Few combinations balance elegance and ease like trousers and sneakers. Tailored pants are a timeless staple that add polish to any outfit, while sneakers bring practicality and casual cool. Together, they create a versatile look that works just as well in the office as on city streets.
This pairing’s enduring appeal is clear everywhere: from street style, where fashion-forward crowds team wide-leg trousers with sleek trainers, to the runways. At Michael Rider’s debut for Celine, for example, slim, legging-like pants were paired with Keds-style canvas sneakers—a fresh take on the effortless duo.
Vogue’s Favorite Sneakers
The Red Sneaker
Nike LD-1000 sneakers
$105 | NIKE
The White Sneaker
Common Projects Original Achilles sneakers
$482 | NORDSTROM
The Yellow Sneaker
Dries Van Noten leather-trimmed suede sneakers
$630 | NET-A-PORTER
Fashion insiders love a sneaker moment. The Adidas Tokyo and Nike Cortez are current favorites for their slim profile, and the newly popular “sneakerina”—a ballet-sneaker hybrid seen on Jennifer Lawrence and Zendaya—has quickly become the insider’s choice. Below, shop our favorite sneakers and the best trousers to wear with them.
The Red Sneaker With Black Satin Pants
Channel J.Law’s off-duty cool in satin pants, a graphic tee, and slim red Nikes.
* Nike LD-1000 sneakers – $105 | NIKE
* Banana Republic Modern Straight City pants – $120 | BANANA REPUBLIC
* Kallmeyer Wynn striped T-shirt – $145 | NET-A-PORTER
* Tory Burch Romy half moon bag – $395 | NORDSTROM
The Yellow Suede Sneaker With Fluid White Trousers
Dries Van Noten’s hit sneaker in bright yellow suede pairs well with white trousers and a laid-back bomber.
* Dries Van Noten leather-trimmed suede sneakers – $630 | NET-A-PORTER
* Another Tomorrow wide-leg pants – $690 | NET-A-PORTER
* Frame The distressed leather jacket – $2,198 | FRAME
* Favorite Daughter The Favorite belt – $98 | NORDSTROM
The Canvas Sneaker With Slim Black Pants
For those ready to try the new Celine look, pair Keds with slim leggings, an oversized shirt, and a printed scarf.
* Keds Champion Core sneakers – $65 | SHOPBOP
* Toteme Cork leggings – $220 | NET-A-PORTER
* Comme Si La Shirt Classica – $275 | SHOPBOP
* Valentino Toute la V scarf – $550 | NORDSTROM
The Brown Sneaker With Red Linen Trousers
Give Autry’s brown suede sneakers a fresh spin by mixing them with bold red trousers and purple knits.
* Autry Windspin low sneakers – $215 | SHOPBOP
* J.Crew relaxed-fit pleated pants – $198 | J.CREW
* Calvin Klein Collection Celia sweater – $690 | NET-A-PORTER
* Coco cashmere and silk-blend T-shirt – $695 | NET-A-PORTER
The Traditional White Leather With Black Wide-Legs
Whether off-duty or at the office, it doesn’t get more effortless than wide-leg black trousers, a slouchy sweater, and white sneakers.
* Common Projects Original Achilles sneakers – $482 | NORDSTROM / SHOPBOP
* Banana Republic The Everyday wide-leg pants – $120 | BANANA REPUBLIC
* La Ligne Archie mock-neck sweater – $425 | NET-A-PORTER
* Shashi Reagan huggies – $78 | SHOPBOP
The Old-School Sneaker With Wool Pants
Pair a chunky dad sneaker with slightly twisted suiting separates, a suede blazer, and a beige button-up for an idiosyncratic look.
* New Balance 9060 sneakers – $160 | FREE PEOPLE
* The Row Roger wide-leg pants – $1,150 | NET-A-PORTER
* Zara suede coat – $270 | ZARAEverlane
The Boyfriend Shirt
$118
Puma’s Sneakerina with Relaxed Trousers
Keep Puma’s sneakerina from feeling too cute by pairing it with boyish separates.
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Puma Speedcat ballet sneakers
$90
Free People
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Acne Studios Patty wide-leg pants
$750
Net-a-Porter
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Róhepolo shirt
$700
Net-a-Porter
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Coach Empire Carryall bag 34
$450
Coach
The Silver Sneaker with Coordinated Suiting
Bottega Veneta’s silver sneaker makes an unexpectedly cool companion for a sleek suit.
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Bottega Veneta Orbit Flash sneakers
$1,050
Net-a-Porter
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& Other Stories double-breasted blazer
$259
& Other Stories
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& Other Stories flared press-crease trousers
$179
& Other Stories
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Uniqlo Heattech T-shirt
$20
Uniqlo
The Hiking Sneaker with Slouchy Separates
Slouchy gray sweats gain an edge when paired with sporty streetwear staples, like Salomons and shield sunglasses.
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Salomon XT-6 sneakers
$165
Net-a-Porter
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COS wide-leg joggers
$89
COS
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Saint Laurent bomber jacket
$7,200
Saint Laurent
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Elisa Johnson Jane sunglasses
$145
Shopbop
The Brown Sneaker with a Coordinating Track Pant
Track pants and a preppy polo sweater in shades of turquoise and brown make for a cozy-cool off-duty look.
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Miu Miu Plume sneakers
$1,020
Miu Miu
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Polo Ralph Lauren wide-leg track pants
$150
Net-a-Porter
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Guest in Residence Collegiate argyle polo sweater
$545
Shopbop
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Éliou Guara necklace
$315
Shopbop
The Zebra Sneaker with a Matching Wide-Leg
Another fashion-girl favorite, the Adidas Tokyo is sporty-chic with a track jacket and trousers.
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Adidas Tokyo sneakers
$100
Shopbop
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Uniqlo windproof stand blouson
$80
Uniqlo
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High Sport Gene pleated pants
$1,240
Net-a-Porter
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Joseph cotton-jersey T-shirt
$140
Net-a-Porter
Shop more sneakers:
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Prada Montecarlo Re-Edition 2005 sneakers
$1,120
Prada
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Loewe x On Cloud sneakers
$750
Net-a-Porter
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Acne Studios Bilaria Winter sneakers
$620
Shopbop
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Gucci Shift sneakers
$1,050
Gucci
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Vans Super Low Pro sneakers
$85
Shopbop
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APL Athletic Propulsion Labs TechLoom Wave sneakers
$270
APL Athletic Propulsion Labs
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Asics Gel-1130 sneakers
$100
Shopbop
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Totême Sport sneakers
$480
Net-a-Porter
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Maison Margiela Sprinter sneakers
$950
Net-a-Porter
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Gola Hawk sneakers
$115
Free People
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Adidas Taekwondo Mei Elite sneakers
$110
Shopbop
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Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Lite sneakers
$180
Hoka
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs The Best Sneakers to Pair with Trousers
Beginner Definition Questions
1 Can you really wear sneakers with trousers
Absolutely Its a modern stylish look that blends comfort with sophistication The key is choosing the right sneaker and trouser combination
2 What types of trousers work best with sneakers
Almost all types can work Tailored trousers chinos wideleg pants and even some suit trousers are great choices Avoid very formal heavily structured suit pants unless youre going for a specific highfashion look
3 What are the best allaround sneaker styles for trousers
Clean minimalist sneakers are the most versatile Think classic white leather sneakers sleek black trainers or understated grey or tan styles Brands like Common Projects Axel Arigato or even simple Adidas Stan Smiths are perfect starters
Benefits Style Goals
4 Whats the main benefit of this style
It instantly makes an outfit look more contemporary relaxed and personal You get the polished silhouette of trousers with the comfort and casual cool of sneakers
5 Is this appropriate for the office
It depends on your workplace dress code In many modern creative or businesscasual offices its totally acceptable Start with dark clean sneakers and tailored wool trousers to test the waters
Common Problems Solutions
6 My outfit looks too sloppy What am I doing wrong
This usually happens when the sneakers are too bulky or the trousers are too longbaggy Ensure your trousers have a clean break or a slight croppedtapered ankle Pair them with sleek sneakers not chunky athletic shoes
7 How do I keep my ankles from looking awkward
The trouser length is crucial Aim for a nobreak or slight cropped length that ends just at or above the top of your sneaker Showing a bit of anklesock helps define the look
8 Can I wear socks with this look
Yes For a clean look wear noshow socks For a more intentional fashionforward look try a thin complementary colored sock that matches your trousers or sneakers
Advanced Practical Tips
9 How do I dress up sneakers for a smarter look
Pair them with trousers in luxe fabrics