Like the UK, fashion is known for its eminent seasons that almost change like clockwork, varying in colour, texture and public commentary.
There are certain items within the fashion world that are universally accepted as being classics, immune to changing trends that can be worn all year round.
The white sneaker is one of these.
It’s an item that is entrenched in men’s fashion culture, especially within metropolitan life.
Adjectives you can Always associate with white sneakers: versatile, elegant, timeless, stylish.
Whether you’re donning a roll neck and woolen trousers, textured suit under an overcoat, or an oxford shirt, crew neck jumper, indigo jeans and a field jacket (There's three outfit recommendations for free), you can slip on a pair of white sneakers and look the part.
They’ve Always been accepted as a casual option within men’s fashion but if we rewind twenty years, Savile Row stalwarts would have been appalled by the thought of Gieves and Hawkes tailoring accompanied by a pair of trainers. Trainers!?
In fact, white trainers weren’t even accepted at nightclubs until fairly recently. For 'The Inbetweeners' loyalists out there, remember when Simon went to the extent of exchanging his new white trainers (they were hideous to be fair) for a pair of piss-drenched black shoes, just to get into a club? Dark, dark times.
Yet, low and behold, styles that graced the courts of Wimbledon (Stan Smiths) were soon universally accepted as footwear to be paired with everything. What's more, they are a staple for some of the biggest names within the men’s fashion industry - even Tom Ford, who swore he’d never make trainers, now has collections under his brand.
So, to recap; Always have at least one pair of classic white sneakers in your wardrobe at all times of the year. Simples.
A few brands I’d recommend:
Common Projects
Adidas Stan Smiths
Axel Arigato
Reiss
Uniform Standard
Veja
SAYE
PS. One tip from me; if you're wearing them with formal attire, Always make sure they're pristinely white. Tatty looking sneakers paired with tailoring is a car crash.
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