With the explosion of the sneaker market and so many options available, it's hard to choose THE pair that will fit your work outfit perfectly. Here is our selection to simplify your task.
Before, sneakers were not really welcome in the office. But over time, they have become — under the name of sneakers — must haves in closets , suitable for all occasions and places. And places of business are no exception to the rule.
Even better, according to research from the Harvard Business School published in 2014, people adopting outfits that deviate from the codes of the professional environment tend to be perceived as more competent. This is what the study authors called “ the red basketball effect ” .
However, there are several styles and sizes of sneakers, more or less compatible with the office . And since it is not to be confused with a gym or a place of relaxation, a few rules must be respected to wear them with complete peace of mind. Because yes, adopting them at all times does not mean that it is possible to let yourself go.
The first rule is obviously to keep them clean ! Loose soles, black laces, creaking seams and nauseating odors… We forget the shoes in poor condition. In addition, sober colors will be easier to combine — the white sneaker being the height of ease — even if you can let loose on more colorful keys. This is also the advantage of sneakers.
As for the models to favor, discover our selection below to put on your shoes with ease.
Just like derbies or moccasins, leather sneakers are perfectly compatible with suits. But they also work, like the Puma x Helly Hansen Ralph Sampson , with more casual work outfits, based on jeans, chinos, blazers, shirts and other more classic t-shirts. The more experienced can try to wear them with original socks.
City pants / shirt or raw jeans / perfecto, canvas sneakers can be easily combined with all looks, while maintaining a certain lightness. To highlight them more, do not hesitate to roll the bottom of the pants to mark a separation with your beloved pair. Adidas Originals 3™ , for example.
Perfect for a business meeting, suede sneakers are a more chic all-rounder than the previous ones, however. Black, white, beige, brown — or gray, like the ones from Jack &Jones — they work perfectly with fitted pants or an unstructured suit. If you opt for the latter, prefer a slim silhouette that falls just above the ankle, more elegant.
Since sneakers embody casualness, do not hesitate to shift your look with more distinguished pieces, such as a blazer, a thin tie or cotton chinos. Nothing prevents you from mixing comfort and style, it's all about staying sober. Indeed, the simplest designs can be all-terrain - worn at work or at home. This is the case for these New Balance 997H Cordura Brown .
The sneakers risers are undeniably more voluminous. So in order not to weigh down the silhouette, we avoid large models and associations with a shot or 7/8 pants. To refine the ankle, we opt again for the roll-up of the bottom. And to make the foot appear narrower and the look less sportswear, tighten the laces of your Etnies Jefferson MTW Black to the maximum.