(Style)

28 Genius Ways To Dress Up White Sneakers This Summer

They’re a go-to for a reason.

by Sarah Lindig and Kelsey Stewart
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
@itsmekellieb
Kellie Brown on Instagram

Sandals might take the spotlight when it comes to warm-weather footwear — especially with all the architectural heels and updated slides dominating the fashion landscape right now. But trends aside, there’s one summer shoe that goes with everything, is supremely comfortable, and best of all, is probably already sitting in your closet: the white sneaker. It may not be the most novel of options, but with so many white sneaker outfits you can easily put together, a pair of fresh, bright kicks is a wardrobe power-player you can wear all season long.

Don't write off white sneakers as boring because, in fact, they come in a wide range of cool fabrications. You can opt for a classic canvas version, a luxury designer lace-up, something athletic and performance-geared, or perhaps a pair of vintage-inspired trainers or chunky dad shoes. Add to that the fact that each take can be styled in a number of unique ways. Simple white kicks feel fashion-forward when paired with a flirty mini dress or your favorite jeans-and-tee combo. For a trendier vibe, play with unexpected combinations, like old-school sport sneakers with a sheer organza frock or elegant jacquard dress, or white leather tennis shoes with a slinky slip or prim tweed skirt suit.

To kickstart your outfit planning, here are some influencer-inspired ideas for styling white sneakers that’ll put them at the center of your summer wardrobe.

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Summer Suiting

If you’re headed back into the office this summer, rethink your go-to suiting. Instead of a black set, opt for a white blazer and khaki jeans. Then, instead of heels, finish off with relaxed white sneakers.

Picnic Ready

Summer is all about picnics in the park. A below-the-knee dress and white sneakers will keep you comfortable while you’re relaxing on a blanket for hours.

Sleek & Simple

A simple bodysuit like the style above is a must-have piece this summer. To keep the rest of the ensemble cozy, complete the look with white kicks and a linen blazer.

LBD With A Sporty Twist

To compliment your LBD, choose white sneakers that feature a black detail. To make things a bit more intriguing, add a pop of color to the look via a handbag.

Outdoor Pajamas

On those days when you’re working from home, a pajama-like shorts set and white sneakers will work for your Zoom calls and picking up lunch at your local deli.

Summer Whites

An all-white outfit is easy to put together and looks so chic. This season, try this outfit formula out with a white utilitarian romper and sneakers.

Pink On Pink

Looking to embrace the pink color trend of summer 2021? A pink denim set and white sneakers are a great starting point.

Relax A Chic Set

Make your polished set appear a bit more pared back with a pair of white sneakers. The ensemble is ideal for any work events you have in the future.

Play With Color

If you’re in search of a shoe that will ground a bold colorful outfit, white sneakers are your answer.

All Over Denim

A little denim on denim adds a cool touch to classic low-tops, while head-to-toe blue looks ultra-fresh for summer.

‘80s Inspired

A pair of casual leather sneakers can help balance an '80s-inspired silhouette with exaggerated shoulders and make it feel less over-the-top.

Streetwear Staples

Thick-soled sneakers are the shoe of choice for the downtown-cool crowd. Keep things looking sharp with a tailored blazer and longline shorts, plus a fanny pack to cinch the waist.

Floral Frock

A floaty floral sundress is key if you're traveling this summer — it'll work for day or night, and be appropriate for any warm-weather destination. Instead of sandals or ballet flats, which may not hold up through several days of heavy walking, opt for white sneakers to keep your feet happy and your outfit on point. Just make sure you treat them with a protectant spray first, or they probably won't be white anymore by the end of your trip.

Tailored Separates

Managing to successfully pull off shorts and sneakers at the office is every career woman's dream once the summer heat takes hold. Keep the trouser shorts tailored and the sneakers classic and simple and you should be good to go.

Cool Sweats

Sporty Spice made athletic pants and sneakers her sartorial M.O. and the combo still works over two decades later. Pick a pair of joggers that are bold and bright, then make like Mel C. and add a white tank and trainers.

Preppy Ensemble

There's an inherent preppy quality to bright, pristine sneakers, so you might as well lean into it. An ensemble of tennis whites (think pleated skirts and mini dresses, flippy skorts, etc.) looks good off the courts too.

Vintage Jeans

You can't go wrong with vintage denim and white canvas sneakers. Knot a lightweight knit around your shoulders and accessorize with oval sunnies, gold hoops, and a baseball cap to round out the '90s normcore appeal.

Voluminous Silhouettes

When your dress is as voluminous and whimsical as this, a no-frills white sneaker is the perfect shoe to balance it out without competing.

Tie-Dye Prints

The obsession with all things tie-dye this season means simple shoes are an absolute necessity. Wear white sneakers with a colorful dip-dyed dress, or keep it California cool in a splashy tee and jeans.

Old School Sporty

Look entirely put-together with minimal effort and maximum comfort in this combo of a sleek blazer, knee-length cycling shorts, and oversized white trainers.

Sporty Swim

Channel a vintage Miami Beach vibe in an athletic one-piece and white Air Force 1 sneakers. Scrunched-down sports socks optional, but encouraged.

Easy Breezy

When styling a breezy slip or mini dress with white sneakers, try a version with a slight platform to elevate your look both literally and figuratively.

Laidback Basics

When you can't be bothered to plan out a masterpiece of an outfit keep this understated ensemble in mind. A crisp linen top, slouchy utility shorts, and clean white sneakers are easy and effortless. Sometimes simple is best.

Elegant Touch

Who says you have to wear fancy shoes when you wear a fancy dress? Break the rules and let some classic white kicks peek out from below your glamorous ruffle skirt.

Add A Statement

High-rise blue jeans and white high-top Converse are the no-brainer foundation pieces your summer wardrobe needs — all you'll have to think about is what top to wear. Consider a red statement top for a fashion-forward update to the classic All-American color palette.

Laid-Back Athleisure

White sneakers have been a staple of the athleisure look since Princess Diana was rocking a baggy sweatshirt and bike shorts on the streets of London. Bring this performance-wear ensemble into 2021 with a touch of neon or try an all-white ensemble.

Relaxed Day Look

Your new go-to summer style formula couldn't be easier: a colorful day dress + old-school white trainers. Done.

Chic Basics

Get creative with your combinations and wear some white minimalist sneakers with a neutral dress over a bodysuit or bikini set.

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