How to look smart in sneakers over summer

Learning how to match sneakers with outfits for any occasion is easier than you might think. You can ensure you’ll look your best while wearing your favourite pair of sneakers by applying two fundamental sneaker styling principles.

PRINCIPLE #1: BALANCING COLOUR WITH PATTERNS

How to wear sneakers in summer starts by balancing their colour with your shirt’s pattern or design. We’ll be styling an outfit based on a fresh pair of sneakers to keep things simple. Sneakers can be quickly and easily paired with practically any piece of clothing in your wardrobe, and there are several summer outfits with sneakers you can put together.

Let’s start with the shoe itself before diving into what clothes to pair with white sneakers. We’re in big favour of genuine leather for its toughness and durability and because it’s significantly more comfortable than its cotton and synthetic counterparts. For that reason, the Sussex Street Sneaker is a must-have summer shoe.

The next step for achieving your white sneaker outfit is a pair of shorts. To maintain that laidback summery vibe, we suggest choosing shorts with a more relaxed fit. The Gunn 9” Short, available in a range of solid colours, is crafted in micro-textured fabric, enriched with stretch for comfort and longevity – making these Bermuda shorts super breathable for those hot summer days.

Last but certainly not least is the humble shirt. While The Gunn T-Shirt could undoubtedly get the job done, we recommend taking things up a notch, as the Big Glory Bay Sports Fit Shirt with its ode to tropical floral print. Or the Coromandel Sports Fit Shirt and its unique delave wash, lending the fabric a slightly faded look and soft feel. Even The Gunn Polo will look great with sneakers in summer.

PRINCIPLE #2: HOW TO WEAVE SNEAKERS INTO A SMART CASUAL DRESS CODE

Ask a hundred men what a smart casual dress code requires, and you’ll get a hundred different answers. But don’t let that steer you into fear because dressing smart and casual is made all the more accessible with a pair of sneakers.

First and foremost, adding a collared shirt to your outfit will instantly improve the smart portion of your look. Skip the business shirt and go for something lighter like the supremely luxurious European Linen Clyde Quay Shirt. This endlessly versatile addition to your holiday wardrobe exudes a laidback aesthetic without losing sophistication.

Add versatility with a classic pair of slim-fitting chinos like the Thomas Road Chino Pant in a Stone or Camel hue. Woven in Italy yet utterly relaxed, these clean-lined chinos are enriched with a slight stretch, giving you greater movement and durability – which is great for when the temperature heats up.

If you feel like turning things up to 11/10 on the smart scale, throw on our Midnight Cascades Sports Fit Jacket. Expertly crafted in our deconstructed make with natural shoulder padding, you can remain relaxed yet classy with this go-to smart casual summer outfit with sneakers.

Remember those white Sussex Street Sneakers? They’re available in more colours, giving you more options for looking smart in sneakers this summer. Want something just as versatile as white? Go for the Nero black version for a darker look with a pair of Albury Straight Jeans in black. Can’t get enough of suede? Rock a pair of the Taupe Sussex Street Sneakers.

And there you have it – two fundamental principles you can apply for mastering the ultimate summer outfit sneakers. By balancing colour with pattern this summer and adding sneakers to your smart casual repertoire, you’ll soon master the art of how to wear sneakers in summer. To stock up, your wardrobe with more Rodd & Gunn approved summer styles, head to our blog for the latest tips.