Style by its very nature is an expression of self, but there are certain unspoken laws that we all should view as bedrock fundamentals. One of these is that all shoe collections, no matter how big or small or the generation of the owner, should include at least one pair of black sneakers and one pair of white sneakers. There can be no disputing the power the black sneaker holds to anchor any layered winter look, but it’s the freshness and crisp brightness of a pristine pair of white sneakers that heralds the sartorial start to spring.
Once derided as too casual to really be considered “fashion”, the white sneaker has snaked its way up the style hierarchy to now sit entrenched as a beloved staple of every wardrobe. It has achieved this near-universal adoration by appealing to the wants and needs of a changing world. As we collectively step away from mindsets that tell us we have to suffer for our beauty and embrace more liberating ones that advocate comfort as key, the white sneaker has two major drawcards to rouse our interests – comfort and versatility.
Firstly, as a sneaker, I think it’s safe to bet that we can all agree that it would have comfort sorted. This guarantee of comfort means that we can confidently choose to wear a pair without having to worry about what our day might hold. No more worrying about having to kick off a pair of shoes by late afternoon or risk having to hobble home.
When it comes to versatility, the white sneaker has an almost unmatched style reputation; there isn’t a print, colour or shade of clothing it won’t complement and the shoe’s usually minimalistic shape acts as a perfect balancing and anchoring point to whatever silhouette might be happening on the body.
The white sneaker is thus fashion’s perfect little footsoldier – it looks great with everything and is comfy enough to wear the whole day. What more could we really ask for?
The True OG: The Low-Cut
The absolute must-have essential sneaker style for any wardrobe would be a white low-cut option with either a canvas or leather upper. These sneakers – oft referred to as “tennis shoes” – should be the true workhorse of your spring and summer wardrobe. Canvas options are perfect for laid-back casual looks, think billowing printed summer dresses for women or chino and chino-shorts looks for men.
If you’d like to inject a little more smartness into this casual sneaker then choose a pair with a leather upper instead of canvas. While your canvas pair would be great for everything from navigating the aisles at your local grocery store to lazily meandering through a market, your leather pair would fit right in at that cute little bistro for brunch. For those heading into an office with a more relaxed dress code, these minimalistic leather options would be an ideal choice. And for the guys who are thinking about pairing their sneakers with a suit but are not sure whether they should wear visible socks or not, the general rule is: no tie, no socks.
Eternal Coolness: High-Tops
White high-top sneakers – especially pairs in canvas – have been a cool kids staple since the ‘50s and throughout that time have also been sartorial besties with a good pair of denims. The first instinct is usually to pair a white pair with blue jeans but don’t discount them as a great accompaniment to black jeans. While black sneakers or boots would really have solidified and anchored an all-black look in winter, white sneakers would freshen the look up making it less severe in the springtime sun.
The Style Runners
If you’re looking for some sneakers with more of a sporty retro feel, then look no further than the jogger/runner trend. Even though this style is reminiscent of classic ‘70s athletic gear, contemporary styling doesn’t demand that it be paired purely with modern leisurewear. Pairing this retro style with the new season’s all-neutral looks ensures that the clothing doesn’t come across as too drab or workwear-ish.
They’re All The Hype: The Chunky and Dad Ones
The most hype sneaker styles over the last few seasons have undoubtedly been the “ugly”, chunky or “dad” sneakers. While these sneaker styles might seem to be reserved for the experimental fashion set, they are in fact surprisingly easy to wear – especially all-white pairs. These trending styles are detailed enough to elevate a look but are also pared back enough not to overpower or distract from it.
Safe Elevation: Platform Soles
If you’re a fan of the extra height afforded by chunky-soled sneakers but are a little weary of the fantastical shapes of some of the soles, then a pair of platform soles should do the trick for you. This style provides all the restrained minimalism and versatility of a pair of low-cut canvas or leather sneakers with just an extra little touch of added interest. When paired with a laidback knit dress, this sneaker provides just the right amount of fashionable detail.
Keep your white sneakers crisp, clean, pristine. Read our How to clean white sneakers blog post.
