Sneakers have become an integral part of our everyday wardrobe, accompanying us both on the way to the gym and to work and even to a party. However, no matter how comfortable and informal these shoes may seem, they are also subject to certain rules of good taste, which many still neglect.
Too fancy pants
Choose your pants before putting on your sneakers. This is especially true for jeans. Choose a streamlined silhouette - even as more relaxed styles are back in fashion, too much excess fabric is not the best option.
Pants too long
Pants shouldn't hug your ankles when you're wearing sneakers. If this happens, take them to a tailor and ask them to make them “without creases” or, in extreme cases, with barely noticeable creases (where the trousers begin to fold over the shoes). The more casual the item of clothing (jeans, t-shirts, sneakers), the more the style and tailoring can affect how nice it looks.
Have you ever wondered why so many stars wear rolled up jeans and trousers with sneakers? This is because the pants, when paired with specific shoes, are too long, creating a baggy kink that visually distorts the proportions of the lower body. It is impossible to choose the perfect length of trousers for all shoe options. A pair of heels will fit differently than sneakers, so don't be fooled into thinking that sneakers will fit with trousers of the same length.
Sports sneakers with non-sportswear
Wearing smart casual sneakers is not the same as sports sneakers. While your running shoes may have a comfortable, supportive insole and comfortable rubber outsole, that's where the similarities may end. Smart casual sneakers would look out of place at the gym, just as athletic sneakers would look out of place with a herringbone blazer and twill trousers.
Too bright sneakers with a formal outfit
Just as we apply pants fit criteria to smart casual pants, evaluate what makes your dress shoes feel more formal. Dress shoes are never bulky or bright, so if you want to raise the level of sneakers to the smart casual level, pay attention to classic minimalist models. Shoes with a clean design and simple lines are easier to pair with dressier pieces.
Materials matter
Dark jeans look more put together than faded light ones. A T-shirt made from thin cotton is a step up from the usual thick T-shirt from the mass market. And sneakers made from higher quality leather will look better than cheaper ones made from substitute leather. Additionally, well-made shoes will last longer and age better than shoes made from cheap materials.
And remember, an expensive formal outfit, complemented with cheap fabric sneakers, will look inharmonious, but for a relaxed summer look with shorts and a T-shirt, you can easily choose the simplest sneakers from your collection.
