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, 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.
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Common Projects Original Achilles Leather Sneakers
As the label’s OG silhouette, the Achilles dates back to 2004 when Common Projects was founded - and it was 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 - and the classic white is an autumn/winter wardrobe essential.
Buy now £340.00, Mr. Porter
Adidas Originals Samba Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
You’re sure to have spotted Adidas Sambas making a comeback over the past couple of years. Everyone’s a fan of the retro style, from Harry Styles to Frank Ocean to Austin Butler, as well as nearly every influencer gracing your Instagram feed and all of the fashion week street stylers - and it’s a staple that’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Available in an array of shades, the black, white or neutral colourways are the easiest to smarten up with the right outfit.
Buy now £90.00, Mr. Porter
Paul Smith Aubergine Leather 'Zephyr' Trainers
Whilst Paul Smith may be best known for its tailoring, the brand delivers on the footwear front too. From the leather upper to the rubber sole, these trainers are crafted in premium textiles for a classic design that will last – and we love the smart aubergine shade.
Buy now £350.00, 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, these are the sneakers for you.
Buy now £150.00, 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 well known as 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’ll be able to wear these all day long without a blister in sight 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 wide range of designs, 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
Vagabond Derek Sneakers
True to Vagabond’s Scandi heritage, the Derek sneakers are both minimal and contemporary. With a dark grey suede upper, tonal rubber sole and laces, you could pair these with neutrals for a look that’s straight from the Nordics.
Buy now £130.00, Vagabond
Rodd & Gunn Sussex Street Sneaker
If you’re in the market for the classics, Rodd & Gunn is a New Zealand-based menswear label that should be firmly on your radar - as proven by these sneakers. Constructed from super smooth leather and soft suede, with these on your shoe rack you'll be welcoming that smart-casual dress code with open arms.
Buy now £139.00, Rodd & Gunn
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 £225.00, 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 win. Paired with neutrals, earthy tones or even black, these will be the elevated finishing touch to any outfit.
Buy now £595.00, Loewe
Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
If you’re experiencing a little Samba fatigue after seeing them on every celebrity, influencer and basically every other person on the tube, the Spezials could be the alt that keeps you on the Adidas hype. The black tongue and gum sole take this colourway up a notch.
Buy now £90.00, Adidas
Christian Louboutin Louis Junior suede trainers
If you're looking for sneakers that scream luxury, Christian Louboutin's suede Louis Juniors should be at the top of your list. They boast an ultra-soft upper, smooth leather lining and, of course, the label's trademark red sole.
Buy now £675.00, MyTheresa
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
Clae Haywood Triple White Leather
If you’re after white from top to toe, Clae’s triple-white leather has you covered. In the LA-based label’s signature style, these are crafted using premium fabrics for a luxurious finish – this time, it’s a premium Italian Nappa leather upper paired with a rubber sole.
Buy now £160.00, Clae
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
