Tegan Converse 1
Tegan Converse 1
exclusive

How To Wear Converse: Outfit Ideas and Inspiration

Chloe Thomas
By Chloe Thomas Social Media Executive 20 Jun, 2022 8:15 AM

We may earn a commission when you buy something from links on this page.Learn More

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star is a classic silhouette that belongs in the shoedrobe of every sneakerhead. Whether you prefer high-top Converse, or low-top for a casual look, a pair of Chucks are essential for everyday styling. Coming in a range of colourways, Converse All Stars are easy to style and great for matching with many items in your wardrobe. Not only do they look good, however, they are easily attainable and cheap to buy compared to other sneaker brands.

Originally built for the basketball court, the Chuck Taylor has been around longer than the Jordan Brand, and still remains to be one of the most popular sneakers of all time and appeals to most, regardless of age or style. We also guarantee that you have something in your wardrobe to pair with Converse, as they are so versatile! But on those days when you're seeking a bit of inspiration, bookmark this page to refer back to.

We're going to put together some ideas about what to wear with Converse, how to style Converse and some of our favourite Converse outfits.

What's the difference between Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars and Chuck 70s?

ICYDK, the traditional Converse silhouette changed in the '80s, from what we now know to be the Chuck 70, to the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star that see most commonly today. Converse re-released the Chuck 70 in 2013, paying tribute to the sneaker that started it all. It was also the time that Converse made a huge shift from being the sneaker to rock on the court, to being just as popular off the court. To tell the difference you have to look really closely. Bear in mind that the Chuck 70 is made with a more substantial canvas compared to the Chuck Taylor All Star, as well as having an extra layer of canvas stitched on the inside for increased durability. Furthermore, Chuck 70s have a slightly thicker sole compared to the All Star, and can often appear vintage-looking. If you're still struggling, turn to the heel of the sneaker. Does it have dominant All Star branding on a white badge? If it says 'Chuck Taylor' in an italic font instead, then you know this is a Chuck 70.

Converse Collaborations

Having being collaborated with many times by the likes of Off-White's Virgil Abloh and Rei Kawakubo of Comme Des Garçons, the Converse is definitely worthy of a place in the sneaker hall of fame.

One of our personal favourites, the CDG Play x Converse come in a variety of iterations, from pink to black to blue, and the red-heart branding on the lateral sidewall just makes them pop that little bit more than your average pair of Cons. If you've not got a pair, you can take a look at them by hitting the link above! However, without further ado, let's dive into some of our favourite outfits to pair with Converse, so you've got plenty of inspiration for when you next pull them out of your wardrobe.

How To Style Converse Outfits

myforteisfashion
myforteisfashion

Smart-Casual Styling

To begin, you can't beat a smart-casual outfit, whatever the occasion. Oversized blazers are a wardrobe essential for us here at The Sole Supplier and nothing goes better with one than a pair of Converse sneakers. @myforteisfashion wears her black Converse with a pair of denim shorts and a baggy blazer, to fit in with the fashion trends of the time. The Prada bag is the perfect finishing touch, but we especially love this outfit paired with the cap and sunglasses. If you're looking for that extra chic look, then take note and consider draping your sweatshirt over your shoulders for a little bit of oomph. You'll influence others to wear Converse after seeing you in this outfit.

What to wear with converse – blazer 1
What to wear with converse – blazer 1

ASOS Design Grey Blazer

ASOS-logo
Price TBC
Int'l Shipping
Buy Now
caitlinheathxo converse styling
caitlinheathxo converse styling

If blazers aren't your thing, then why not consider a leather jacket? Or even a leather blazer here, like @caitlinheathxo? This is a super-chic look that elevates the b-ball icon to the next level. And we have to admit - platform Converse are some of our favourites. Converse and a leather jacket is an outfit recipe set in stone that works every. single. time. You don't need to mess about, you'll look like a bad ass regardless.

Summer Lovin'

Generally made to be nice and lightweight (perfect for basketball!), Converse shoes are built for the summer months. This means it only makes sense to wear your Converse with a summer dress for a grunge-but-girly look. @jessica_rosetaylor opts for a white dress and black Converse, although this outfit would look equally as good with white Converse and a denim jacket. Similarly, we decided to pair these vintage-looking pair of Chuck 70s with a floaty, green summer dress, though if monochrome is more your style, you can follow in Jessica's footsteps.

If you're considering wearing your Converse with a long, flowing maxi skirt or dress, it might just be worth buying one that sits just above the ankle, so you can show off your cool kicks as much as possible.

Dress 1
Dress 1

Stradivarius Smock Dress

ASOS-logo
Price TBC
Int'l Shipping
Buy Now
Tegan Converse Cycling Shorts
Tegan Converse Cycling Shorts

Not all of us love wearing dresses, however. Be reassured that mini skirts and midi skirts work just as well, especially with a white tee for that retro look! Just remember, you might have to reach for a pair of tights in the winter, but that's okay! Alternatively, we've styled our gold high-top sneakers with a pair of cycling shorts and an oversized hoodie in a similar tone. The cycling shorts can be swapped out for black jeans in the winter, but believe us, a pair of Converse with shorts is never going to be a miss.

shorts1
shorts1

NA-KD Biker Shorts

ASOS-logo
Price TBC
Int'l Shipping
Buy Now
caitlinheathoxo con
caitlinheathoxo con

Casual 'Fit - Jeans & an Oversized Tee

It's old news that Converse look good with skinny jeans, especially low-top Converse, but have you tried them with a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans like @caitlinheathxo here? Casual styles like these are the reason Converse are still so popular today. We love how Caitlin has matched her Converse to her accessories and oversized tee. By rolling up the jeans at the end allows her to show off her cute Converse to the world and gives the 'fit a street-style edge. Whilst we believe everyone needs at least one pair of black and one pair of white Chucks in their rotation, why not branch out and go for something more eye-catching like these yellow ones here? We're obsessed.

jeans1
jeans1

Urban Bliss Ripped Boyfriend Jeans

ASOS-logo
Price TBC
Int'l Shipping
Buy Now
jessicarosetaylor1
jessicarosetaylor1

Casual 'Fit - Tracksuit

Contrasting to the bright colours seen in the last outfit, Jessica has this time paired her neutral-hued high tops with a correspondingly toned tracksuit from Zara, and styled this with a long stone-coloured trench coat and matching cap. Converse suit joggers so well, so we can't help but fall in love with this outfit! The Jacquemus bag is a nice touch, however if your bank account doesn't allow it, then rest assured a tote bag will suit just nicely. And it's more practical, too.

trench 1
trench 1

ASOS Design Trench Coat

ASOS-logo
Price TBC
Int'l Shipping
Buy Now
rhithomas_
rhithomas_

Casual 'Fit - Leggings & a Shirt

Nothing is more comfortable than a pair of leggings, so don't be afraid to style them up ready for a day out. They're too good to keep for the comfort of your own home! @rhithomas_ pairs her navy high-top Chuck 70s with black leggings, an oversized shirt (a versatile piece any wardrobe needs!) and her Fendi bag. The shirt is from Zara, although we've linked one below on ASOS that fits the bill just fine.

Shirt1
Shirt1

ASOS Design White Oversized Shirt

ASOS-logo
Price TBC
Int'l Shipping
Buy Now

Hopefully these Converse outfit ideas give you a good taste of what you can wear with your trusty pair of Chucks. In all honesty, the opportunities are endless! It would be difficult to find an outfit that doesn't go with Converse as they're so versatile, so don't stress about what to wear with your them. 9.9 times out of 10 you've got it spot on. Generally a casual sneaker, don't forget that you can dress up your Chuck Taylors with a blazer or a midi dress. As Demi Lovato once said, 'Who said I can't wear my Converse with my dress?'. We don't know Dems, you do you!

As well as being a sneakerhead favourite, Converse are great for those sneaker-phobic friends of ours that spend their lives in boots and ballet pumps and aren't quite ready to jump into the sporty world of trainers. We love that Chucks appeal to everyone and are instantly recognisable wherever you go.

If you're struggling to style certain bits in your wardrobe, take a look at some of our other style guides below. Want to know how to style something we've not covered? Get in touch over on our Twitter page @thesolewomens.

Tired of missing drops?

Get the app.

Up your sneaker game with our app. Receive instant, personalised release alerts from 50+ retailers, and stay in the loop with the latest sneakers and streetwear

App Store rating accurate as of December 2023

Download on the App Store

4.8

|

30k ratings

Get release reminders with The Sole Supplier iOS app