Wearing Suits With Sneakers

You don’t need to march to the beat of a different drummer, to express yourself. It’s about harmonious self-expression.

Can you imagine anything more incongruous than a pair of sneakers peeking out from underneath a tuxedo? It’s like the three-year-old under a buffet table at a funeral, peeking out from under the tablecloth and giggling at you. No one told him he’s not supposed to be happy. I like that kid. This trend has gained solid traction in recent years (sneakers with suits, not giggling under buffets). While the look is certainly unconventional, it can also be quite stylish. After all, what could be more unexpected than a playful twist on a classic formalwear staple? For tuxedos, sneakers are the new cummerbund to add personal style and playfulness to an otherwise — if we’re being honest— prosaic look.

I recall my wedding 25 years ago. We went “daring” and had the groomsmen in baby blue cummerbunds and matching bow ties. Of course, it’s fun to pull out those photos now with friends to point and laugh but that was seriously as far as we could push it before parents started pulling funding. Bright acid green sneakers would have blown their minds. As entertaining as that might have been, we were counting on their willing participation to pull it off and I didn’t want to have to sue them.

Of course, not everyone is on board with this trend. Critics argue that it looks sloppy and unprofessional. Others simply find it to be an eyesore. But for those who are willing to take a risk, it’s empowering and inspiring. Read the room though. This isn’t about rejecting established protocols. If you’re looking to do that, just go into the office wearing a “Fuck You” T-shirt. That should do it. This, however, is about harmoniously expressing your own style in a larger social context.

Whether you’re a fan of the trend or not, there’s no denying that it takes a certain amount of confidence to pull it off. But you have confidence. You really do.

So, if you’re feeling confident, give it a try!

Pair eye-popping sneakers with a tuxedo or a business suit. You could pair colorful sneakers with formal dresses. We’ve already seen the trend of jeans and sneakers with a blazer as a fresh look within the office and casual attire. The horse is out of the barn now. Run with it…on wings of bold color and splashy graphics!

Who knows, you might start a new fashion trend of your own by adding delicious color or cool graphics to a business suit, dress, or tuxedo. An outfit that once said “I am professional, well-groomed, or otherwise pleasant”, now screams “I’m fascinating, dynamic, and interesting and you want to know me”. A word of caution here. No tattered Converse road-kill left overs from high school. Make sure your new sneakers are crisp and clean otherwise, your outfit might just scream “I just came off a two-day bender. Where am I?”