Sneakers and Suits: A Guide For Formalwear Day

Trainers with tailoring? Suits with sneakers? A few years ago, it might have raised eyebrows but now, it’s one of the smartest moves a modern man can make. Dress shoes aren’t the only option anymore, the right pair of trainers can bring a suit to life, making it feel modern and effortless. Of course, there’s a balance to strike, pick the wrong style or colour and it can look forced, but pick it right and it’s the perfect mix of relaxed and refined. To make it easier we’ve pulled together some simple rules for pairing smart sneakers with sharp tailoring. 

Go for a high-contrast pairing

The first rule of sneakers and suiting is the most important; keep things simple. If your suit is light, try dark sneakers. If your suit is dark, try light sneakers. We’d opt for a timeless navy suit, itself sitting closer to casual on the smart spectrum. For the footwear, go for similarly simple designs. Full white can look really sleek with very subtle, almost non-existent logo detailing like our MELLOR II design, crafted from premium Italian leather, or the BOULSOVER trainers; based on a timeless tennis shoe silhouette.

Always pair texture with texture

Slightly further along the smart-casual spectrum, you’ll find textured tailoring. Whether your suit is cut from corduroy or trimmed from tweed, nothing accentuates the texture of a fabric like a textured sneaker. And there really is only one option. So, once you’ve chosen you suit, it’s time to seek out some suede. Invest in a pair of sneakers, such as ROMA GAT sneakers and you’ll be infinitely more comfortable and with brown suede and gum rubber Lactae Hevea sole, they’ll add a fresh, modern touch to any formal look.

If you’re wearing pinstripes, go for two-tone trainers

Another lesson in two-tone dressing, the pinstripe is a classic suit fabric style. Traditionally very formal tailoring, pinstripes have been changing of late, springing up in casual collections and making a more informal name for themselves. But be careful. There are rules when it comes to pairing pinstripes with trainers. Chiefly, follow that two-tone rule. If your suit is navy and white, your sneakers should follow the same pattern. That means looking to MELLOR II and the navy calfskin leather with a white sole.

Darker shades will turn your sneakers into dress shoes

Sneakers don’t have to look casual when paired with a suit, in fact, with the right colour and material, they can feel just as polished as traditional dress shoes. Start with your suit, a mid- or light-grey works perfectly when you want to experiment with the suit-and-sneaker look.

From there, your footwear does the rest. Darker tones naturally give sneakers a more formal feel, letting them blend seamlessly with tailored outfits. Think our HANLEY in rich No.8 Horween Shell Cordovan or the HUXLEY in deep black deerskin, both strike that perfect balance of elegance and modern ease, giving your trainers a refined, dressed-up edge.

Go ultra-casual with confidence
When you ditch the shirt and tie, you can lean fully into a relaxed, modern vibe with just a t-shirt under the blazer, but when you do this your sneakers need to keep up. High-tops work best here, adding a bit of structure while still keeping things casual. Our SMUGS in rich Horween Chromexcel are perfect for this. The deep, glossy leather adds sophistication to an otherwise laid-back look, making them a standout choice when you want your suit to feel stylish but completely effortless.

Celebrating Formalwear Day

Formalwear Day is all about marking the moments that matter, weddings, graduations, big presentations, or simply the joy of dressing well, and today formal style doesn’t have to mean stiff shoes or rigid rules. Sneakers have earned their place in the wardrobe of the modern gentleman, bringing comfort, versatility, and personality to every suit. We’re proud to craft sneakers that blend heritage craftsmanship with the relaxed tailoring of today’s formalwear.