A Simple Guide to Styling Dress Sneakers for Men

Many workplaces today allow their employees to wear business casual attire. This has made it a lot easier for men to look professional while staying comfortable. One key piece for achieving this kind of look for men is a pair of dress sneakers.

 

What are Dress Sneakers?

Dress sneakers are the perfect hybrid between formal shoes and casual sneakers. Think of them as the stylish middle ground: they have the sleek, clean lines of a dress shoe but the comfort and flexibility of a sneaker.

Features that make them stand out include:

• Minimalist Design: No bulky soles or loud logos. Just smooth leather or suede uppers, often in neutral tones like black, white, brow or navy.
• Refined Materials: Premium leather, polished finishes, and high-quality stitching, which gives the shoe a sophisticated look.
• Streamlined Silhouette: They are slim and low-profile.
• Sneaker-Like Comfort: Despite their dressy appearance, they usually come with cushioned insoles and flexible soles for all-day wear.

What Makes a Good Pair of Dress Sneakers

Like with regular sneakers, not all dress sneakers are created equal. A quality pair of men’s sneakers is made with full-grain leather, while a not-so-good pair is made with “action leather”, which is basically cow leather covered in a thin Polyurethane plastic. Dress sneakers made with “action leather” have a stiff, hard upper that tends to take some time to break in. Plus, these sneakers aren’t as durable as full-grain leather sneakers.

In addition to looking for dress sneakers made from full-grain leather, you’ll also want to ensure that the shoes have a pillow-padded tongue and collar and maybe some sort of memory foam insole. These features ensure that you can wear these sneakers without discomfort for an entire day.

How to Style Dress Sneakers

The casual comfort and refined style of dress sneakers make them a great choice for a variety of outfits. Whether you’re heading to the office, going out for dinner, or just want to elevate your weekend look, these sneakers can be easily styled to suit the occasion.

Business Casual

For a business casual look, pair dark denim or well-pressed chinos with a crisp Oxford or poplin shirt. Add a sport coat or blazer, and don’t forget to match your belt to your sneakers for a cohesive finish. Leather dress sneakers with a low profile are your best bet here as they offer a sharp, minimal look that works well in more professional settings.

Casual Look

When aiming for a casual look, pair your dress sneakers with slim-fit chinos or tailored trousers. Add a button-down shirt, a polo, or even a fine knit sweater. Complete the look with an unstructured blazer. To keep the overall look clean and intentional, stick with sneakers in neutral colours like white, black, tan or navy.

Relaxed Weekend

To create a relaxed weekend outfit, pair your dress sneaker with a pair of fitted jeans or joggers. For the top, you can choose a crewneck t-shirt, a casual shirt or a hoodie. Add a bit of edge to the look with a denim or bomber jacket.

Dos and Don’ts of Styling Dress Sneakers

Don’t Pair Dress Sneakers With Formal Pants or Suits

Dress sneakers pair well with nice jeans, chinos and casual slacks, but they don’t go with formal pants or suits. Trying to rock dress sneakers with tuxed pants is something you probably will fail at. Almost all events that call for a tuxedo are quite formal, so wearing dress shoes that match the look is a safer bet.

Do Wear Dress Sneakers With Casual Suits

While you should avoid pairing a dress sneaker for men with formal pants or suits, it’s possible to dress them with a casual suit. Casual suits have a more relaxed structure, such as soft shoulders, unlined or lightly lined blazers, and fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool blend, so they pair well with the clean, minimal design and laid-back vibe of dress sneakers. Under the suit, swap the traditional shirt and tie for something more relaxed, like a crisp t-shirt, polo, turtleneck, or casual button-down.

Don’t Wear Dress Sneakers With Overly Casual Outfits

Avoid wearing dress sneakers with outfits that are too casual, like loose sweatpants and a basic t-shirt. While it’s a common look, it misses the point of what dress sneakers are meant for – they’re designed to elevate your style, not blend into loungewear. Dress sneakers are best reserved for smart casual and semi-formal outfits, where their refined style can really shine.

And when pairing them with a casual suit, make sure your sneakers are spotless and well-kept. Unlike beat-up trainers that are meant to look worn-in, dress sneakers are supposed to feel elevated, even if they’re technically “casual” footwear.

What Socks Go with Dress Sneakers?

For a clean, modern appearance, especially in warmer weather or when wearing cropped trousers or rolled-up hems, no-show socks are a go-to. They give you that effortless, sockless look while still keeping your feet protected and comfortable. No-show socks work especially well with casual suits, tailored chinos, or any smart casual outfit where a minimal aesthetic is key.

When dressing up a bit more, such as for a business casual setting, stick with thin, neutral-colored dress socks. Shades like black, navy, grey, or brown typically work best, depending on your pants and shoes. These socks maintain a sleek silhouette and blend in well with formal or semi-formal attire, making them ideal when you’re wearing trousers that don’t show much ankle.

One thing to avoid is pairing dress sneakers with thick athletic socks. These can appear too bulky and casual, and they disrupt the sleek profile that dress sneakers are known for. They’re better suited for running shoes or gym outfits, not stylish city wear.

Conclusion

Dress sneakers are a stylish way to add a touch of casual comfort to more polished looks without sacrificing sophistication. Whether you’re dressing up for a day at the office or heading out for a date night, they’re a versatile choice that works across a wide range of outfits. And now that you’ve got the tips and styling know-how from this guide, you can wear them with confidence and ease.

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

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