How To Wear It: White Canvas Sneakers

Superga Cotu Classic Canvas Sneakers – $64.95

WARNING: This post might make the perfectionists twitch a little bit. We did not use pristine, brand new white sneakers. Instead, we went with some well worn white sneakers which have a few spots on em’, and scuffs on the sidewalls. Why? Because we need to be realistic about white sneakers. They show dirt. It’s going to happen. And it’s expected. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with taking care of your stuff, so clean away when you feel it to be necessary. Also, you don’t need to use Supergas. There are plenty of white sneaker options out there. Here’s how to wear whatever pair you happen to end up choosing.

 

With Chambray Pants and a White Polo

• Polo: Banana Republic Luxe Touch Piped (sold out, more options here)
• Pants: GAP Linen/Cotton (sold out, from last year, but these are close)
• Belt: Jomers Sagamore Cottom Macrame – $20 (currently sold out)
• Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis – $199
• Sunglasses: Ray Ban Rubber Frame Aviators – $105 (review here)

Perfect for when it gets real hot, yet you don’t want to wear shorts. Look for lightweight cotton chambray or a cotton/linen blend. Yes it’s dead simple, but it’s clean and well thought out. And once fall rolls back around? This would work plenty fine with a pair of jeans too.

 

With a Lightweight Sportcoat, Polo, & Chinos in a Cooler Tone

• Sportcoat: J.C.F. Unconstructed Horiz. Lined Linen/Cotton – $92.30 w/ GiltCity Voucher
• Polo: UNIQLO Button Down Dry-Fabric – $19.90 ($25)
• Sunglasses: Warby Parker Griffin in Blonde Tortoise – $95
• Pants: Old Navy Ultimate Lightweight Slim Khakis in “Seascape” – $35 ($39.94)
• Watch: Hamilton (sold out, but more chrono options can be found here)

A good look for when you’re heading out for a nice, relaxed meal, and you might be seated out on a patio or terrace. Buttons keep the polo’s collar in line, the blazer is unconstructed and should breathe well, and the pants are a slightly unexpected but not too loud shade of greenish blue. You could easily wear suede loafers here, but if the place you’re headed is more dressed down, and you still want to wear a sportcoat? Wear the sneakers.

 

With a Chambray or Lightweight Denim Shirt, Suede Belt, & White Chinos

• Shirt: Banana Republic (sold out, but the GAP “Clean” Chambray would be even better)
• Belt: Polo RL Suede O-Ring Belt (Sold out)
• Chinos: Bonobos Washed Chinos – $88.00
• Watch: Christopher Ward Trident – $830
• Sunglasses: Persol (sold out, got em’ on mega sale years back)

Business casual, but interesting business casual for the pants and collared shirt crowd. The contrast between the shirt and pants are high, with the deep, warm brown suede belt acting as a border between the two. For a much, much cheaper watch (and plenty dependable), try the Casio 200m water resistance rated diver.

 

With a Navy Polo, Suede Belt, & White Chinos

• Polo: Banana Republic Luxe Touch Piped (sold out, more options here)
• Sunglasses: Warby Parker Griffin in Blonde Tortoise – $95
• Belt: Polo RL Suede O-Ring Belt (Sold out)
• Chinos: Bonobos Washed Chinos – $88.00
• Watch: Hamilton (sold out, but more chrono options can be found here)

Oh what a difference a polo can make. More casual/less stuffy than the chambray shirt outfit. (Especially if you keep the polo untucked… just showing off the belt here. Tuck if that’s your thing.) Still plenty put together. And you’re still wearing sneakers. That’s the thing about white canvas sneakers. They’re such quiet, clean classics, that while they will dress down any outfit, they don’t do it by much.