How to Style Suits With Sneakers

It may seem an unlikely pairing. You may love it or you may hate it. But it doesn’t matter because we’re all about it, and we’re here to show you how it can be done. I’m talking about wearing suits with sneakers. Visions of “Working Girl” and thoughts of strenuous commutes might be running through your mind, but it’s actually possible to make the suit and sneaker pairing modern, professional and above all, cool. Let’s dive in.

For the first look, we took one of our most recent spring additions, the Odell Navy Belgian Loafer Sneakers, for a spin with a sky blue suit. Odell – previously only available in black and Sacramento green – mashes up a classically chic loafer silhouette with a thick gum sole. In a rich midnight blue color, Odell pairs well with charcoal and slate grey. We played with a fun shade of blue for a look that screams spring, but keeping it monochromatic with a navy suit would be equally statement-making.

We paired this suit with a pale pink button-up to really hone in on a warm weather vibe, though an Oxford in classic white would offset the chunky sole and shirts with pinstripes, polka dots or plaids pair well with a shoe like Odell, with his clean lines and simple design. Keep your look more casual by going tie-less and opting for a minimalist pocket square, or throw on a tie in a floral or paisley pattern and add more accessories for a look that’s more “you.”

For the next outfit, we paired a windowpane suit with our trend-forward Kyler Monk Strap Sneakers. This sneaker also comes in black and cognac, though we opted for the maroon variety to coordinate with the subtle pink panels offsetting the cool blue of this suit. 

We kept it simple by pairing Kyler with a white Oxford shirt and a pocket square in coordinating colors, though the gold buckles fastening the monk straps allow for a number of jewelry options with watches, bracelets and rings, and the maroon leather pairs well with just about any tie, bow tie, shirt, or pocket square in all colors and patterns.

And now for the ultimate versatile lace-up, the perfect hybrid shoe with comfort for days and style in spades: it’s Jasper. The full brogue medallion wingtip upper is paired with an EVA rubber sole in a sleek white, black and red racing stripe. While black may seem like an obvious choice, Jasper also comes in cognac, honey and navy – all of which are equally wearable.

We paired Jasper in black with a dark grey suit and a black button-up, because black on black on black is only as intimidating as you make it. Brighten it up like we did with a pocket square, or complement the streak of color in the sole by adding a red tie, red pocket square, red lapel pin or all of the above. Of course, Jasper pairs well with black suits and greys of all shades, and the different color options of this style give you dozens more color combination options.

Still think you couldn’t pull off these looks? Just remember: you can wear anything, just as long as you wear it with confidence.

Shop all Marc Nolan sneakers here and comment below to tell us which pair you’re most looking forward to wearing this summer.

All suits in this story were made by the Dapper Club.

Written and photographed by Hannah Swank