Style Guide
How to style men's trainers

• Mark Buxton

Gone are the days when trainers were exclusively worn for sports or the gym. Nowadays, thanks to the relaxation of traditional social dress codes, more versatile designs, and modern trainer styles, trainers are pretty much acceptable in most settings.

However, this doesn't mean there aren't a few rules for styling trainers. So, follow our tips and advice below to achieve a chic look, whatever the occasion, and avoid having a hideous fashion faux pas.

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Choose the right style for the occasion

Men's trainers come in various styles; some are more suitable for certain occasions than others. The key is knowing which! Design, colour, and material all play a role in choosing the right trainer style for a particular occasion, so consider this when putting together your outfits.

Formal

For formal occasions, trainers can add a certain creative charm to formal attire, relaxing the formality slightly. However, it is best to avoid more sporty styles when pairing trainers with a suit and never wear trainers with a tuxedo. Stick to trainers with sleek silhouettes and neutral leather colours like black, white, grey, or beige.

Wearing full-grain or luxury leather trainers will also provide a more casual alternative to your usual work Oxfords. However, they will still have an air of sophistication, projecting you take pride in your appearance, whether in an ideation session or a board meeting.

Smart-casual

Smart-casual dressing can be tricky to master, but all it is is matching some of your formal wear with casual items to get a happy medium. If your dress code at work is smart casual, but you still want to look put together, pair smart trainers with a button-down shirt and chinos or designer trainers with smart jeans and a polo shirt or jumper. Stick to leather or luxury suede trainers to maintain that smart appearance in neutral colours.

Casual

Casual wear and trainers go hand in hand. Whether you love street style and pairing chunky trainers with baggy jeans or sporty-style trainers with joggers, most trainers are a go when dressing for a casual outing. Experiment with materials, styles, colours and patterns to express your unique style

How to style white trainers for men

If you're looking for a true wardrobe staple that goes with most things and works in multiple settings, white trainers are essential for every man's wardrobe. The ultimate piece in versatility white trainers are easy to style and surpass trends with their sleek, clean and modern style.

Pair with shorts, jeans, cargo trousers, and chinos, and layer with T-shirts, polo shirts, shirts, jackets, jumpers, and coats. Anything goes; just pay attention to the trainer's style. Remember, sporty styles pair better with jeans and shorts, whereas flat-sole white trainers complement chinos and suit trousers better.

White trainers span all seasons but especially shine in the summer. The clean white hue will give your summer wardrobe a bright, fresh look, and they won't get as dirty as they would in winter.

How to style black trainers for men

The second most versatile shoe you need is a pair of black trainers. If your white trainers don't fit the dress code, black trainers will definitely fit the bill. For example, if you're looking for comfortable trainers for work or a date night that looks more formal than classic white, reach for your black trainers.

Black trainers are perfect for pairing with darker fabrics you might wear in winter. For example darker coloured jeans, chinos or suit trousers in black or navy.

Alternatively, black trainers also allow you to wear other bright pops of colour elsewhere in your ensemble, like a brightly coloured shirt or socks, because of their neutral hue.

Coloured trainers

A must-have trend that has been popular over the last year (although nothing new) is the coloured trainers' fad. Whether muted or neon colours, coloured trainers are a way to convey your unique style and fashion tastes to the world.

Just wear something simple and statement-free to give your bold patterned or coloured trainers a chance to shine. For example, pair with casual straight-fit jeans and a plain T-shirt or sweatshirt.

Chunky trainers

Whether you call them turbos, old-man or ugly trainers, chunky trainers are still taking the fashion world by storm. But, if you're unsure, here's how to style them.

When styling chunky trainers, you must match the right amount of bulk in your clothing to balance the chunky trainers. Think bomber jackets, oversized or boxy shackets, baggy or relaxed-fit jeans, jogging bottoms, trench coats, biker jackets, hoodies, cargo trousers, loose-fitting T-shirts and flannel shirts or straight-legged chinos for a more polished look.

Whatever you do, don't wear skinny jeans for fear of getting the clown shoe look.

Sporty trainers

Even sporty trainers don't have to just be for the gym. The style and look of these trainers are now aligned with their technology, making them both performance pieces and style statements.

Sporty trainers are as good for keeping you comfortable and supported during your daily errands as on the treadmill. In addition to wearing them with your gym clothes, you can pair them with luxury leisure wear like slim-fit joggers or designer shorts and hoodies for an effortlessly casual yet stylish look. Elevate your sporty trainers and counterbalance your gym vibe with an overcoat or distressed denim for a less sporty and more lifestyle look.

High tops

Originally designed to be basketball trainers, high-tops are now popular streetwear trainers, offering a casual or sporty look. Whether you prefer the Nike Air Jordans look or are a fan of the classic Converse style, this iconic silhouette is the perfect shoe for making a style statement.

Pair them with a range of causal outfits for an effortlessly cool look that isn't sloppy; for example, choose slim-fit jeans, a flannel shirt, a plain T-shirt and, in the summer, baggy shorts for a laid-back look. Or, pair them with chinos and patterned knitwear for a more smart-casual look. They also go well with combat or cropped trousers to minimalist bomber jackets.

Terrace trainers

Terrace trainers, usually with a gum sole, are a true classic. Popularised by football fans who frequented the terraces in days gone by, have recently had a resurgence in popularity. These flat-soled trainers have a sleek silhouette that will add a dash of vintage to your outfit. Leave the joggers and scarves at home to avoid looking like a football fan. Instead, dress them up with smart trousers or jeans, a smart shirt, and an overcoat.

Retro trainers

As always, trends make their rounds, and retro trainers are a style that is back in fashion. Whether feeling nostalgic about ‘90s fashion or embracing the noughties trends back in style, you need a pair of retro trainers. But we don't want to repeat past mistakes whenever a new style comes back into fashion. Instead, create outfits that reinvent the style with a slight nostalgic nod by pairing your retro trainers with modern pieces.

Court trainers

Court trainers are probably one of the most common and versatile trainer styles, with many considering them classic footwear or, sometimes referred to as low-top trainers. Use these to add a touch of ease and causal style to any outfit; their versatility means you really can use them for virtually any outfit ensemble, whether throwing on a classic T-shirt, casual jacket, or smarter chinos. Try cropped trousers to show a bit of ankle for a summer look or bold-coloured or patterned socks to make a style statement.

Luxury trainers

If you love to create a look where people know you've splashed the cash, you need a pair of luxury trainers to complete the look. These are the trainers you reserve for the best occasions, featuring premium leather, classy designs, brand logos, and flecks of gold and silver metal hardware. Luxury or designer trainers will elevate whatever you wear and nowadays are just as stylish and impactful as dress shoes. Whether you're dressing to impress on the weekend or looking to add a sporty twist to your workwear, luxury trainers will add style and bling to your wardrobe. Pair with suits, chinos, button-down shirts, blazers and other formal wear to match the high-fashion level these trainers will bring to the table.

Men's trainers at Daniel Footwear

Trends come and go, so make sure that whatever trainers you get match your current wardrobe and style. There's no point in purchasing new trainers and then buying a whole new wardrobe just to style them. If you choose trainers that best suit you, you're on to a winner.

Also, remember that as long as you feel comfortable in the clothes you pair with your trainers, you can't go wrong. Style is always subjective, so remember to stay true to what you like.

Whether you love to bring a casual edge to your work attire, are addicted to the latest trainer trends of the season or are feeling nostalgic about your old trainers from your youth, we have a pair of trainers for you. Shop men's trainers at Daniel Footwear for everything from the latest modern styles to luxury designer trainers for men.

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