Sneakers are my jam. You may know this if you’ve been following for a while now, but not every sneaker works with every style of jean or pant in your wardrobe. That seems like a lot to ask, right? Well, a start in this process was to look to the Europeans (I’m looking at you France, Spain & Italy). They seem to have the looking-fashionable-in-sneakers thing down. The sneakers are sporty looking and not comfort-shoe-looking (I know, I know…Dad Sneaks are in, but I think I’m of the age where no, I just can’t pull them off). The Euro sneaker, as I’ll call it, remains effortlessly cool. That is a shoe I can get on board with.
The High-Top Sneakers To Rule Them All
OK, so I’m not a ‘make sweeping statements’ kinda gal, but let’s get to this magical pair…one that has eluded me for years. So many times I tried different white high-tops that just didn’t quite work. I’m not sure if it was me or the sneaker, but I’ve finally found my sole mate (womp womp)…the white high-top sneaker that goes with every style of pants! I know. I’m excited, too.
Things to note: this sneaker is every so slightly off-white, which I’ve found is way easier to wear than bright white. This sneaker isn’t super high on the leg, good for us shorties. This sneaker nips in at the ankle, kind of like the sock boot does. These are all major things it has going for it when it comes to being flattering. Now, let’s check it out with various pants.
The High-Tops With The Straight Leg Ankle Jean
OK, I started with one of the trickier cuts of jeans to style with shoes. The straight leg jean can look a little dowdy and less flattering with a flat boot or shoe, but these seem to work. I think the fact that they’re tight at the ankle and hit just below the pant edge are what make them to work. They almost fit like a sock boot, which works well with this style. I was just stoked to realize a flat shoe will in fact work with this cut of jeans.
Outfit Details
Sneakers – Gola High Top Sneaker – These are by far the best I’ve found. Sadly, the red and navy have long been sold out, but luckily the same sneakers are still available in a cute black and white, as well as all white and white with silver. TTS. Wearing US 8/EUR 39 here. I seriously wear them every other day.
Black Jeans (similar) – Well, dang. My BDG Straight Leg from Urban are gone, but these from Everlane get great reviews and look very similar.
Blue Jeans (similar) – AG The Rhett – Mine are older Madewell, and they haven’t come out with quite the same wash/distressing lately. But these AG look very close and are on sale right now!
Sweatshirt – J.Crew Brooklyn pullover – Love the smaller cut of this sweatshirt for an updated fit. Also like the New York version. Wearing a Small.
The High-Tops With The Wide-Leg Cropped Jean
This is another formerly tricky pant cut to style, for me. I always thought that since I’m shorter, I couldn’t pull these off. It turns out that high-rise cropped wide-leg pants are wearable, even with a flat shoe if it’s like this one. Again, the sneaker works almost like the shape of a sock boot, nipping in at the ankle, but covering the ankle almost up to the pant edge. I wear this combo a lot these days. I typically half-tuck my top a little more to really exaggerate the longer leg vibe.
Outfit Details
Sneakers – Gola High Top Sneaker – These are by far the best I’ve found. Sadly, the red and navy have long been sold out, but luckily the same sneakers are still available in a cute black and white, as well as all white and white with silver. TTS. Wearing US 8/EUR 39 here. I seriously wear them every other day.
Wide Leg Jeans – J.Crew Point Sur Wide Leg Crop – These are amazing. I love them. They’re on final sale, but that means cheap. Size up one from your regular size, I found. They do have some stretch, but they’re thicker than your average jean. A go-to for me right now.
Sweatshirt – J.Crew Brooklyn pullover – Love the smaller cut of this sweatshirt for an updated fit. Also like the New York version. Wearing a Small.
The High-Tops With The Ponte Dress Pant
This combo I love LOVE for everyday, for travel or even for a casual office (swap the sweatshirt for a sweater or tucked button-down shirt). By the way, these pants are insanely comfy.
Outfit Details
Sneakers – Gola High Top Sneaker – These are by far the best I’ve found. Sadly, the red and navy have long been sold out, but luckily the same sneakers are still available in a cute black and white, as well as all white and white with silver. TTS. Wearing US 8/EUR 39 here. I seriously wear them every other day.
Pants – Everlane Stretch Ponte Crop – LOVE these things. I’m wearing a 6 here, but I think I should have probably gone with my regular size 4. I didn’t want them to be too tight. These aren’t all that big, but I’d say stick with your regular size. SO comfy for work or travel or all the time.
Sweatshirt – J.Crew Brooklyn pullover – Love the smaller cut of this sweatshirt for an updated fit. Also like the New York version. Wearing a Small.
The High-Tops With The Legging
This is the pant style I’m in quite a few times each week for barre3. I love how these high-tops make a legging outfit a little more street. You may have seen this combo in my recent post about just that. I like putting my wool coat over this look to make it even more polished, less I-just-went-to-the-gym.
Outfit Details
Sneakers – Gola High Top Sneaker – These are by far the best I’ve found. Sadly, the red and navy have long been sold out, but luckily the same sneakers are still available in a cute black and white, as well as all white and white with silver. TTS. Wearing US 8/EUR 39 here. I seriously wear them every other day.
Leggings (similar) – Alo Moto Leggings – these are great. These are insanely cool. For a more lounge style legging,
Sweatshirt – J.Crew Brooklyn pullover – Love the smaller cut of this sweatshirt for an updated fit. Also like the New York version. Wearing a Small.
Shop A Few More “Perfect” High-Tops
So, there you have it. My white high-tops for winter. Haha. They really haven’t been a problem since I’m not schlepping around downtown, commuting or dealing with snow. But, if you are where you’re at, I’ve linked to a few leather pairs up there that should be warmer and more weather-proof. And yes, Camper is available for photoshoots and ad campaigns. Only if Posy gets to take the pictures. They’re now BFFs.
xo
L
Hop on over to follow me on Instagram @laurajansenstyle to see more of what I’m up to in Portland, Oregon in my sneakers. And don’t forget about LikeToKnow.It for easy peasy shopping of the looks I’m loving!
Pictures by the lovely Posy Quarterman.
Those are stupid cute!! Out of my size also ?
Does this shoe also work with full-length (not cropped) jeans? I have a pair of full length slim straights, very classic, but I’m struggling to find shoes that work well with them, since they’re too narrow to tuck in nicely but a little too wide to fit over many bootie shafts.
Hmm. I think so. I never wear full length pants these days because for me, with shorter legs, it’s more flattering to show a narrow ankle area, but I think if any shoe would work with a full length straight leg this would be it!
I just bought the washed black FP boyfriend overalls. Do you think these high tops would work with that?