How to wear business casual sneakers in the office: tips, tricks and the best brands
Shortly
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Sneakers have now become an integral part of the business casual wardrobe and are accepted in many industries.
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Choose sneakers that are not too heavily branded, especially in conservative industries. Prefer clean, simple and solid-colored models.
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Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Veja, Autry and Common Projects offer stylish and office-appropriate sneakers for the business casual look.
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Combine sneakers with a blazer and smart trousers for a professional look. Sneakers also go well with knee-length skirts and dresses. Keep the overall look harmonious and not too casual.
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Clean and well-maintained sneakers are a must. Look for materials that are easy to clean, such as smooth leather.
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Choose subtle accessories that complement the outfit without overloading it. Make sure that belts and jewelry match the overall look.
Sneakers have crept from the streets into offices in recent years and are now an integral part of the business casual wardrobe. The days of the strict suit and leather shoe combination are no longer necessary in most industries. We are taking this as an opportunity to tell you everything you need to know about business casual sneakers. In this article, you will find out why sneakers are now fine in the office, which brands are the best for your business casual outfit and how you can style the sneakers to suit the office.
Why sneakers are now accepted in the office
The rules for workwear have changed a lot in recent years. The traditional suit, tie and leather shoes are no longer necessary in many industries. Modern companies such as Google and Apple and start-ups in particular have shown that productive employees do not need formal clothing to work professionally. The relaxation of the dress code therefore reflects the change in the working world, where comfort and individuality are valued. It is more about feeling comfortable in your clothes and still doing a good job. And what could be better on your feet than sneakers? Because they offer comfort and allow everyone to express their own style.
The best sneakers for the business casual look
For your perfect business casual look, you should make sure you wear the right sneakers, because not all of them are suitable for the office. It also depends on where exactly you work. If you work in the creative industry, there are no limits to your choice of shoes. But there are also industries in which the attitude towards business casual sneakers is a bit stricter, so you should choose your sneakers carefully. We'll help you choose and show you our favorite brands and models that are suitable for the office.
Finding the right brand
In general, there are of course no rules about which brands you can or cannot wear in the office, but some are simply more suitable than others.
Therefore, please note:
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your shoes should not be too heavily branded because then they can look too sporty.
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If you work in a strict industry (e.g. banking or consulting) we recommend clean all-white sneakers.
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Wear comfortable sneakers so that you can get through your workday well. Ergonomic design, padded insoles and breathable materials are ideal for long working days.
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Make sure that the shoes are easy to clean so that your sneakers look clean every day; sneakers made of smooth leather are best for this.
The classic brands like adidas , Nike , New Balance , Reebok , etc. all have models that are well suited to your business casual outfit. But especially in everyday office life, you can also check out other brands that are less reminiscent of sports and classic sneakers. For example, Autry , Veja , On-Running , Common Projects and Filling Pieces offer many clean and comfortable models.
Our top 10 business casual sneakers from our online shop
To make your decision easier, we'll show you our top 10 business sneakers, which are also available in our shop. There's something from several brands and something for every style.
The Stan Smith is minimalist and elegant, making it ideal for the office. And, without being able to confirm this with a source but just through observation, the Stan Smith is probably the most worn shoe with a suit.
The New Balance 993 is actually THE business casual sneaker because it always accompanied Steve Jobs and may have paved the way for sneakers in the office. Any other shoe from the 990 series is also suitable as an alternative. However, depending on the industry, make sure that you prefer to wear calmer colorways.
The classic Air Force 1 from Nike is also perfect with a suit or chinos. We definitely recommend the all-white version, otherwise the Air Force 1 can quickly look too sporty.
A slightly more stylish version from New Balance is the 327 , which goes great with wider suit trousers and chinos.
The Adidas Samba cannot be missing from this top 10. The sneaker is clean, slim and goes well with a business casual outfit even with the odd color accent. The same goes for the Gazelle and the Handball Spezial .
Almost all models from Veja, the sustainable brand from France, are perfect for the office. The design is always minimalist and at first glance doesn't look as sporty as the models from sports brands. Our favorite is the Veja Rio-Branco .
On is increasingly conquering the feet of the business world. The brand in particular shines with its ergonomic and sporty design. The older generation in particular wore the brand in the office, but with the somewhat clunky models, such as the Cloudrunner 2 , we also see younger people with the sneakers on their feet.
Autry cannot be missing from this list. Similar to Veja, the brand focuses on minimalist design and is therefore perfect for everyday wear in the office, especially the Medalist .
If you're sick of the Adidas Samba, you might be interested in the Army Trainer from Puma. Models like the Clyde, Suede or Palermo are also absolutely suitable for the office.
The Converse Chuck models have also proven themselves to be a good match for suits or chinos for some time now. They come in many colorways and shapes, so you can easily integrate them into your business casual outfit.
How to style sneakers properly in the office
Whether sneakers are suitable for your office outfit also depends on the rest of your wardrobe. We have put together some tips for the most common combinations.
Sneakers with a blazer and elegant trousers
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Blazer or jacket: A blazer or jacket immediately makes your outfit look more chic and, when combined with sneakers, your outfit doesn't look too casual. When it comes to your clothes, choose neutral colors like black, gray or navy blue for the blazer. However, you should also stay true to your style, choose the colors that suit you well and simply combine them accordingly.
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Pants: It's best to wear more elegant pants with sneakers, such as chinos, suit pants or elegant fabric pants (you can also buy these in a vintage shop). Avoid jeans or pants that are too casual to keep the business casual standard.
Sneakers with skirts and dresses
Yes, you can also wear sneakers with skirts and dresses. Make sure you wear at least knee-length dresses or midi skirts to keep the business casual standard with this outfit. And, as with all other pieces, plain or subtly patterned skirts look more professional. We advise against wearing Chucks with a skirt or dress, as this can quickly look too sporty. Instead, opt for more stylish models like the New Balance 327.
Sneakers and matching tops
Of course, you also need a matching top for your business casual outfit (except for dresses ;-)). For example, if you wear jeans, you should wear a shirt and a cardigan with it. If you wear chinos or suit trousers, you can combine them with a T-shirt or polo shirt. You should always wear at least one item that is elegant and round it off with the rest of the pieces and sneakers.
accessories for sneakers
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Belt : It is very important that your belt matches the rest of your outfit and your sneakers. Generally speaking: brown belt with brown shoes, black belt with black shoes. If you wear white sneakers, you have more freedom in choosing the color of your belt. The important thing is that the color of the belt matches the entire outfit.
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Jewelry: Always keep jewelry in the office subtle and minimalist. Simple watches, small earrings or plain necklaces are welcome.
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Bags: Choose bags that are not too conspicuous so as not to overload the outfit and avoid sporty backpacks.
In general, we would like to give the following tips on sneakers for a business casual outfit:
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Make sure that your overall look is harmonious and not too casual. Combine sneakers with well-cut, ironed and well-groomed pieces.
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For a business casual look, simple and classic sneakers in neutral colors such as white, black or gray are best.
Make sure you take care of your sneakers, because clean shoes are an absolute must for the business casual look. If you need tips, check out our article on washing sneakers
Conclusion
Sneakers in the office can now be seen in almost every industry and are a perfect alternative to traditional dress shoes or pumps. And we think that's a good thing because sneakers are not just a fashion statement, but also an expression of your personality. By choosing the right sneakers, you can emphasize your style and stand out from the crowd even in a more chic environment. It's important that you keep your sneakers clean and combine them well. Make sure that your outfit is not too casual and then you can't really go wrong. If you have any more questions, take a look at our FAQ on the topic of business casual sneakers.
FAQs about business casual sneakers
Can I wear sneakers in the office?
Yes, in most modern companies, sneakers are acceptable in the office, especially if they are clean, well-maintained and stylish. They offer a comfortable yet professional alternative to traditional office shoes, but you should always check with your superiors first.
Can I wear sneakers with a business casual look?
Yes, you can combine sneakers very well with a business casual outfit. As long as you combine them stylishly, they are simple and in a well-kept condition.
Are white sneakers business casual?
White sneakers are often worn with a business casual look. They are best suited for this because white sneakers are usually elegant and simple - as long as they are clean.
Which sneakers can I wear to the office?
Sneakers like the Adidas Stan Smith or the Nike Air Force 1 are ideal for the office because they are comfortable and stylish.
Which sneaker brand goes with business outfits?
Almost any brand is suitable for the office. We recommend: Adidas , Nike , New Balance , Reebok , Autry , Veja , On-Running , Filling Pieces and Common Projects.
Which sneakers go with business outfits?
Simple, minimalist sneakers in neutral colors go best with a business outfit.
Which sneakers go with pants suits or a suit?
White or other neutral colors work best with suits.
Are jeans and sneakers together business casual?
Not really. If you wear sneakers and your office is business casual, you should wear chinos or suit trousers with sneakers.
Author: Asphaltgold |