White shoes are very popular for the summer and tropical areas. While they can get dirty quite easily, they’re very stylish when worn well. However, it can be hard to know what trousers to wear that pair best.
In this guide, you will learn how to match white shoes with trousers. Scroll down to read more or use the following links to jump ahead:
- Light White Shoe Coordination Overview
- Matching White Shoes With Different Trouser Colors
- Printable Shoe & Trouser Coordination Download
If you want to learn about different shoe or trouser color coordinations, head to menu below.
Matching White Shoes With Trousers Overview
White shoes are the ultimate tease. They’re simultaneously versatile in terms of color, but extremely limited in terms of the time of year you can wear them. This is unfair to those of us who appreciate their aesthetic value and wearability. The exception to this is if you live in a tropical climate.
Good for you if you do, by the way. We’re not jealous or anything.
White shoes are a must-have for any man’s wardrobe. Whether they be white bucks, loafers, driving shoes, or even sneakers, no wardrobe is complete without them.
They are get dirty more easily and thus require particular care, so be prepared for some dirt and grime to show up.
Read on for guidance on how to wear them.
NOTE: There are exceptions to every rule.
Use your good judgement, and feel free to leave us a comment if you have questions!
Read on for full explanations and reasoning of the above coordination suggestions. Or, click here to go see our Ultimate Shoe & Trouser Color Coordination Matrix showcasing how to match any color shoes with any color trousers.
How To Coordinate White Shoes With Different Trousers
Best Trouser Matches
Navy
Casual navy trousers with white loafers are perfect. A navy summer suit with white bucks is a bold look. You can’t go wrong with any of these combinations, and they leave the rest of your outfit open to your whimsy in terms of the colors you select.
Blue
Blue and white? You can’t miss! This is a great opportunity to play around with complementary colors on top, so try a shirt with some orange in it and note how the colors look when next to each other.
Light Grey
A light grey suit with a pair of white loafers is killer. Light grey cotton pants with white drivers is a summery look that can’t be beat. These combinations get an enthusiastic “yes” from us.
Tan
Tan trousers with white shoes and a simple polo or button-down shirt are yet another warm-weather classic. This is a perfect look for anything you’re doing during the daytime, as you can wear any color on top and look great. Whether going to brunch or even playing golf, this combination will work wonders.
Just make sure you have cleats in those golf shoes.
Olive
Want to make those olive pants more summery? Throw on some white shoes. The beauty of this is that the shade of olive is irrelevant. you could even wear white shoes with non-olive greens, like kelly or mint green.
White
This is one of the relatively rare situations in which its okay to go the monochromatic route. We prefer a brightly colored shirt with this pairing, but you can wear white and still look great.
Beige
It doesn’t get more neutral than beige and white. You can wear this combination with literally anything and come out a winner.
Red
It’s impossible to be more New England than to wear Nantucket reds, white shoes, light blue shirt, and dark blue blazer. It works for a reason, and you should try it, especially if you’re headed to a summer wedding or garden party.
Jeans
It’s bold but it works, particularly if your jeans are a lighter wash. Pair this with a khaki-colored linen or cotton sport coat with patch pockets and you have a great casual summertime look.
Acceptable Trouser Matches
Black
You’ll look like a member of The Hives (remember them?), but it’ll work as a fashion-forward option. Don’t wear it to the office, and even then, be selective about when and where you wear it.
Grey
A less severe version of black and white, this will still work but only in very limited contexts. They would have to be cotton chinos, not dress trousers, and your best bet would be to wear a casual shoe, like a driver or camp moccasin.
Brown
Dark brown and white is another less severe version of black and white. Our preference is for medium brown, but you’ll be even better off by pairing white shoes with tan or beige trousers, as we stated above.
No-Go Trouser Matches
There’s nothing in this category for white shoes. Literally anything goes if you play your cards right.
Free Printable Download For Reference At Home
Want a handy reference to use whenever you need it? Download our coordination matrix using the links below!
What Next?
Now that you have read about the how to match trousers with white shoes, check out some related guides below:
- Shoe & Trouser Coordination Homepage
- Top 10 Best Men’s Dress Shoes
- Most Comfortable Dress Shoes For Men
- Bespoke Unit Shoe Homepage
"Thanks for this guide. I was given a pair of white shoes for a gift and was baffled how to wear them. This was an immense help."Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
Shoe Content
Can you wear white bucks, kahki pants and a navy blazer? What Kate nd of shirt? Dinner at a restaurant where you have to wear a jacket and no denim
Dear Sandy,
The ensemble sounds fine to me for the summer months.
As for a shirt, one can never go wrong with a solid white dress shirt. Many other colors and patterns shall also go with this, just be careful if also deciding to add a tie. If in doubt, always go with a white shirt.
Cheers Paul
Can I wear a pair of white shoes with black Jeans?
Of course! We list this under the acceptable matches above.
Best,
CP
Thank you for such a nice advice.
I had a doubt regarding white sneakers and it would be great if you could opine.
Would white sneakers look good with an all dark outfit. For example a deep olive shirt, navy chinos and white sneakers or a navy shirt, charcoal chinos and white sneakers?
I am afraid it would draw the eye to the shoe and therefore would be very distracting and not very elegant.
Hey Monty,
That olive/navy/white sneakers outfit sounds like a great combination. The navy/charcoal/sneakers will also work out great. Yes! The white sneakers will draw a lot of attention which is why you want to make sure you have a nice, clean pair of white sneakers. Ideally, they’re white leather in a minimalist design. Nevertheless, the point is that they white sneakers provide a stark contrast not only in color but also style which is what makes it an outfit that is more difficult to pull off but when it’s done well, it’ll get a lot of attention (the good kind of attention).
Rafael
Would you put off white sneakers in the same category as white or is it pushing towards beige?
I’d categorize off-white sneakers as closer to beige.
Rafael