15 Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with Sneakers
If you’ve read my blog (or followed on IG) for any amount of time, you probably figured out that casual outfits are my thing, and they have been since I didn’t need to follow a dress code. (High school was the last time I had a real dress code—polo shirts every day!!! And non-denim pants. Sometimes I layered one polo over another because for some reason that was the style in the 2000s lolz. Oh and the collars were always popped of course.) Since casual outfits are my thing, casual workwear is naturally what I gravitate towards and what I wear every time I’m in the office.
When I started my first real job out of grad school, I was fortunate to work in an office that did not have a strict dress code (still working there now!). In fact, I’m not entirely sure if there is a written dress code at my workplace. There may be one in the employee handbook (note to self: reread handbook every once in a while). Regardless, we can wear jeans every day, and no one in my office wears super distressed denim, really short shorts/skirts/dresses, super revealing tops, etc. We are all adults and know how to dress for an office setting. It’s nice to work in a place that doesn’t require specific attire! I’m able to wear almost everything I wore in grad school; like I mentioned above, I just don’t wear my really short shorts/skirts/dresses.
Casual workwear outfits are outfits that are made up of pieces that are comfortable and practical for a work environment but that don’t look unprofessional. Luckily for us, more and more companies are adopting a more casual workwear policy (also called smart casual or dressy casual). This can even include sneakers, which are big in my office especially.
Below, I rounded up 15 casual workwear outfits with sneakers that I wore in the past and wouldn’t hesitate to repeat now (with perhaps a few modifications for the older outfits). They work perfectly for the office and also for any post-work activities you may have planned!
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15 Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with Sneakers
Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with White Sneakers
A pair of white sneakers is a classic wardrobe staple and perfect for casual workwear outfits. I wear mine all of the time! They made an appearance in my “back to the office” style sudoku capsule wardrobe that I put together when I had to go back into the office full-time in summer 2021 after 14 months of working from home. Because they’re white, it’s probably obvious that they go with anything. I particularly like wearing them alongside another item with a hint or so of white (like the floral print tee or the white tank) to tie it all together.
Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with Chino Pants and Navy Layers
If your office dress code doesn’t allow jeans, try pairing your sneakers with chino pants! I wore the outfit in the middle back in 2016 and updated the look in 2021 as part of my 5 years later outfit series. The main difference between the two looks is the pants—the fit is different now than it was a few years ago. Nowadays, I’d opt for a straight leg pant with a higher rise and a looser leg. Cropped pants are also in right now, though I prefer the crop to hit just above my ankle bone and not quite as high as shown here.
I also previously wore my old grey New Balance sneakers with a navy striped tee that had a fun bow detail down the back. It’s the perfect “basics with a twist” outfit! Top it with a matching navy coat and you’ve got the perfect late winter/early spring look.
Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with Boyfriend Jeans and Jackets
Boyfriend jeans are the perfect compliment to sneakers, especially “dad” sneakers (chunkier, not-fashionable-but-are-actually-on-trend sneakers that a dad or dad-like figure would wear). I consider my white sneakers on the left to be more of the dad-sneaker variety, but any sneaker looks good with boyfriend jeans! The loose fit through the leg lends a more casual overall feel to any outfit. I love pairing them with tailored coats like this topcoat. Trench coats also look good!
Sneakers also pair wear with suede moto jackets (and black skinny jeans). The outfit on the right is less like the other outfits, but it does feature the same white sneakers. They don’t look too stark with this outfit thanks to the dark red and white striped tee! It’s the perfect fall outfit and one of my favorites from years ago. Don’t have black skinny jeans? Try this outfit with white skinny jeans for the perfect spring/summer smart casual outfit!
Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with Layers and Demi-boot Jeans
Here’s a trio of casual work outfits with sneakers that also feature layers, sweaters, and denim! These are some of my go-to looks during the cooler months. Layering a sweatshirt with another (longer) top peeking out the bottom adds a little bit of extra pizazz for a work environment. Add a bold fall-colored cardigan over a base outfit of a tank, jean, and sneaker! I wore all three of these outfits to work and wouldn’t hesitate to repeat them.
With skinny jeans not being as in style anymore, try a pair of demi-boot jeans or go big with a pair of wide leg jeans! Wide leg jeans would be a great substitution in the outfit with the cardigan. Try adding an even longer cardigan (or a shorter, cropped cardigan) to make it even more on-trend.
Casual Workwear Outfit Ideas with Dark Sneakers
If you’re not a big fan of white sneakers, try a pair of sneakers in a different color and/or texture! Velvet sneakers are super fun to wear in the cooler months, and a burgundy color is a rich addition to your fall/winter wardrobe. Black wool sneakers make great year-round sneakers but really shine in the fall/winter months. I liked pairing mine with a great pair of jeans (what else—ha!).
When wearing a non-neutral-color sneaker, it’s fun to coordinate with another item in your outfit. In this case, I paired the burgundy sneakers with a burgundy striped tee. A burgundy bag also works! Do you have a work tote that matches your sneakers?! Wear that! Have fun with your business casual looks—personal style is personal, after all. 😉