How to Wear White Sneakers

White sneakers are the chameleons of the fashion world—they can go with anything and everything. As such, they have become a central piece that traverses easily across settings; from a casual walk in the park to a formal business meeting, they’re a universal and timeless footwear style.

But this sheer adaptability can be both a blessing and a curse. If the shoes can match every outfit, then what ensemble should you put together when you’re stepping out in clean white kicks?

Fret not, fashionistas, we’ve created this handy guide that will show you exactly how to style white sneakers.

#1 Sporty Vibes—Athleisure Looks, On & Off the Courts

Let’s start where white sneakers feel most at home: athletic wear.

This is the place where they’ll look the most natural. Whether you plan to hit the gym, go on a walk, or play pickleball, white sneakers fit right in when you’re breaking a light sweat (or simply dressing like you are).

In a sporty setting, white sneaker styles like Vionic’s Captivate Sneaker or Walker Classic can shine with minimal effort and styling. They already work so well with practically any workout ensemble, instantly making you look cool and casual.

And that’s the best part about the evolution of athleisure: these outfit ideas are no longer confined to the gymnasium. Now, you can seamlessly transition from your workout to your everyday activities while still looking trendy and put-together. A crisp white sneaker can turn your gym gear into a style statement.

Here are some potential outfit ideas that fit the bill:

• Cozy Athleisure Blend:

• • White sneakers
  • Leggings (in a bold color or pattern)
  • Oversized hoodie
  • Baseball cap
  • Sporty sunglasses

• Urban Sporty Chic:

• • White sneakers
  • Joggers (in a neutral color)
  • Graphic t-shirt
  • Track or bomber jacket
  • Beanie
  • Aviator sunglasses

• Active Street Style:

• • White sneakers
  • Biker shorts
  • Loose-fitting tank top
  • Oversized crewneck sweatshirt
  • Hair tied in a sleek ponytail
  • Crossbody bag
  • Oversized sunglasses

• Sporty Trendy Fusion:

• • White high-top sneakers
  • Leggings or slim-fit joggers
  • Mesh-paneled long-sleeve top
  • Bomber jacket
  • Sporty visor sunglasses

#2 Sneakers and Denim—Two Classics, Perfectly Paired

Jeans and sneakers are stylistic cousins in that they both can work effortlessly in a variety of settings and styles. If anything, jeans might be the only thing more versatile than your trusty pair of white sneakers.

Practically everyone can look good in jeans, no matter the occasion. They can be worn all year round. And, they match practically everything.

Throw in a pair of white sneakers, like Vionic’s Winny Sneaker or Karmelle Sneaker, and you have a fashion 1-2-punch.

For this classic look, grab your sneakers and favorite pair of jeans—whether they’re skinny, wide-leg, boyfriend, boot cut, high-waisted, white, dark wash, ripped, distressed, you name it—and build the outfit from there.

• The Classic Denim Duo:

• • White mid- or high-top sneakers
  • Light-wash skinny jeans
  • White, off-the-shoulder top
  • Oversized leather coat or bomber jacket
  • Layered necklaces
  • Round retro sunglasses

• The Laid-Back Chic:

• • White sneakers
  • Distressed boyfriend jeans
  • Chambray shirt (tied at the waist)
  • Cozy sweater or oversized cardigan
  • Aviator sunglasses

• Effortless Denim Layers:

• • White sneakers
  • Black jeans
  • White cropped t-shirt
  • Oversized denim shirt (worn open)
  • Black leather belt
  • Cat-eye sunglasses

• Denim Dress-Up:

• • White sneakers
  • Denim skirt
  • Striped, fitted turtleneck
  • Layered necklaces
  • Oversized sunglasses

#3 Free and Flowy Chic—Summertime Essentials

When summer arrives and the temperatures rise, flowy dresses and skirts come out to play. And the only thing better than sundress season is sundress and sneaker season.

Think dresses can’t be worn with tennies?

Think again. Pairing flowy dresses and skirts with white sneakers creates a chic and effortless look that balances comfort with style. The juxtaposition of the delicate, feminine silhouette of the dress with the sporty, casual vibe (and sometimes intentionally chunky shape) of the sneakers creates a unique and eye-catching ensemble. Take our Galia Sneaker, for example.

The trick is finding the right dress or skirt for the outfit.

When choosing a flowy dress or skirt, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon. Look for designs with floral prints, pastel colors, or playful patterns to embrace the summer seasons. Maxi dresses, midi skirts, and A-line silhouettes work particularly well for this style.

However, to achieve the perfect balance, you have to consider dress and skirt length as well as the sneaker style.

For instance, a maxi dress would go better with a shorter sneaker style like a low-top or mid-top that will peek out from under the skirt. But for a shorter hemline, like a midi or mini, you can experiment with various sneaker heights, depending on your preference and desired look.

Here’s some starting points for building a just-your-style summer outfit:

• Casual Summer Brunch:

• • White low-top sneakers
  • Floral print midi dress in a lightweight fabric
  • Cropped denim jacket
  • Floppy hat
  • Dainty necklace
  • Crossbody bag

• Weekend Market Adventure:

• • White low- or mid-top sneakers
  • White linen jumpsuit
  • Colorful lightweight cardigan
  • Woven or canvas tote bag
  • Oversized sunglasses

• Outdoor Evening Concert:

• White high-top sneakers

• Flowy bohemian midi skirt in a vibrant pattern

• • Basic fitted tee in a complementary color
  • Wide-brimmed or baseball hat, depending on your style
  • Layered necklaces

• Active Day Out:

• • White low-top sneakers
  • Denim shorts (or skirt)
  • Oversized graphic tee
  • Plaid shirt tied around the waist
  • Backpack
  • Baseball cap

#4 Jumpsuits and Rompers—A Step Up from Simple

Jumpsuits and rompers became popular—especially with millennials—as the cute and comfy one-piece look that you can either dress up or dress down.

Whether you’re going to a music festival or simply grabbing brunch, a jumpsuit and pair of white kicks like Vionic’s Beach Malibu Slip on Sneaker in a canvas material are perfect for nailing that laid-back vibe.

Because these outfits tend to be relatively minimalist, consider these styling tips to elevate and personalize this casual outfit:

• Embrace patterns and colors – Given that your shoes will be white, you can elevate your jumpsuit or romper ensemble by choosing bold and eye-catching patterns that give your look personality. Whether you choose stripes, polka dots, florals, paisley, tropical prints, tartan, gingham, or animal print, let your creativity shine through.
• Opt for comfort – Look for jumpsuits and rompers made from soft and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or lightweight blends that can keep you comfortable and stylish at the same time.
• Consider layering – Adding layers to your jumpsuit or romper allows you to adapt to changing temperatures or create a more polished look. Consider throwing on a denim jacket or a lightweight cardigan over top, or add a fitted long-sleeve underneath for additional depth to your outfit
• Accessorize wisely – Enhance your look with carefully selected accessories. Consider adding a statement belt to define your waist or layering delicate necklaces to draw attention to the neckline. Complete the look with a simple crossbody bag or tote.

#5 Business Casual—The Best of Both Worlds

In today’s modern work environment, the boundaries of business casual have expanded to include sneakers. So, depending on your company’s specific dress code, incorporating your favorite white sneakers into your office attire may be entirely possible. You just need to select the right pieces.

Here, the main concern should be whether your shoes look clean and crisp. In an office setting, your sneakers—white sneakers, in particular— should be stain-, scuff-, and grime-free to maintain a professional and put-together look. It won’t matter how good the rest of the outfit looks if the white sneakers aren’t actually white. Furthermore, certain types of materials like white leather will look more sophisticated than a sporty walking shoe. Look no further than our Zinah Slip on Sneaker for those days in the office where you want to achieve the perfect balance of casual and polished.

If you want to know what to wear with white sneakers to achieve the perfect business casual look, here are some of our favorite combinations:

• Classic Sophistication:

• • White sneakers
  • High-waisted tailored trousers
  • White button-up shirt
  • Slightly oversized or unstructured blazer
  • Minimalist accessories
  • Structured handbag

• Effortlessly Chic:

• • White sneakers
  • Pleated midi skirt (in a classic pattern)
  • Silk blouse
  • Belt to define the waist
  • Trench coat
  • Simple, timeless jewelry

• Relaxed Elegance:

• • White sneakers
  • Slim-fit ankle-length (cigarette) trousers
  • Flowy blouse with a subtle print
  • Cardigan or lightweight knit sweater
  • Statement necklace
  • Tote bag

• Polished Modernity:

• • White sneakers
  • Dark wash skinny jeans
  • Polished blouse or knit top
  • Longline blazer
  • Delicate accessories
  • Crossbody bag

How to Wear White Shoes and Keep Them Clean

Especially if you’re opting for the business casual sneaker look, you’ll want to learn how to clean white sneakers properly.

Follow these simple tips:

• Apply a sneaker protectant spray or water-repellent treatment to create a barrier against stains and water damage
• Clean your white sneakers regularly using a mixture of mild soap and warm water or a specialized sneaker cleaner
• Address spills or stains immediately by spot cleaning with shoe wipes
• Let your white sneakers air dry naturally after cleaning
• Stuff your sneakers with shoe trees during cleaning and drying to maintain their shape and prevent creasing in the toe
• Be mindful of where you wear your white sneakers to minimize exposure to dirt and potential staining substances

Vionic—White Sneakers for Every Setting

For any and all of the stylish outfit options, you need one crucial guarantee: stylish, comfortable white sneakers. They’re the foundation of every suggested ensemble—literally.

Keep in mind that there are countless types and styles of white sneakers available, each with its unique charm and ideal pairings. While one shoe may perfectly complement one outfit, it could just as easily appear out of place with another.

It’s essential to mix and match your footwear, selecting the right shoe for the appropriate setting.

That’s where Vionic can act as both stylist and shoe curator. From slip-ons to walking shoes, we have dozens of white sneakers you can add to your footwear collection and elevate your sneaker game.

Shop our catalog today.