I also like how the shirt serves as an interesting pop of color without veering into overly trendy or overly dandy waters.
The key to doing this is by going for shades in and around the primary family, but not the primaries themselves. So, choose burgundy, not red. Go for dark mustard, not yellow. And in this case, he’s sporting turquoise instead of blue or green.
And finally, he opts for white jeans because grown men dress for the season.
Lively Summer Hues
What if you’re a grown man who has a penchant for youthful aesthetics? Perhaps you love the Snoopy Omega Speedmaster or secretly wear superhero socks under your trousers.
No worries. There’s a place for you in adult man style, too. This is especially true in the summer since the seasonal palette is naturally bold and energetic.
This stylish individual channels his inner child with a colorful Mickey Mouse tee and jean shorts. Still, the close-to-body fit and neutral white sneakers ground the combination without compromising the outfit’s inherent fun.
Dramatic High-Low Combination
If you’re going for a suit-with-sneakers approach, white shoes are the best option by far. Go for minimal, low-profile shoes that won’t interrupt the suit’s naturally strict silhouette.
Also, make sure the suit doesn’t scream “corporate seminar.” This heathered gray tailoring is preferable over a highly formal, solid black power suit.
Even more, the white shirt is tonal with the shoes, and the bold red tie fits in with the overall boldness of a high-low combination. A solid navy tie wouldn’t make as much of a statement, while a patterned tie might be too loud.
Subtle High-Low Combination
By pairing a white crewneck t-shirt with his suit, this chap gives his white sneakers a casual partner in crime. Together, they hold down the fort, creating a more natural, and more seamless high-low combination.
Again, minimal white sneakers are still the best option for all the reasons mentioned above. And naturally, if you’re going to water down the formality of a suit, the fit is everything.
Even if you’re going for that oversized or boxy look that’s trending now, make sure the shoulders sit perfectly and that the lines are still clean.
Youthful High-Low
If you’re going to a lively, colorful event but don’t have it in you to dive deep into the trends of the day, what do you do? My answer is to add some vintage elements.
This guy is me. I’m in a full Ralph Lauren suit. But instead of finishing it off with a shirt and tie, I’m wearing a tattersall button-down and a vintage-leaning college pullover. The pullover is fully embroidered, not printed, so it showcases a high level of craft and quality.
This is important if you’re dipping into nostalgia because a low-quality piece could look costumey.
If you look closely, a lot is going on in the chest and neck area—the sizable heirloom lapel pin, the school logo acting like a Superman “S” of sorts, and the purple shirt print. Fortunately, the white sneakers and solid suit bring the look down to earth.
A (Big) Pop of Color
Perhaps you want to go for a striking color combination somewhere on your outfit. For example, it could look something like this gentleman’s super cool bright blue fleece with white and red accents.
White pants and white sneakers are the most effective way to round out this combination. Darker pants and shoes would wash out the color up top. In order to make a garment a statement piece, you need to give it the contrast it deserves.
The lululemon Cityverse Sneakers’ topography matches the dynamism of the fleece, but their monochrome palette ensures the sneakers don’t compete with the fleece either.
Subtle Textures for Character
Subtle textures and even subtler color contrasts allow you to wear the most straightforward silhouette in a more interesting way. However, the key here is subtlety.
This way, you achieve a nonchalant look, which is what you want out of casual or athleisure outfits.
The star here is the jacquard sweater. It takes a similar approach to his shoes in that the low-key hues temper the physical composition. They pair naturally together.
And to ensure the subtlety isn’t compromised, he finishes the combo off with the always-versatile lululemon ABC Pants.
A lot of guys end up replacing their jeans with the lululemon ABC Pant. While I don’t think the ABC fully replaces the look of cotton denim jeans, there’s no doubt that they’re way more comfortable. You get the 5-pocket style from the ABC, whereas the Commission is more of a chino style pant.
Bold Textures or Patterns
If you’re more classic or neutral when it comes to your personal style, you might fear bold textures or patterns.
The best way to pull off these loud patterns while remaining non-trendy, is by going for a preppy-coded version of the pattern. This is because the old Northeastern set has historically incorporated patterns into their sartorial eco-system. Madras and tweed, for example.
This guy’s forest green Ralph shirt and sweater around his shoulders are quintessential prep. They balance the patterned pants.
Moreover, the pants are a jogger-trouser hybrid. The white sneakers complement that athletic yet upscale look. And hey, tennis whites are a staple of the old-money aesthetic.
Modern Mod
Ever since Thom Browne blew up, a new, remixed version of ‘60s Mod style has proliferated into men’s fashion. The style’s clean lines, lively color blocks, and boyishness are undeniably charming.
This outfit is unique in combining modern Mod energy with a little sportiness and color sterility. There’s nothing but black, white, and gray on this guy.
The deconstructed all-white bomber jacket and the Cityverses really bring this outfit to the finish line. In today’s casualized world, these pieces ensure the outfit is rooted in relevant sartorial mores, instead of just being a throwback.
Whether you’re sporty, fashion-forward, classic, or simply neutral, you can incorporate white sneakers into your outfit.
I recommend going for low-profile, minimal models. Of course, there are interesting designs out there that aren’t overly ornate.
Just keep in mind that the more neutral your shoes are, the more you can do with them.
