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Legs of a model in black jeans and white sneaker

How to Wear White Shoes with Black Jeans


Black jeans and white sneakers represent two of the most common menswear staples. Exuding versatility and effortlessly cool, they’re key pieces in the modern man’s style arsenal. Despite their staple status, pairing the two tried and tested pieces together is a less common sartorial move than expected. However, white shoes and black jeans make a timeless duo when worn together. Here’s how to style white sneakers with black jeans. 

How to Style White Shoes and Black Jeans

White Shoes with Casual Attire

Individually, black jeans and white sneakers are designed for casual occasions and can easily be worn together without much effort. Skinny or straight leg black jeans look best when worn with white sneakers, however you can experiment with different styles by trying distressed denim or pinrolling your jeans to show off a hint of ankle. Low top sneakers typically work best when paired with black jeans, though you can add a pop of colour with options like Adidas Stan Smiths, or try different fabrics like mesh, canvas, or suede. For casual outfits, avoid structured or overly tailored pieces and opt for relaxed pieces like t-shirts or printed shirts, and denim, biker, and bomber jacket styles. 

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Smart Casual Attire with White Shoes

Teaming your white sneakers and jeans with refined pieces elevates them to smart casual status. Stick to non-distressed, slim fit or straight leg jeans paired with monochrome white sneakers in smooth or grosgrain leather. Opt for polished yet relaxed pieces for your top half, like a t-shirt teamed with a blazer, or a light turtleneck sweater worn with a structured coat.

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Semi-formal Attire with White Shoes

It can be difficult to pull off white sneakers and black jeans in a semi-formal setting, as both are inherently casual pieces. However, you can still dress them up for semi-formal occasions like afternoon drinks or a cocktail event by treating your black jeans like chinos and selecting sleek minimalist low-top sneakers in white leather. Team slim-fitting black jeans and white sneakers with formal garments like an Oxford or dress shirt, a blazer, and a pocket square. 

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8 White Shoes and Black Jeans Outfits

The muted colour palette of white shoes and black jeans make them a solid building point for any outfit. The monochromatic duo strike the ideal balance between style and versatility. Though you’d be hard-pressed to pull off sneakers and jeans in business dressing or as formal wear, the right styling can make them suitable for casual to semi-formal dress codes. Here are some ways to wear black jeans with white shoes.

1. Denim Shirt with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

Add a pop of colour with double denim; try an indigo denim shirt worn over black selvedge denim jeans and a pair of low-top white sneakers. For a more casual look, wear a denim shirt unbuttoned over a white t-shirt with distressed black jeans and mesh white sneakers.

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2. Oxford Shirt with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

For a polished aesthetic, opt for a button down oxford shirt with slim leg black jeans and low-cut white leather sneakers. 

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3. Black Shirt with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

Go monochrome by pairing a black button down shirt with black jeans and white shoes. A plain black shirt worn with slim or straight leg black jeans and low-top white leather sneakers makes for a clean and refined aesthetic. Alternatively, add some edge to your look by opting for a printed black shirt, distressed denim, or hi-top suede or mesh sneakers. 

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4. Tailored Jacket and Roll Neck with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

Opt for a refined, yet modern look by teaming your black jeans and white sneakers with a tailored jacket and a thin black or coloured – rust orange, olive green, or baby blue work well – roll neck sweater.

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5. Black Linen Blazer and White T-shirt with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

Ditch your chinos and don a pair of slim-fitting black jeans instead. Team with a black linen blazer, a white t-shirt, and white hi-top sneakers for a low-key transitional weather look. 

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6. Leather Jacket with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

A leather jacket never goes out of style; swap out your chinos for black jeans and throw a leather motorcycle jacket over a plain white t-shirt for a timeless casual look. 

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7. Denim Jacket with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

A slim-fit blue wash denim jacket is a quintessential piece in any man’s wardrobe. Pair with a white shirt, black jeans, and white sneakers for a classic casual outfit, or try experimenting by wearing it over a hoodie, button-down shirt, or Breton striped t-shirt.

Man of Many Recommends:
Farfetch Denim Jackets –  Buy it here

8. Grey Shirt with White Sneakers and Black Jeans

Grey shirts work well with the contrasting tones of black and white; elevate your weekend edit by trying a grey t-shirt or button down chambray shirt with pinrolled black jeans and low-top suede or leather sneakers. 

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General FAQ

Still have questions? We’ve got you covered.

What shoes go well with black jeans?

White sneakers make for a fresh, minimalist look when paired with black jeans. Black or dark brown Chelsea boots also work well, as do darker brown or tan double monk strap shoes.

Can I wear black shoes with white jeans?

Definitely. You can wear black sneakers with white jeans for a casual look, or try derbies or brogues for something more formal. Tan shoes or coloured boat shoes are also an easy way to style white jeans.

Do white shoes go with black jeans?

White shoes go well with black jeans; leather low-top versions are good for more polished looks, while hi-tops and mesh, suede, and canvas variations are great for casual outfits.

What colour goes with black jeans?

Black jeans can be worn with white sneakers, but shoes in dark brown, tan, or oxblood also work well.

What colour shoes go best with jeans?

Chelsea and chukka boots, sneakers, and double monk strap shoes work well with jeans for casual looks. For a more refined look, try loafers, derby shoes, oxford shoes, or brogues.