A lot of people with an interest in menswear also have an appreciation for sneakers. In more recent times, the two worlds have collided together and it's not uncommon to see a pair of athletic sneakers get paired with more tailored looks. But wearing sneakers with a suit on a daily basis, which means sporting this look to work, is easier said than done. Not only because it's not the most simplistic style to master, but a lot of workplaces have restrictions, liberal or literal, on what can be worn.
There are ways to get past this redicululous rule, it just takes a bit of know how. There are dressier-looking sneakers and ways to make an outfit better match up with a pair of footwear that's more at home on the tennis court, but to make it a seamless process, here's How to Wear Sneakers to Work, and NOT GET FIRED!!!.
I know you guys are really excited to leave your dress shoes at home, but first you must know the rules of the trade. Consider the work environment! More and more jobs are shifting to business casual or no-dress-code environments. For those on the latter end of the spectrum, it means that sneakers are an everyday option and there are no restrictions placed on footwear choices. Everyone else needs to play by the rules or figure out a way to a more comfortable option in their daily uniforms. To keep it safe, it's always best to play by the rules and find out ways to break them once you're sure that sneakers are okay to wear at work. Those in the financial field might be forced to wear hard bottom shoes at every junction of their 9-5s, but other places of employment also might frown upon those lacing up a pair of Jordan retros to complete their daily routines. The most important part of anyone's day at work should be doing work, so make sure that sneakers will fly before it becomes necessary to find another job.
Next rule is Think about the impression your sneakers are making! If you have a big meeting with a coporate sponsor it wouldn't be wise to wear your highlighter foamposites, but there is a middle ground. Nike Tennis Classics, adidas Stan Smiths, and Common Projects Achilles are appropriate to wear with work attire and they won't look as awkward as the latest signature basketball sneaker when coupled with a pair of chinos or trousers. When putting on one of these options, it still says, "Hey, I know what's up and I'm confident," but it also notes that someone cares about their job and the perception that others formulate about them. Consider it the best of both worlds.
Last rule is Your outfit is just important as your sneakers! Figure out how everything works together and it will open the door for more opportunities to wear something other than bench made shoes everyday. If the sneakers are loose and untied and the pants don't fit well, of course the higher-ups are going to think it's a sloppy look. But if the pants fit OK and they're worn with a plain Oxford shirt popping out with a nice bow tie, then your adidas might go unnoticed as everyone else is wincing around in their flat-soled dress shoes. Here's a few of the looks...
I hope you guys enjoyed this post, just remember it's not what you wear its how you wear it! Dont be afraid to test the waters, let your sneakers do the talking for you. Feel free to comment below.
eric
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