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Original poster

DH saying black suit + sneakers is not smart enough

221 replies

GilmoreGirl84 · 20/04/2023 21:53

I went to a business breakfast wearing a black suit (jacket + trousers), paired with a burgundy shirt underneath and a pair of box fresh New Balance 327, white and burgundy. I had to travel by car and by train to get there and walk 20 minutes in the City, so I went for smart casual. DH is saying the sneakers look odd but I am pretty sure it is acceptable these days to wear them ironically under a suit? For reference, I work in the charity sector but it was a business event.

OP posts:
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14
Comedycook · 21/04/2023 08:47

I agree with your dh. I know when I worked in offices, loads of women would come to work wearing trainers with their suits but this was for comfort whilst travelling in. They'd all change their shoes once they arrived at work.

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 08:49

GilmoreGirl84 · 21/04/2023 07:54

Wow, fascinated at all these answers! Clearly a contentious topic Grin

Re suit: it was more of a black fitted jacket with black skinny cropped trousers. Not pinstripe suit.

The colour of the shirt underneath the jacket matched the burgundy of the trainers.

Box fresh: yes the shoes had only been worn twice, so they were gleaming white without any stains

Sounds great. Truly, ignore the out of date lot on here, and your husband.

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 08:50

pizzaHeart · 21/04/2023 08:45

I’m with your DH - trainers don’t go with a suit usually, especially these particular trainers which are very gym shoes. And they are white ( I know with burgundy, but they are white) they won’t go with a black suit.

THEY ARE NOT GYM SHOES, FFS. 😆

How has such a basic element in fashion completely passed so many people by?!

Divebar2021 · 21/04/2023 08:51

I know when I worked in offices, loads of women would come to work wearing trainers with their suits but this was for comfort whilst travelling in
Just out of interest when was this @Comedycook

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 08:51

Divebar2021 · 21/04/2023 08:51

I know when I worked in offices, loads of women would come to work wearing trainers with their suits but this was for comfort whilst travelling in
Just out of interest when was this @Comedycook

Stripedbag101 · 21/04/2023 08:55

I looked them up and might get them!!

I wear very smart tailored suits and dresses to work and am trying to work in trainers i see other women donut and it looks fab!

Work atire has changed since Covid. I don’t think your husband has kept up with the trends.

i am senior in my organisation and when I see it I think oh I wish I was that stylish!

theemmadilemma · 21/04/2023 08:56

I went up to London the other week, our Office is in the same building as Jimmy Choo (relevant) and all day inside and outside on the street I saw women in suits and chunky trainers.

Definitely ok these days.

Stripedbag101 · 21/04/2023 08:57

Comedycook · 21/04/2023 08:47

I agree with your dh. I know when I worked in offices, loads of women would come to work wearing trainers with their suits but this was for comfort whilst travelling in. They'd all change their shoes once they arrived at work.

Yes - back I. The day this was a thing.

think about working girl!

but styles have totally changed. Lots of senior executives wear smart trainers and wide leg trousers. I was at a conference last week and a very senior executive sat on the stage in trainers and wide leg trousers with a crisp white shirt and chunky glasses. I wish I looked so put together!!

TheNachtzehrer · 21/04/2023 08:58

It is absolutely hilarious that people think those are "gym shoes". Way to prove that you don't follow fashion, or attend a gym.😁

theemmadilemma · 21/04/2023 08:59

Divebar2021 · 21/04/2023 08:51

I know when I worked in offices, loads of women would come to work wearing trainers with their suits but this was for comfort whilst travelling in
Just out of interest when was this @Comedycook

A couple of weeks ago. 😂 I channeled my inner Working Girl.

I did it for London. After seeing everyone just wearing them properly as PART of the outfit, now I know why you see it less these days.

Stripedbag101 · 21/04/2023 09:01

I will also say it tend to be much more senior women who are doing this now - the ones with the confidence to know their ability speaks for its self and they don’t have to worry what people think.

it’s like when men stopped wearing ties - it was the very very senior folk who did first. Some middle managers were horrified - then the trend eventually caught on.

I see the trainers and suits most frequently at the top of the house.

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 09:04

TheNachtzehrer · 21/04/2023 08:58

It is absolutely hilarious that people think those are "gym shoes". Way to prove that you don't follow fashion, or attend a gym.😁

😆

greenel · 21/04/2023 09:06

I live in canvas nova Vejas at work as the sole and styling is smart - looks great with a suit and I think your NB are a great look. About time women focused on comfort!

Work very corporate job btw and am middle management.

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 09:07

Stripedbag101 · 21/04/2023 09:01

I will also say it tend to be much more senior women who are doing this now - the ones with the confidence to know their ability speaks for its self and they don’t have to worry what people think.

it’s like when men stopped wearing ties - it was the very very senior folk who did first. Some middle managers were horrified - then the trend eventually caught on.

I see the trainers and suits most frequently at the top of the house.

Same. One of the most senior women I work with has an absolute passion for Chuck Taylor’s. (She’s in her late 50s for those getting a bit tense about a couple of posters m ageism) She has every colour, every designer collab, every fabric, bespoke, etc, and she keeps them pristine and wears them with just beautiful clothes. She’s so chic it’s unreal.

shakeitoffsis · 21/04/2023 09:08

I'd wear it!

Roughashouses · 21/04/2023 09:15

Absolutely acceptable to wear. They’re not gym shoes - don’t go for a run in them!

MidlifeWhatNow · 21/04/2023 09:17

I don't like NB tbh but am 😂at the idea that nice shoes and maybe a blouse would be more appropriate. Trainers with a suit is so common as office wear now that I'm amazed anyone even notices anymore. And yes, I am 50 and going to work today in jeans (public sector). Trainers and a suit would actually be quite a smart look for me!

wwyd2021medicine · 21/04/2023 09:20

I'm medical and wear NB 327 and other brands with trousers and a jacket. My boss wears Gucci, Laboutin etc trainers with his suits. Most of female junior doctors wear smart trainers and trousers.

I keep wearing 'work' trainers until the no longer look fresh, then they are demoted to general wear.

It's a widespread and has been for years

I have many trainers 😂

wwyd2021medicine · 21/04/2023 09:20

And I'm nearer 60 than 50

NatashaDancing · 21/04/2023 09:25

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 09:04

😆

Show quote history

I don't attend a gym - so what?

Are trainers "in fashion"? They've been around for decades. They all look the same to me-lumps of rubber, suede and leather with stripes or ticks. It's certainly not an "ironic" look.

Comedycook · 21/04/2023 09:26

@Divebar2021 I mean it was 15 years ago and not in a trendy or creative industry....if I went back to that office today, I still don't think they'd be routinely wearing trainers with their suits.

WeWereInParis · 21/04/2023 09:38

OP, this event has already happened, right? So I guess you can tell whether it was appropriate - was everyone else in very formal gear, smart shoes etc? If so, then yes I think you misjudged, regardless of what may be acceptable elsewhere.
If other people were wearing similar then you're fine, regardless of what may be too causal elsewhere.
No one can really say whether it was appropriate when different events and organisations have different norms. Where I work, black skinny cropped trousers with white trainers wouldn't be ok for clients.

HiddenGiraffes · 21/04/2023 09:39

A lot of people on here clearly have very little idea about what is trendy lol.

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 09:51

NatashaDancing · 21/04/2023 09:25

I don't attend a gym - so what?

Are trainers "in fashion"? They've been around for decades. They all look the same to me-lumps of rubber, suede and leather with stripes or ticks. It's certainly not an "ironic" look.

Show quote history

If they ‘all look the same’ to tug, I’m not sure this thread, or even this board, is for you then.

Peapodburgundybouquet · 21/04/2023 09:52

You. Not tug.