Dress Code Approved: How to Style Sneakers for the Office
This decade, sneakers at the office have become as common as having two jobs as a remote worker. However, there are few style guides or resources on how to wear sneakers to the office.
Personally, I try to keep it simple with an outfit formula: Jacket or Sweater + Oxford or dress shirt + trousers or chinos + minimal leather sneakers in a neutral color.
2 + 2 Business Casual Formula
The 2 + 2 formula is great for when you need to start layering. Add two formal and two casual, yet sharp, pieces for a business casual outfit.
When I say casual but sharp, I mean items like clean leather sneakers or a navy zip cardigan.
It’s a conservative way of doing it that will work for almost everyone.
Now, let’s take a look at some more examples.
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Business Casual Outfits With Sneakers
This is how I style my work outfits with sneakers. Just remember, business casual is a broad style, and there are plenty of ways to do it.
Raincoat Blue Oxford Shirt + Navy Trousers + White Sneakers
This is my most well-known and favorite business casual outfit with sneakers. It’s a classic and safe way to start wearing sneakers to the office.
This is also the easiest outfit to pull off, so if you’ll start with one, start with this one. I’m wearing two shades of blue and minimal white sneakers.
Gray Crewneck Sweater + Navy Trousers + Brown Sneakers
One safe color for a business casual outfit is gray. It works great when you need to wear a sweater to the office.
Another thing I do when styling office outfits with sweaters is make sure I’m wearing a dress shirt as the first layer.
The Smartest Sneakers
Black leather sneakers are your safest option when you need a shoe that’s conservative, smart, and goes largely unnoticed.
I’m pairing them with two business casual pieces (an Oxford shirt and chinos) and one item that leans smart casual (a zip cardigan).
Green Crewneck Sweater + Navy Trousers + Brown Sneakers
This whole combination signals fall and Christmas at the office.
Styling tip: One thing I’ve found that makes an outfit feel more “office-friendly” is adding glasses. I’m wearing a green sweater and brown sneakers, but by balancing them out with trousers, a dress shirt and the glasses, it gives the outfit a more formal feel.
Rock Your denim Jacket
You should take this one with more caution. Use this idea only if it’s allowed by your office dress code, since it leans more casual.
I’m still wearing an Oxford shirt and chinos, so one thing you can do is wear the jacket open.
Preppy Outfit
A cable-knit sweater is a classic preppy piece that can be worn in a business casual office environment if styled correctly.
Again, I’m leaning on the combination of trousers, a dress shirt, and glasses to balance the sweater and sneakers.
Gray Wool Pants Outfit
Gray wool pants are one of the easiest ways to balance out casual items. They tone down a look and make it instantly more formal.
You can wear gray trousers with a neutral-colored Oxford shirt and a jacket with sneakers for another example of the 2 + 2 formula.
Tips to Make Sneakers Work at The Office
Here are a few easy rules:
🧼 Keep them clean.
I use this shoe cleaner from Cole Haan.
👞 Match the level of your outfit.
I avoid sneakers when wearing jeans for an office outfit. Both items together fall into the ”too casual” bucket.
You can see more examples in my business casual outfits with sneakers blog post.
⚪ Go with neutral tones.
Beige, navy, white, and gray are your best bets when it comes to colors.
Avoid Sneakers When…
❌ You’ve got a formal client meeting
❌ Your sneakers aren’t clean
❌ Your office has a strict dress code
