Getting dressed for work doesn’t have to mean wearing traditional dress shoes every day. Shoes for the workplace have really evolved over time, and it’s easier than ever to look the part. With a pair of dress sneakers and the right outfit, you’re ready to take on anything the day throws your way.
The great part about these shoes is that they give you more freedom with your wardrobe. You can wear them with chinos and a button-down shirt for the office, or switch to dark jeans and a casual jacket when you’re heading out for dinner.
Of course, not all dress sneakers look the same. Some have the smarter appearance of classic Oxfords, while others lean toward a sportier look. Knowing how to style each pair will help you make the most of it, both at work and beyond.
Why Dress Sneakers Work So Well for Smart Casual Outfits
Smart casual dressing is often about finding the right balance. Some outfits call for something smarter than a sneaker, but not quite as formal as a smart dress shoe. A pair of classic Oxfords might look too dressy with jeans, while your favorite running shoes could look out of place with tailored pants.
Dress sneakers sit comfortably somewhere in between. Many have the familiar shape and details of a dress shoe, but with a more casual sole. That means you can really enjoy the comfort of sneakers while still looking smart.
Eight Dress Sneaker Styles for Work and Beyond
Men’s KnitFlex Craft Mesh Lightweight Sneakers
A knitted shoe can be a nice change from the usual leather-look styles, especially when you’re dressing for a more relaxed office environment. You’ll find that balance in the Men’s KnitFlex Craft Mesh Lightweight Sneakers, with their textured mesh upper and decorative leather-look accents that give them a smarter finish.
Try the gray pair with navy chinos and a white polo shirt, or wear black with charcoal trousers and a lightweight sweater. The breathable knit and memory foam insoles are also great features when you’re spending plenty of your time on your feet.
Best for: Relaxed office outfits and casual Fridays.
Men’s Smart Casual Oxford Style Sneakers
A pair of Oxfords with a sporty sole can be a great choice when you want something a little smarter for work. The perforated upper gives these Men’s Smart Casual Oxford Style Sneakers an interesting finish without making them look too formal.
Try them with slim-fit navy trousers and a pale blue shirt, or add a blazer for a business lunch. For evenings out, dark jeans and a knitted sweater work just as well. The cushioned midsole also makes them a practical choice for busy days.
Best for: Office wear and after-work plans.
Men’s MaxFlex Casual Wingtip Brogue Oxfords
If you like dressing up a little, the wingtip brogues are a great way to add some character to your outfit. The detail on these Men’s MaxFlex Casual Wingtip Brogue Oxfords gives them the classic look of a dress shoe that works very well with smarter clothes.
Team them up with charcoal dress pants, a black turtleneck, and a camel overcoat for a handsome combination. For something a little less formal, pair them with dark denim jeans, a tucked-in Oxford shirt, and a brown leather belt. You could even wear them with tailored trousers and a patterned shirt for a dinner date.
Best for: Smarter dinners and dressier occasions.
Men’s KnitFlex Breeze Mesh Lightweight Sneakers
You don’t always need leather-look shoes to get the smart casual look right. The Men’s KnitFlex Breeze Mesh Lightweight Sneakers have a sporty appearance that fits right into a casual wardrobe.
Pair the dark blue version with black slim-fit jeans, a white crew-neck T-shirt, and a denim jacket. For something a little different, light brown shoes would look great with olive cargo pants and a black polo. Add a casual bomber jacket, and you’ve got a great outfit for lunch with friends or a relaxed evening out.
Best for: Casual Fridays and weekend outings.
Men’s CrossFlex NeatPolish Casual Oxford Sneakers
The smooth, leather-look finish of these Men’s CrossFlex NeatPolish Casual Oxford Sneakers makes them a great match for smarter outfits, without being quite as formal as a traditional dress shoe.
The dark brown pair would look handsome with navy dress pants, a light gray shirt, and a matching belt. Black offers another option with slim-fit charcoal trousers and a burgundy sweater. Adding a wool jacket will take you from an office meeting to a dinner out.
Best for: Business casual dressing and smart evening plans.
Men’s Crossflex Dress Wingtip Derby Casual Oxford
Brogue detailing adds a little more personality to a man’s shoes, and these Men’s Crossflex Dress Wingtip Derby Casual Oxfords have plenty of it. The decorative stitching and wingtip design give them that distinctly classic look.
For a different take on smart casual, pair the brown version with chocolate brown corduroy pants, a cream cable-knit sweater, and a deep green suede jacket. A black pair would work nicely with tailored gray pants and a checked blazer. A plain, crisp shirt underneath will keep the outfit from looking too busy.
Best for: Smart casual gatherings and stylish office outfits.
Men’s Business Casual Oxford Shoes
A pair of gray shoes can be surprisingly easy to style, especially if you enjoy wearing darker colors. These Men’s Business Casual Oxford Shoes have a neat lace-up design with a sporty sole, which gives them a more casual appearance.
Wear the gray version with black jeans, a white shirt, and a navy cardigan. For something with a little more color, brown works well with dark denim, a rust-colored sweater, and an olive green jacket. That’s a combination that works just as well for a casual office as it does for meeting friends after work.
Best for: Everyday office wear and casual evenings out.
Men’s Fashion Casual Dress Sneakers
White sneakers can give even your favorite everyday clothes a fresh new look. With their smooth vegan leather upper and classic lace-up design, the Men’s Fashion Casual Dress Sneakers work well with casual outfits.
For a weekend outfit, wear the white pair with faded blue jeans, a black sweater, and an open plaid overshirt. A black pair would look great with tan pants, a fitted white T-shirt, and an olive bomber jacket. Finish either look with a leather-strap watch for a little extra polish.
Best for: Weekend outings and relaxed social occasions.
Smart Casual Style Starts with the Right Shoes
Who says looking sharp means wearing formal shoes? Bruno Marc’s range of dress sneakers let you play around with different colors, textures, and styles to suit your wardrobe, as well as your lifestyle. Dress them up, keep things casual, and get the look that suits your style.