Can You Wear Trainers with a Suit?

Trainers with a suit was once considered a fashion faux pas: a coming together of casual and formal elements that should never mix. But thankfully, times have changed. Modern trends are based around rewritten rules, and it’s now more than acceptable, perhaps even encouraged, to wear trainers with a suit.

In this guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on making the best of this stylish pairing. We’ll explore the kinds of trainers that work best, how to style them with different suits, and what to avoid if you want to pull off the look with confidence.

Here's what we'll cover:

• Can you wear trainers with a suit
• The best trainers to wear with a suit
• When to wear trainers with a suit
• Rules for wearing trainers with a suit

Can You Wear Trainers with a Suit?

Yes, and when done right, they’re a great combination suitable for everything from a relaxed office to a casual wedding or stylish day out. The key lies in balance. A well-chosen pair of trainers can offset the formality of a suit in a way that feels intentional, not accidental. But not every trainer, or indeed every suit, is suited to the pairing.

When Trainers and Suits Work Together

Trainers work best with suits when the dress code allows for a little personality. Business casual offices, fashion-forward social events, and relaxed weddings are ideal scenarios to explore this look. It’s also a great way to get more wear out of your suit without feeling overdressed.

Look for suits in modern cuts with a slimmer leg, shorter hem, or relaxed fabrics like cotton or linen. Pair them with clean, minimalist trainers that echo the refined lines of dress shoes, and you’re onto a winner.

When Trainers Don’t Work with a Suit

Not all occasions or outfit combinations suit trainers. Formal business meetings, black-tie events, or traditional workplaces may still expect classic dress shoes. Similarly, pairing running shoes or overly bright trainers with a formal three-piece suit can feel mismatched and messy.

As a general rule, if the event or dress code calls for formality, it's better to err on the side of classic footwear.

The Best Trainers to Wear with a Suit

There’s an enormous amount of variation between different types of trainers, so it’s definitely not just a case of grabbing whatever trainers you have lying around when you put your suit on. Chunky soles, bold colours, or overly sporty designs can quickly throw off the careful, smart formal balance, for example.

Here are the types of trainers that work best:

Minimalist Leather Trainers

Minimalist leather trainers like the Southend2 or the Simon are one of the most versatile options for pairing with a suit. With sleek profiles and structured silhouettes, they evoke the clean lines of formal footwear while keeping things modern and understated. White, black, or neutral tones work best, offering a polished finish without stealing focus from the tailoring.

• Why they work: their sleek design makes them easy to dress up, creating a harmonious balance between smart and casual.
• Best for: business-casual offices, daytime events, or dress-down Fridays.

Bold Colourful Trainers

For those looking to make a statement, colourful trainers can add a punch of personality to your suit. Colours like burgundy, forest green, or navy blue tend to work better than bright neon: the goal is to let the trainers do the talking by keeping the rest of the outfit neutral and well-tailored.

• Why they work: they provide a focal point that breaks up a classic suit silhouette.
• Best for: fashion-forward events, creative industries, or statement-making occasions.

When to Wear Trainers with a Suit

Pairing trainers with a suit is most successful when the setting allows it. It's a look that relies on subtle cues, like fabric choice, fit, and overall styling. Here are some ideal scenarios for suiting up with trainers:

Smart Casual in the Office

Many modern workplaces have embraced a more relaxed dress code. Swapping traditional brogues or Oxfords for smart trainers can update your office look while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.

Weddings and Special Occasions

For daytime weddings or less formal celebrations, trainers can offer a contemporary twist on traditional occasion wear. Think light-coloured suits paired with crisp white or tan trainers and finish the look with a coordinating belt or pocket square.

Everyday Street Style

A suit and trainers don’t have to be reserved for events. Worn with a plain tee, turtleneck, or even a hoodie, a suit can become part of your everyday rotation. This is street style at its finest: relaxed, confident, and just the right side of refined.

Rules of Pairing Suits & Trainers

Styling trainers with a suit isn’t just about swapping your footwear; it’s about making sure the rest of your outfit plays along. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Colour Trainers for Your Suit

Stick to a complementary palette. White trainers go well with navy or grey suits. Black trainers look great with darker tones. If you're feeling adventurous, try colours with matching accessories.

Choose the Right Material for Your Suit

Some materials lend themselves better to a dressed-down trainer look. Lightweight cotton, linen, or wool-blends work well. Avoid high-sheen materials or heavy pinstripes, which clash with the casual tone of trainers.

Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Trainers with a Suit

To help you pull off the suit and trainers look successfully, keep these pointers in mind:

• Do choose sleek, minimal trainers in neutral colours
• Don’t wear heavily padded or sporty performance shoes
• Do opt for cropped or tailored trousers that sit above the ankle
• Don’t let trouser hems bunch over the shoe
• Do make sure your trainers are clean and well-maintained
• Don’t mix clashing colours or wear athletic socks with formal trousers
• Do wear invisible or low-profile socks
• Don’t assume it works for all occasions - know your dress code!

Suit and Trainers

The verdict is in: you can wear trainers with a suit. But like any style rule that’s meant to be broken, it takes care, confidence, and an understanding of the balance between formality and casual wear.

To find your perfect pair of trainers, browse our full men’s trainers and women’s trainers collections. And if you're unsure which style to choose, pop into one of our stores, where our team will be happy to help.