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I am not a sneaker girlie. Protest though my bunions might, I have always valued style (*cough, cough,* heels) over comfort when it comes to footwear. But that was before COVID, when sneakers practically became a prerequisite to fashion. And you know what they say: If you can’t beat ‘em? Join ‘em!
Now, don’t get me wrong—hell will likely freeze over before I’ll ever be caught dead in a chunky dad-style shoe. But slowly, surely, a few (highly selective) pairs of white sneakers have begun to make their way into my wardrobe. After some practice, I’ve finally figured out how to wear white sneakers in a way that reads ultra-chic—not sloppy. Check out the evidence below.
1. With Cargo Pants + a White Tee
(+ an awkwardly limp hand)
Cargo pants are yet another trend that I would normally balk at—and if we’re talking about the ultra wide-leg variety, forget it. This Superdown pair ($72) caught my eye because of the more tailored design. See that drawstring at the bottom? It allows for a cinched fit, so they’re not draping over the sneakers in the typically slovenly manner. They’ll look even better on tall gals, too, since technically, they’re supposed to hit a bit above the ankle. (What can I say? When you’re 5 feet 2 inches tall, you make due.)
While you could theoretically wear this look with any old white tee, I’m partial to the Goldie organic boy tee, which doesn’t shrink in the wash (I’ve run mine through the machine about a billion times now) and has a nice, lightweight feel. (Psst: It’s also a favorite of Gwynnie’s.)
As for the sneakers, I’ve got a few white pairs in rotation. I’m obsessed with Kizik’s Limas, $109, which are worth every penny for their ability to easily slide on and off without needing to touch the laces or heels, and adidas’s Stan Smiths, $100, which have extra padding at the back for my extra-sensitive heels. The ones featured here are the SeaVees Monterey platforms ($95) that the company sent me to try. Though I don’t recommend them for über-long hikes (they do start to scrape the back of the foot after an hour+ of uninterrupted walking), they’re absolutely perfect for running errands and go with just about anything. (See the evidence below.)
2. With a Sundress + a Denim Jacket
This is probably my favorite way to wear white sneakers. While you can throw them on with a dress of any length, I personally think they look best with minis. (The polka-dot one I’m wearing, linked below, is a freaking steal at $12.) Heels usually help to make my short little legs look longer, whereas sneakers tend to cut them off. The shorter hemline of this dress helps to compensate for that, giving me some of my length back.
If you live in a warmer climate, you might not need the jacket ($199), but after living in Chicago for nearly 15 years, I’m sensitive to the fact that “spring’ doesn’t always equate to “warmth”—plus it adds a little something to the look, n’est-ce pas?
3. With a Sweatshirt + Shorts
If you’re the type to get-up-and-go, it doesn’t get more low-effort than this. And yet, for all its ease, a lightweight sweatshirt with a basic graphic, like this one (thank you for the freebie, Vineyard Vines!), will give you an almost country club feel when worn with your favorite pair of shorts (I’m a Joe’s girl) and your best white kicks. She’s what we like to call “sporty chic” — never mind the fact that you’re more likely to spot a unicorn in the wild than witness me actually playing a sport.
What’s your favorite way to wear white sneakers? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
