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How To Wear Sneakers To Work And Still Look Professional

Although not all offices approve of sneakers, when paired with a sleek pantsuit or a nice dress, a sneaker can be completely transformed. Here are our tips on how to wear sneakers to work and still look professional.

By Brooklyn Neustaeter

By Brooklyn NeustaeterView Author PostsFeb 13th 2018

Don’t get us wrong – heels have a time and place at the office, but we’re partial to wearing sneakers and giving our feet a rest whenever possible. But it can be tricky to know what to wear with a pair of sneakers when you don’t want to come off to your coworkers as casual.

For a long time, sneakers were only worn on the commute to and from work, but now they’ve taken over fashion week, street style and even some office spaces already. That’s mainly because sneakers have gotten a major upgrade in recent years. Sneakers today are bursting with fun colours and prints and are sleek in their designs, while others adhere to more neutral palettes, making them all office appropriate.

When in doubt, stick to all white or black

While bright, all white sneakers or plain black ones may seem basic, the simplicity of these colour choices actually makes the sneaker super versatile. You can pair solid sneakers with everything from a standard jeans-and-blazer combo to skirts and dresses and still have that cool-girl feel.

Pair with classic tailoring

Your classic, tailored office-wear can really shine when paired with the right sneaker. Pieces that might even look slightly boring on their own will get a fresh update with the help of sneakers. Try pairing a tailored pantsuit with some Adidas Superstars to add some edginess to your look.

Be a minimalist some days

There are a wide variety of sneakers out there that are subtle enough to go fairly unnoticed at the office, as long as you’re dressed appropriately up top. Think of them like loafers or oxfords; they can make you look polished and pull your look together.

But don’t be afraid to let your sneakers stand out other days

Sure, the idea of sneakers can be pretty casual, but there are dressy ones out there too. Brands like Common Projects, Sophia Webster and even Miu Miu make some stylish – but still comfy – sneakers so you don’t have to stick to only wearing white ones.

Don’t mix your sneakers with your work out shoes

The key is to not wear your ratty, work out shoes. Although the line between sneakers and running shoes can seem blurry, keep yours separate to ensure your look remains professional. Whether it’s your Nikes or your Yeezy Boosts, don’t mix your workout shoes with your fashion ones.

Be confident with your sneaker choice

Like most fashion choices, it’s all about owning the look. If you feel uncomfortable wearing your sneakers to work, chances are your co-workers will notice that uncomfortable vibe you’re giving off. But as long as you’re confident in your office sneaker choice, no one will question your professionalism.