As someone who has a slightly dressier sense of style, comfortable and casual footwear can be challenging. I want to be comfortable but still look polished and put together. I’ve added more flats to my wardrobe over the years but the few sneakers I have all serve a distinct purpose. Some are strictly more athletic, others are more fashion forward and some are for slightly dressier looks when I don’t want to wear flats. Classic white sneakers are typically my go to for a comfy footwear option to wear with dresses when I plan to be walking a ton but there is a certain style that I look for.
White sneakers are timeless, comfortable and incredibly versatile. A simple white sneaker style can go with so many different outfits including dresses and help to balance out the feminine vibe of the dress. Obviously it all comes down to personal style in the end, but hopefully this post will give you some ideas of where to start when looking for white sneakers and styling them with dresses. Here is my suggestion of what white sneakers look best with dresses and a round up of options at all price points so hopefully you can find your perfect pair.
10+ White Sneakers to Wear with Dresses
White Sneakers for Dresses
When choosing a pair of white sneakers to wear with dresses, I personally like a low top sneaker with minimal details or accents. A high top sneaker has it’s place but will definitely look much more trendy with a dress than a low top will. Either lace up or velcro and with a simple sole that isn’t a platform or too chunky. This makes them easy to wear with a variety of different style dresses as well as with jeans, trousers or shorts. I don’t typically work out in these kind of sneakers and they are just for casual outfits where I plan to be walking a lot or want my feet to be comfortable.
If you don’t want to choose a simple white sneaker, another very close option that will give you a similar vibe are metallic sneakers. I styled one of my favorite pairs of metallic sneakers in the below photos (scroll down) and they have a nearly identical look to a pair of white sneakers.
Veja Esplar Sneaker in Extra White
These are definitely one of the most simple and understated pair of white sneakers – perfect to dress up or down with an outfit. There is limited detailing on these and the sole is low profile which makes these a great option for someone that wants a pair of white sneakers that will look great with any and all outfits. I will mention that these sell out FAST but get regularly restocked so if you don’t see if you size now, check back in a few weeks and they will more than likely be back in stock.
New Balance 327 Sneakers
I own these sneakers in a similar colorway and they are still one of my favorite sneakers to wear. I love the pointy toe which gives them a more fashion forward look than traditional sneakers with a rounded toe. They were super popular and trendy a year or two ago and nearly impossible to get in neutral colors. The buzz has worn off slightly but these neutral options STILL sell out incredibly fast because the shoe is still a classic chic style.
Tretorn White Nylite Canvas Sneakers
Tretorn is a classic brand that many people are drawn to and I chose this pair in particular because they are solid white with no other colorful accents. From a price perspective, these come in at $75 which is a bit more affordable than some of these other styles. They are a canvas material so they will look a tad less casual for dresses. I find that leather sneakers look more polished than canvas sneakers but if you are a Tretorn lover already, this is a great option.
Common Projects Minimal Runner Sneakers
These are on the pricier side of the spectrum but they are truly the epitome of simple and chic. The entire Common Projects brand is centered around creating high quality footwear that has a minimalistic aesthetic. There are little to no details or accents on them and they are a pair of sneakers that are timeless. There is a low rubber sole which is always my preferred style when choosing a white sneaker. I don’t want anything too chunky or bulky. They will look great with nearly any outfit in your closet because they have the same classic aesthetic as a pair of simple ballet flats.
Nike Cortez LT Sneakers
A long time classic Nike style sneaker that has really made a resurgence the past few years. They are a bit on the trendier side but because they have been around for so long, they are clearly a sneaker that will remain in style throughout the years. These are not personally my vibe but I have seen a ton of people style them with dresses or skirts and it looks chic.
I would recommend wearing them with a more casual t-shirt dress or something without a ton of feminine flair since they have a sportier look to them. There is a distinct look to them which can either be a negative or positive depending on the look you are going for. Either way, these will always be a top seller for a reason so if they are your vibe, I definitely think you can style them with your dresses and skirts.
Veja Recife Logo Sneakers
I am a bit biased with these because my most worn white sneakers are by Veja. Unfortunately the exact pair I own has been discontinued but mine are a velcro style like this and one of my best shoe purchases EVER. The sole is low and the fit is on the sneaker is slim so they are very flattering to wear. They especially look great with dresses of all kinds – super feminine and flirty or a simple t-shirt dress. Additionally, I find them to be one of the most flattering sneakers on the foot which is why I am always recommending them. There are all white versions available but you can also choose varying colorways of the “v” logo on the side.
APL Techloom Breeze Sneakers
The APL Techloom Breeze sneakers are the most athletic in design out of all my recommendations but the shape and fit is still very streamline and minimal so I wanted to include them. I own these sneakers myself and can confirm they are some of the most comfortable for walking long distances or standing on your feet for long periods of time. I love that they slip right on without any securing of laces or straps – it allows the shoe to fit very flush to the foot making it look more flattering and less bulky. These are marketed as an athletic sneaker but I definitely think they can work for lifestyle looks as well as physical activities.
Reebok Club C 85 Classic Lace Up Sneakers
I included these because they are SUPER popular right now but they are not my favorite. LOL These definitely walk a fine line between a casual and athletic sneaker but I’ve seen them styled with dresses often so I wanted to add them to my roundup. I’ve also gotten feedback that they are a very comfortable sneaker so that is definitely a bonus if you are planning on walking a ton or being on your feet for a long time. While this is definitely a classic sneaker, they are more trendy right now than ever before. You can definitely style them with dresses but opt for a simple t-shirt style dress instead of something too feminine. They would also look amazing with wide leg trousers for a business casual vibe.
Veronica Beard Valentina Sneakers
If you are really wanting a fashionable sneaker that is made for non-athleisure looks, these Veronica Beard sneakers are the best choice. In fact, I am in love with all of her sneaker styles right now. They are sneakers made for fashion lovers who want something comfortable that isn’t a ballet flat. While they are quite popular now, the shape and style of them are timeless so you won’t need to worry about not being able to wear them in a year or so. These are a bit of an investment but will be a sneaker you can wear year after year.
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneakers
Out of this entire white sneaker roundup, these are the most clean and sleek looking. I might even argue that these are some of the most minimalist and simple white sneakers available anywhere. I perused many different sites and brands looking at tons of white sneakers but these have little to no added details. And I can definitely see these as a great sneaker option for those who work in a business casual environment and want an elevated pair of sneakers to wear with trousers and blazers.
Isabel Marant Beth Sneakers
I have been in love with these sneakers for years and love the entire look of them. They are quite pricey coming in a tad under $500. I have owned quite a few pieces from Isabel Marant over the years and while her aesthetic is on the more trendy side with a chic french boho vibe, they all continue to look current when styled today. The zigzag edge of the velcro straps are such a unique detail and I enjoy the small hint of color on the back.
How to Wear Sneakers With a Dress
Dress (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses
Dress with Sneakers Outfit 1
The sneakers in this look are actually silver but in my mind I consider them a very similar option if you want to branch out from regular white. Metallics are neutrals in my mind so I love to wear them with any and all outfits. These are Golden Goose sneakers and I think the style, fit and look of them work really well with a dress. Even though this dress is flirty and feminine, the sneakers don’t detract from that. The low profile sole and the slightly slim shape make the sneakers look flattering but yet don’t compete with the dress. And even though they are a distressed style and look more worn (they were actually nearly brand new in this picture), I like the combination of it with a polished and put together look.
I’ve gotten questions about socks and whether I wear them with these kinds of sneakers and the answer is no. I personally am not a huge sock lover so I go barefoot in all my white sneakers or casual sneakers that I wear with dresses, but if you don’t want to do that opt for a no-sock show. Dresses look best with sneakers that don’t show a sock.
Dress (similar) | Denim jacket | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses (similar) | Bag (similar)
Dress with Sneakers Outfit 2
Another look worn with a pair of golden goose sneakers and I love how the slim style looks with dresses. Again these are metallic with some subtle neutral tones but honestly they have the same vibe as a pair of white sneakers so I wanted to share this look as more styling inspiration. This dress is a bit more sporty as it’s a sweatshirt type material and has a hood and sneakers are the perfect complement to it. Though I don’t actually own the Reebok sneakers or Nike Air Force 1 sneakers I shared in my above roundup, this is the type of dress that I think would look best with those sneakers.
It’s a simple style that has a sporty feel to it and would work well with a trendy athletic type sneaker. Another great styling tip when wearing casual dresses with sneakers is to tie a jacket around your waist to break up the monochromatic look of the dress. It defines the waist and also adds a super casual element to the look that plays well off the sneakers.
Related: 5 Tips on How To Dress Casual Without Looking Sloppy
Dress (similar) | Denim Jacket | Sneakers (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
Dress with Sneakers Outfit 3
These are my absolute favorite white sneakers by Veja. They are a very simple style with little to no details (besides the velcro straps) and do not compete with the dress at all. The sneakers look simple, chic and casual. The fitted style of this dress makes it a perfect complement to the basic style of the white sneaker. Again, I tied a denim jacket around my waist to break up the monochromatic look of the dress, define the waist and add a casual element to play off the sneakers.
Dress (similar) | Denim jacket | Sneakers | Bag | Sunglasses
Dress with Sneakers Outfit 4
I know, I know – these are not at all a white sneaker and are a bold leopard print. But the sneakers with dress concept is there! LOL I wanted to show again another sporty casual dress styled with sneakers. Though I chose my Golden Goose sneakers here, I definitely think that this is the type of dress to wear with the Reebok or Air Force 1 sneakers if those are more your vibe. And as I mentioned before, I almost always love something tied around my waist to give some shape to a dress like this and to tie in the casual look of the sneaker.
Dress (similar) | Moto jacket (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sneakers (similar) | Sunglasses
Dress with Sneakers Outfit 5
A bit more of an edgy vibe to this look with the moto jacket but choosing a simple sneaker dresses it down in a laidback, effortless way. The sneakers are silver but that is a neutral in my opinion and has the same exact look as a white sneaker will. Also, most of the dresses that I choose to style with sneakers are all above my knee. If I don’t choose a style above my knee, then I will wear something that comes nearly to my ankle. A midi length style skirt or midi dress has a more dressy vibe to it and can be hard to style with sneakers. For that reason, I would recommend sticking with a short dress or maxi dress when opting for sneakers as your footwear.
Dress (similar) | Bag | Sneakers (similar)
Dress with Sneakers Outfit 6
If there is one dress to get that is a for sure perfect complement to a clean white sneaker, it is a t-shirt dress. Either with sleeves or a tank dress, they always look so cute with sneakers. I actually call this dress my “mom on the go” dress because when I don’t want to wear jeans or shorts while out and about with my 6 year old, I reach for a t-shirt dress. They feel super comfortable and always look great with sneakers. And if you want to go hands free, throw a belt bag on which goes well with the casual look of the sneakers.
Are White Sneakers Business Casual?
This can be tricky because so many professional dress codes are different. I personally would always play it safe and say no they are not suitable for a business casual environment. Business casual to me implies flats and loafers as a casual shoe but not sneakers.
Are White Sneakers in Style?
Always and forever. White sneakers will never go out of style. The different shapes and trends may vary but a classic white sneaker is timeless.
How to Style White Sneakers
Avoid anything too bulky
Try to stick with white sneakers that are sleek looking with a low profile sole. Nothing too chunky or bulky which will not be as versatile or flattering.
Stick with all white with minimal details
A side logo is fine but anything with too much color or too many added details won’t be as easy to style with everyday outfits.
Look for a lifestyle sneaker not an athletic sneaker
If it looks like you would wear it to work out, skip it for an everyday casual look. Dresses will always look better with a more minimal and sleek style of white sneaker.
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