That dreaded term: smart-casual.
It’s enough to rouse wardrobe-related anxiety for almost anyone. Is a suit too smart? Are jeans too informal? Can I still wear trainers?
Whilst we’re not going to answer all of these questions right now, we can most certainly help with the latter: you can absolutely wear trainers for a smart casual event - but, as with all dress codes, it’s far more sartorially nuanced than a simple yes or no.
First up, you need to consider the shoes themselves. Steer clear of anything too sporty, garishly coloured or statement. Instead, understated hues, classic silhouettes and minimal design details should be on your wishlist - and those crafted using premium fabrics like leather get extra points too.
As explained by Joseph Kocharian, former fashion director of Attitude Magazine & Rolling Stone UK, “It’s best to keep things tonal. White, navy, black or earthy tones always work well for the upper, with white or cream details on the leather, laces and the sole. It keeps things smart and versatile with formal outfits. If you want a bit of colour, sage green, baby blue and maroon can work too.”
For inspiration, your first port of call should be Common Projects. The American footwear label achieved cult status back in 2004 when it released its original style, the Achilles, which took a classic sportswear silhouette, à la Adidas Stan Smith, and elevated it with upgraded textiles, less branding and a better manufacturing process.
Since the brand’s groundbreaking shoe launched nearly two decades ago, there’s now a long list of labels which offer their own take on the trend. From Axel Arigato to Vagabond, Grenson to Paul Smith, the comprehensive range available means you’re sure to find a style that suits you.
Kocharian’s favourites? “Harry’s of London and Reiss both do great smart trainers in chic styles and colourways. I also really like sportier fashion brands like Lacoste, who do more retro-style trainers which work well with smarter looks.”
Then, once you’ve found the right trainers, it’s all about balancing them with your outfit. If you’re thinking of pairing them with ripped jeans and a baggy tee, think again. Instead, you need to dress them up, whether that’s with tailored trousers and a tucked-in T-shirt, quality denim worn with an Oxford shirt or simply a relaxed suit.
Kocharian continues, “Keep it simple. Wear them with plain socks, nice tapered trousers and a polo, a roll-neck, tee or a shirt. Don’t have any fussy detailing on the shoes, as it takes things out of the formal realm.”
To save you endlessly scrolling, we’ve rounded up our favourites available to buy now.
Keep scrolling for the best.
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Clae Haywood White Navy Light Natural Gum
If you’re after luxurious trainers, Clae has you covered. In the LA-based label’s signature style, these are crafted using premium fabrics for a quality finish – this time, it’s a premium Italian Nappa leather upper paired with a rubber sole.
Buy now £160.00, Clae
Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
The Achilles, Common Projects’ OG silhouette, dates back to 2004 when the label was founded - and it was actually one of the first premium smart casual trainers on the market.
Every shoe features a series of 10 numbers found on the outside heel which indicate the article number, the shoe’s European size, and that model’s specific colour.
Buy now £340.00, Mr. Porter
Adidas Originals Samba Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
The Adidas Samba hype is showing no signs of slowing down. So, there’s no time like the present to jump on the bandwagon, yourself.
Though they’re available in a variety of colourways, the black, white or neutral are the smartest of the lot.
Buy now £95.00, Adidas
Paul Smith Black and White 'Dover' Panel Sneakers
While Paul Smith may be best known for tailoring, the brand delivers on the footwear front too. These balance a sleek leather finish with sporty details and, in the designer’s signature style, fun pops of colour. A real smart-causal winner.
Buy now £195.00, Paul Smith
Veja V-90 Suede and Leather Sneakers
Creating a positive social impact is sustainable footwear label Veja’s M.O. - from the natural rubber which is responsibly collected by Seringueiros, or rubber gatherers, in the Amazon rainforest, to the distribution centre which employs vulnerable and differently-abled individuals with the goal of helping them find and pursue their passion afterwards.
If you’re on the lookout for a purchase that’s kind to the planet as well as your wardrobe, look no further.
Buy now £112.50, Mr. Porter
Dunhill Tailored Leather Sneakers
Since Simon Holloway was announced as creative director of Dunhill earlier this year, his knack for elevated classics has been evident – and this sneaker silhouette is no exception. A new style this season, these are causal loafers alternatives which would work with everything from suiting to denim.
Buy now £695.00, Dunhill
Reiss Finley Leather Trainers
Reiss is one of the best menswear labels on the high street. So, naturally, the brand offers a range of footwear to match. The grey suede upper and low-profile silhouette together deliver a smart yet understated finish.
Buy now £138.00, Reiss
Duke + Dexter Ritchie White Sneaker
Comfort is key when it comes to Duke + Dexter’s Ritchie sneakers. You could happily wear them all day long thanks to the lightweight sole and enhanced cushioning.
Buy now £220.00, Duke + Dexter
Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker
It’s no wonder Axel Arigato counts Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal and Rami Malek in its growing fanbase. Whatever your taste in trainers, the Scandi brand has you covered with its collection, from timeless to ugly-cool.
The Clean 90 silhouette is classic through and through. Monochrome colourway? Check. Premium leather upper? Check. Gold logo stamp? You guessed it, check.
Buy now £210.00, Axel Arigato
Oliver Cabell Low 1 White
It’s useful to have an easy triple white take in your collection – and Oliver Cabell’s Low 1 fits the bill perfectly. It feels smart yet relaxed and will work with everything from jeans to a full suit. Just take a look at Brad Pitt’s more recent red carpet-appearances for styling cues.
Buy now £140.00, Oliver Cabell
Vagabond Leo Sneakers
True to Vagabond’s Scandi heritage, the Leo, the newest silhouette in the sneaker range, is both minimal and contemporary. A nice Samba alt for those who are over the triple stripe.
Buy now £130.00, Vagabond
Grenson Men’s Sneaker 1
Dating back to 1866, Grenson has over 150 years of experience in the footwear game - especially when it comes to smart shoes. The Sneaker 1 is the perfect alternative to brogues or Oxfords - whether you dress them down with denim or up with tailoring.
Buy now £195.00, Grenson
Loewe Flow Runner suede and nylon trainers
A strong fashion crowd and celebrity favourite - with a fanbase that includes Jamie Dornan, Manu Rios and Jack O'Connell - anything adorned with Loewe's L is an instant grail. Paired with neutrals, earthy tones or even black, these will be the elevated finishing touch to any outfit.
Buy now £595.00, Loewe
Russell & Bromley Achilles Leather Trainer
You can count on high street hero Russell & Bromley for a quality pair of shoes, whether it’s loafers or sneakers. This time, it’s a smart black leather construction and sporty silhouette for the perfect smart-casual balance.
Buy now £195.00, Russell & Bromley
New Balance 480 Shoes
New Balance's 480s are the sleek, clean alternative to the brand's better-known chunky dad shoes. Following the brand's signature, not only are they a strong style choice, but they'll also be some of the comfiest kicks you own.
Buy now £90.00, New Balance
Jak Royal Nubuck Off-White
Sometimes brilliant white trainers might be a little stark for your ‘fit – which is where Jak’s muted off-white leather take comes in. Since they’re a little more toned down, they’ll pull less focus and blend in more easily.
Buy now, Jak
Myrqvist Alnö Taupe Suede
Myrqvist’s MO is designing premium footwear which doesn’t follow the traditional trend cycle. That being said, understated quiet luxury happens to be trending right now – which is what they do best. And nothing hits the mark like dark brown suede sneakers with a modern hidden-lace construction.
Buy now £199.00, Myrqvist
