White sneakers are a very important part of my closet (aka suitcase). I have been living out of a suitcase since October 2020 and these white sneakers have easily been my most styled piece during that time. They are basically the only pair of shoes I wear! That’s why I decided to write this post about how to wear white sneakers ALL YEAR ROUND and not only share with you many white sneakers outfit ideas, but also to teach you how to recreate any of these looks with things you already have in your closet. My goal is always to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet, so if you already have white sneakers, go straight to the outfit photos!
I’m a full-time traveler, so believe me when I tell you that these shoes are comfortable!! I have walked many miles in them and I do not intend to replace them any time soon. Me and my husband both travel with these! The brand I’m recommending in this post is called Cariuma and it’s a celebrity-favorite sustainable shoe brand. Once you have a pair you understand why everybody loves them so freaking much!
Ready? Let’s Learn How to Wear White Sneakers ALL Year Round!
PS: my exact white leather sneakers ($149) are just back in stock after 4 months of being sold out! If you don’t want leather Cariuma‘s though, then check out the suede version ($115) or the canvas version ($95). OR have fun browsing their entire site. It’ll be hard to pick just one pair, but trust me, you only need ONE pair!
Keep reading to see why!
Side note: when ordering Cariuma’s, order 1/2 size up. They say they run TTS, but in my case 1/2 size up fits a lot better!
Important: I’ve also had these white sneakers for over 5 years! Just providing this option in case the Cariuma’s are sold out. (Direct link here!)
In a hurry? Go Straight To What You Are Looking For!
- First Of All, Why Own A Pair Of White Sneakers?
- Which White Sneakers Are Best For You?
- How To Clean White Sneakers
- What Socks To Wear With White Sneakers
- How To Recreate These White Sneakers Outfits With Things You Already Own?
- How to Wear White Sneakers All Year Round
- Final Thoughts About How To Wear White Sneakers:
Estimated reading time: 34 minutes
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you shop for anything at no extra cost to you. This is how I keep this blog running free of sponsored posts! Thanks so much in advance for supporting WOS!*
First Of All, Why Own A Pair Of White Sneakers?
They are classic, timeless, chic and versatile. I promise, they will never go out of style.
If you are worried about your age, please don’t! It’s a thing of the pass. I would understand why if you are more conservative, you would be hesitant to give white sneakers a try, but I promise you, they are appropriate for any age group. These shoes can be styled in many different ways and adapted to any lifestyle and different pieces of clothing. And if you don’t know how to do it, that’s what this post is here for!
You can make any of these looks your own with pieces that fit your style and that you already have in your closet. If you still don’t own a pair of white sneakers, but you think they are cute and want to give it a try, I recommend incorporating them into your wardrobe slowly.
Check out all the white sneakers outfit ideas I’m sharing below and try recreating the most classic looks first and most importantly, use the outfit formulas as inspiration so you can get creative and recreate these looks with pieces that feel 100% like you and that you already have in your closet.
Which White Sneakers Are Best For You?
They all appear very similar, but mainly you have to think about 3 things:
- Leather or canvas? I prefer leather because they get less dirty, they are easier to take care of and they last longer. Yes, they are usually more expensive, but to me, it’s worth it. A good pair of leather white sneakers can last you up to 5 years.
- Plain or with a design? I prefer plain. If you are only going to have one pair (which is enough), then my advice is to go with the plain ones. They are much easier to style, not to mention more adaptable for casual and office looks.
- Low or high-top? It depends on what your style is. I’ve never had a pair of high-tops because they don’t feel like me, but they are very cool looking and I love them on other people.
Whichever style you have or decide to get in the future, the looks I’m about to share with you are classic and timeless and I’m using basic pieces you probably already have in your closet.
How To Clean White Sneakers
There are many ways to clean your white sneakers. You can use baking soda, use a stain remover and even toothpaste!! The important thing is that you should try to wash them often, before they get TOO DIRTY or stained. How often you wash them depends on how often you wear them. For example, because I travel with mine, I deep wash them every 3-4 months when I’m back home, but even when I’m on the road, I try to clean them with a damp cloth every now and then.
When you are deep-washing them, remember to use a gentle brush if you have leather sneakers to avoid scratches, always remove the shoe laces and wash them separately and never EVER put them in the drier. Always let them air dry.
For more details, check out this detailed article with more ways to clean your white sneakers and a step by step guide.
What Socks To Wear With White Sneakers
I personally don’t like it when my socks show, and I think this applies to all shoes (except for gym shoes).
You have 3 options: No-show socks (my personal preference), ankle socks and regular socks.
The best brand for socks and for no-show socks is this sustainable brand called Bombas. Me and my husband both wear these socks almost exclusively!! (Go to their site here and enter your email in the pop-up box to get 20% off, trust me, you will appreciate it because they are not cheap socks).
They are great quality, they never slide off (which is major because when it happens it drives me crazy!) and they will last you forever! Plus, their customer service is outstanding.
How To Recreate These White Sneakers Outfits With Things You Already Own?
First of all, pay attention to the outfit formula listed above each photo. The ‘hero’ piece for this blog post are the white sneakers, so every other piece moves around them. Take out your white sneakers of of your closet and start creating some of these looks!
Here’s a step by step:
1️⃣ Pick ONE outfit formula to follow at a time.
2️⃣ Take out similar options of each piece and put them in separate piles on your bed (this will help you visualize colors, textures and styles).
3️⃣ Pick one of each and recreate the formula with what you have in your closet. If you have many pieces of each, you will most likely be able to create a bunch of different versions of the same look.
4️⃣ Take photos of each look and save them for later. This way you’ll have many outfits ready to go without thinking about it too much.
PS: we are currently traveling the world full time! ** If interested in checking out my updated travel outfits check out this link!** (I just travel with a carry-on bag and create many many cute looks… and of course, I have my white sneakers with me).
👉🏻 Sign up to receive my carry-on packing list here!
How to Wear White Sneakers All Year Round
What to Wear With White Sneakers In Summer
Styling white sneakers for Summer is the best! The majority of the most basic Summer clothes go very well with white sneakers, so basically you already know how to do it. I don’t have a massive closet (I live out of a suitcase, so I have no closet LOL). I have bought a couple of sandals in the last year, but my white sneakers are a constant during the Summer months and they will continue to be the shoes I wear the most.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, I have been living out of a suitcase since October 2020, so I repeat a lot of outfits and I’m forced to get creative styling pieces in many different ways. The photos you are about to see were taken over the past 5 years though, so I hope you can see how important having a classic style is.
4 Summer Outfit Formulas You Can Follow To Make Sure You Always Look Stylish:
White Sneakers Outfits For Summer – Outfit formula #1:
T-shirt + Shorts + White Sneakers + Accessories
As you can see, you can pick a different t-shirt (solid color or graphic) and pick a different short color. Whatever you have works. Just make sure to follow the outfit formula and you’ll be able to create many different versions of this same look without spending a dime! I always love having a denim jacket with me because I get cold easily and that also helps in making you look extra polished.
PS: In the second look, I’m wearing PJ shorts! Get creative and style your pajamas as daywear too!
Which accessories you decide to use it’s really up to you. Some ideas: hat, statement earrings, bag, headband and even a lightweight Summer scarf.
Also, feel free to replace shorts with a mini skirt like I did here:
White Sneakers Outfits For Summer – Outfit formula #2:
Button down shirt + Jeans/Pants + White Sneakers + Accessories
*Style tip: Remember you can always wear your button down shirts tied around your waist, buttoned up with rolled sleeves or open with a t-shirt or cami underneath (like pictured above). And add accessories! It makes a huge difference in your outfits. (Learn about all the ways you can wear a button down shirt here)
White Sneakers Outfits For Summer – Outfit formula #3:
Summer Dress + White Sneakers + Accessories
I dare to say that you can pair white sneakers with almost any dress you have. Don’t be afraid to layer it with a denim jacket or a tie a chambray button down shirt around your waist like I did up here.
Also read: 70+ outfits with a jean jacket for every season & How to Wear a Denim Shirt
White Sneakers Outfits For Summer – Outfit Formula #4:
T-shirt + Jeans + White Sneakers + Accessories
This is one of the easiest ways to style white sneakers; with jeans and a T-shirt. I always like to add something extra and don’t be afraid to do that too. In the first photo I added a neck scarf, the second one I added a denim jacket tied around my waist, for the third one I added a long vest and in the fourth look I wore a shirt dress as a cover-up! Get creative and think outside the box! This way you’ll learn to maximize what you have in your closet and make the most out of your minimalistic wardrobe.
More looks with a white t-shirt here.
More Summer Outfits With White Sneakers – More Outfit Ideas To Inspire You
Styling Tip: Don’t leave out your comfy pants. Also play with any Summer skirts and all your shorts! Get as creative as possible and maximize every piece. That’s why I share so many outfit ideas.
I hope my point is coming across clearly, but always remember that if you have any questions, you can leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram. I’m always here to help. If you follow any of those 4 summer outfit formulas, you’ll create a bunch of cute Summer outfits with your white sneakers. Also, try recreating some of these formulas for Spring and Fall too by adding an extra layer.
I’m about to show you how to wear your white sneakers for Fall too (and all the other seasons), so do not fret.
How To Wear White Sneakers For Fall
Did you know you can also wear your white sneakers for Fall? It’s easy. And now I’m making it even easier for you with these easy-to-follow outfit formulas, so I hope they help you think outside the box. Here are some easy Fall outfit formulas to follow for different occasions:
White Sneakers Outfits For Fall – Outfit formula #1:
Another way to wear your white sneakers for Fall is with skirts. Whether they are short, midi or maxi, it will look great! Pair it with a sweater or t-shirt and add en extra layer like a moto jacket, long cardigan or lightweight trench.
Spanxs Leggings + T-shirt (short or long sleeve) + Jacket or Long Cardigan + White Sneakers
Spanx leggings are a must for Fall (and the rest of the year). They are part of my minimalistic wardrobe and during Fall, I wear them multiple times a week. I’ve written a lot of blog posts about Spanx Leggings with plenty of outfit ideas, but if you want a detailed and honest Spanx leggings review, then go ahead and read this post. I talk about sizing, care instructions and answering a bunch of questions I received via Instagram.
Also read: how to style an oversized sweater
White Sneakers Outfits For Fall – Outfit formula #2:
Jeans + Sweater + Extra layer (piece of your choice) + White Sneakers + Accessories
Styling tip: In the above photos I shared 4 different versions of the same outfit formula. I’m just giving you ideas on how to layer and to remind you to use different jackets, coats, scarves, a puffer vest, a flannel shirt, etc. Pay attention to each look and you’ll see; it’s the same formula but using different layers.
White Sneakers Outfits For Fall – Outfit Formula #3:
Sweater + Skirt + Jacket (or layering piece of your choice) + White Sneakers
See? White sneakers are perfect for Fall too. Get creative. Basically, all you have to do is pick a top and a bottom piece, layer it and add white sneakers. As a final touch, you can always accessorize with a scarf or a hat. Also, keep in mind you can always wear your dresses with a sweater on top and make them look as skirts and if it’s too cold, use you Spanx leggings as tights underneath!
Ready for the most challenging part of all? Styling sneakers for Winter! But hear me out first before you call me crazy.
How To wear White Sneakers For Winter
This is where things get tricky. Yes, I do wear my white sneakers for Winter, but yes my feet/ankles are always cold LOL. And before you think I don’t know what a cold Winter is… I lived in Chicago for 7 years before converting to a nomad life, so… I know cold Winters! But hear me out..
I don’t like how white sneakers look with full length tights (you know the ones that cover your feet too?), so yeah my ankles are always exposed. But I firmly believe there are occasions where you can totally wear your white sneakers during Winter:
- If there’s no snow on the ground.
- If you have a car and don’t need to walk much.
- If you are going somewhere and you use Uber/Lyft (literally the only moment you are outside is to get in and out of the car).
So yes, I do wear my white sneakers for Winter! Here are some looks. Keep in mind that to be able to actually show you the outfit, I can’t wear a coat for the photos LOL. So, add a coat over each of these looks.
The outfit formula for Winter is pretty simple:
How to Wear White Sneakers In Winter – Outfit formula:
Jeans or pants + Cozy sweater + Extra layer + White Sneakers + Accessories
Also read: How to wear a long cardigan
Feel free to wear some of the Fall looks for Winter too! Of course if you use public transportation during Winter and you live in a very cold city, I wouldn’t advice you to wear white sneakers. Although I did it many times on days where it wasn’t that cold… I remember getting really tired of wearing boots and Winter clothes in general. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
If you decide to wear your white sneakers during Winter, just wear warm tights under your jeans/pants and wear a super cozy sweater. Your feet and ankles will be cold, but at least you’ll get a break from Winter boots every once in a while. At least this worked for me when I lived in Chicago.
How To Wear White Sneakers For Spring
Oh Spring and white sneakers are a match made in heaven! This is when I wear them more often without a doubt! As you have probably learned by now, you can wear your white sneakers with anything including some of my favorite Spring pieces like a midi skirt, dresses, jeans and comfy pants.
I’m sure you have a lot of these pieces too, so it won’t be hard to recreate any of these outfit formulas. Let’s have some fun creating cute Spring looks with white sneakers!! (some of these can also be for Summer!)
White Sneakers Outfits For Spring – Outfit formula #1:
Maxi, Short or Midi Skirt + T-shirt + Denim jacket (or any jacket)+ White Sneakers
PS: I consider my denim jacket an accessory (in case you haven’t noticed)
White Sneakers Outfits For Spring – Outfit formula #2:
T-shirt + Jacket or Blazer + Jeans/Pants + White Sneakers + Accessories
White Sneakers Outfits For Spring – Outfit formula #3:
Jeans + Sweater + White Sneakers + Accessories
Styling Tip: This is a very easy way to look stylish in 2 minutes. Jeans, a cute sweater, white sneakers and some kind of accessory. It could be a hat or bag, but also a neck scarf, statement earrings or a necklace.
More Spring Outfit Ideas With White Sneakers – More Looks To Inspire You!
Here are some other things you can try for Spring: Keep it simple then add a cute lightweight trench, layer a wrap dress with a long sleeve top and don’t forget the million looks you can create with your comfy pants! Even better if they are printed.
I could go on and on forever. Honestly, looking through my photos, I found over 100 looks where I was wearing my white sneakers, but I only chose the ones I considered to be the best ones. And there have been ever more times where I’ve styled them, but believe or not, I’m not always taking photos of my looks LOL. However, there’s more! I couldn’t fit any of these looks into a specific outfit formula but I still wanted to give you more ideas.
You Will Also Like:
- The Best 5 Shoes I’ve Traveled With For 2+ Years! 👟
- 6-Months Of Travel In A Carry-on 🧳
- How To Choose The Perfect Color Palette For Any Trip 🩵
Other Timeless Outfit Ideas With White Sneakers:
Don’t be afraid to try new things with what you have in your closet. The whole point of me sharing this post is to give you as many options as possible! So I hope you are able to wear your white sneakers more often now. Here are some ideas and other ways to style them:
1. Style Them For The Office:
I wrote a blog post called ‘Outfit ideas for the Office’ where I share over 80 looks for you to recreate. Make sure to check it out if you are going back to the office post COVID-19. I always try to use basic pieces and explain how to create your own looks with things you already have in your closet.
2. Style Them With A Faux Fur Vest Or Cape:
3. White Sneakers With Dress Outfits:
White sneakers and stripes are a match made in heaven! I don’t know why, but they just look good, so make sure to consider all your striped pieces when you are creating white sneakers outfits! These looks could be for Spring and Summer.
BONUS LOOKS! How to Style White Sneakers For Traveling!
Of course I had to share some of my latest travel looks! I spent 3 months exploring Turkey with my husband (we run a travel blog and YouTube channel called Ways of the World!) and I wore my white sneakers so much. Almost every day. Here are some of my favorite Turkey outfits:
I wrote a blog post called ‘Capsule Wardrobe Checklist’ where I share more white sneakers looks and why I believe they should be a part of every girl’s closet!
Best White Sneakers For Women
My #1 brand for white sneakers (or any sneakers) for both men and women, is a Brazilian sustainable brand called Cariuma. They are one of the most sustainable brands out there and you can walk in these sneakers for MILES! They are so soft and stylish. And the price is not bad at all. Their canva styles are $79 and the leather styles are $139. I have these white leather ones and I love them so much! You can browse more designs by visiting this link. My husband also has a pair (but his are canvas) and he said he will never buy another brand of sneakers. Also, the design is classic and works for any age group.
The style I have is called the ‘Oca’ but they algo have other styles. Have fun browsing their site and supporting a brand that is 100% sustainable!
Are You Wondering How We Can Afford To Travel The World Full Time?
We are travel hackers and have a travel YouTube channel! If you live in the US and are interested in travel hacking (explained by us!) sign up here and we’ll teach you how you can do this too! We make it fun, easy and practical. Our goal is to help you travel more often! (and for less)
Final Thoughts About How To Wear White Sneakers:
Thank you so much for reading this post. I put so much love into this blog and I honestly want to help you maximize every single thing you have in your closet. I always say this and I will say it again, if you have any questions or doubts on how to style anything, DM me on Instagram or leave a comment here. I’m always around to help.
White sneakers are one of the few shoes you should ALWAYS include in your wardrobe. I’ve been practicing minimalism for years, but since October 2020 I’ve been taking things to a whole new level because living out of a suitcase doesn’t leave you with many options LOL.
Learn how to live with less things and simplify your life.
You’ll free up so much space off your mind and you will save money for things that actually matter. I can’t recommend it enough! I know it sounds terrifying, but start applying this concept to your closet and you’ll see it for yourself. (I wrote a detailed step by step guide on this subject and I show you how to clean your closet and create a minimalist wardrobe).
Thanks again for being here!! I hope you enjoyed all of these white sneakers outfits and that you have a beautiful day ahead.
XO,
Aimara
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Did You Learn How To ear White Sneakers Today? Please share it on Pinterest!
Classic Style Related Posts You May Also Like:
- Capsule wardrobe VS minimalist wardrobe – Learn the difference, which one is for you and how to clean up your closet
- Comfy Airport Outfits – Travel Like A Pro!
- Summer Capsule wardrobe – The 25 pieces you’ll need every Summer and outfit ideas
- You will take your white sneakers when you travel – Learn how to build a capsule wardrobe for travel, plus some outfit ideas from my Europe Summer trip
- How to build a capsule wardrobe for Fall + Fall outfit ideas (including white sneakers)
- How to wear a white Tshirt – Sharing 10 updated Summer looks for 2021
- How to style a black dress – I share different styles of black dresses and teach you how to make them stand out
- Outfit Ideas for the office – 80 looks
- How to style pajamas as daywear – I styled my PJ’s in 7 different ways that I actually wear outside
- Spanx leggings review – Detailed review and outfit ideas about this closet staple
- How to style a white blazer – 10 stylish white blazer outfits for you to try!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you shop for anything at no extra cost to you. This is how I keep this blog running free of sponsored posts! Thanks so much in advance for supporting WOS!*
Jamie says
White sneakers are my favorite but I must say I only buy the Keds Champion Originals white canvas sneakers because they are so comfortable. I think I have 3 new pairs as I buy them when they are on sale. These look great worn with leggings and instead of wearing socks I wear nude pantyhose and my feet are comfortable wearing sneakers all day.
Tina Jordan says
HI!!!! I love this post! Is there any way that you would share where the pleated maxi skirt (sort of silver/grey) is from? It is gorgeous and would love to find something similar
Ways Of Style says
Hi! Thanks so much! That skirt is so old and couldn’t find anything similar :( I got it from Anthropologie like 8 years ago. It’s one of my favorite skirts of all time. Hope you’re lucky finding something similar! Sorry I can’t be more of help :(