How to Style White Vans Like a Fashion Icon

White sneakers are one fashion trend that will never go out of style. They offer this clean aesthetic that complements almost every outfit whether formal or even native wear. And white Vans aren’t left out.

Though these branded shoes began in the 60s as a skateboarding staple, they’ve evolved to become a crucial part of almost every casual wardrobe. If you just got a new pair of white Vans but haven’t decided on how to style them, you’re not alone.

A quick Google search will show you many other fashion enthusiasts are looking for the best outfit inspo, prints, colors, or patterns for their white Vans shoes. And since that’s your case too, we’re here to help out. 

So, whether you just invested in white Vans sneakers, canvas, or slip-ons, you’ll see how to rock them like a style icon in this piece. But first, let’s know more about the Vans brand, shall we?

Brief Look into the Vans Brand

Back then in 1966 in a town in California, Brothers Paul Van Doren and Jim Van Doren with partners Gordon Lee and Serge Delia started The Van Doren Rubber Company, aka Vans. The brand produces skateboarding shoes, accessories, and clothing. It got the name ‘House of Vans’ in the early 1970s as skateboarders who liked the brand’s rugged make-up and sticky soles donned the shoes all over southern California.

Upon opening, 12 customers bought shoes that were made that same day. And ever since then, more customers have been trooping in and out of their physical and online stores.

Like most big brands today, Vans has evolved over the years. For instance, they’ve created lots of footwear from the Deck shoes (now known as Authentic) to the Era, Old Skool, Sk8-Hi, and many more. And today, House of Vans has become a must-have for A-listers and regulars alike.

Besides selling great shoes, Vans has also sponsored different events and causes including, surf, snowboarding, BMX, motocross teams, the Warped Tour music festival, etc. The company has been around for more than 50 years, and, over the years, the team has built a solid foundation in pop culture. And now, it’s one of the world’s most famous brands among skaters, surfers, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts.

Celebrities Who Wear Vans

If you feel like you’ve seen a lot of white Vans lately, there’s a high chance you probably have. Stylish individuals including celebrities have been spotted rocking this brand.

For instance, Rihanna has worn some from her man ASAP Rocky’s collaboration with the company. Other stars like Olivia Wilde, Kaia Gerber, Emily Ratajkowski, Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Sophie Turner, Kourtney Kardashian, Ariana Grande, etc., have also rocked the Old Skool Vans in white and black.

These guys prove Vans shoes will always be cool. So if you love to emulate celebrity trends, jump on the white Vans trend. But if you’d rather do so not because of a celebrity but because you love to wear timeless pieces, still get a pair of Vans for yourself. The shoes are versatile enough to suit any mindset or outfit.

Why You Need to Wear White Vans Shoes

They Never Go Out of Style

White vans are icons. They remain evergreen on the trend table as you can rock them in any season without the fear of looking outdated. The brand reigned from the ’60s to the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, early 2000s and is still a must-have in the 2020s.

They’re High-Quality

Whether you need a pair of white vans to skate, surf, walk down the street, or attend a mega event, it’s high-quality enough to sate your style needs and last long. Why?

All Vans products are made from the highest quality materials. This makes them durable and sturdy. Furthermore, some models have special padding or fleece to protect your ankles and offer warmth for colder days. And even when it rains, you can use a Vans’ special spray to make your footwear waterproof.

You’ll Always Find Your Taste

If you didn’t like a particular Vans model you saw, that’s not a problem. You just need to look some more and you’ll find the right model for you. 

For instance, if you love simplicity, white Vans, black, or the checkered pattern will work for you. And if you’d rather explore different hues and designs, Vans has a plethora of colorful choices too.

In addition, the shoes come in various patterns, and to keep its creativity limitless, the brand has also collaborated with artistes and institutions such as Supreme, MoMA museum, etc.

In other news, it doesn’t matter if you’re a minimalist or maximalist, Vans has something for you.

White Vans are Comfy & Easy-to-Style

When you wear a pair of Vans, you need not worry about the shoes rubbing your heel or your feet getting tired after a few minutes of wearing. Vans are a cushion to your feet.

The best part? You can wear them with any outfit from jeans to dresses and whatnot.

How to Wear White Vans Like a Style Pro

The key to wearing your white Vans like a style pro is to consider three specific elements: the size, style, and design of the shoe. Once that’s settled, put any of these suggestions to work and watch how you slay your Vans kicks.

With Denim

Imagine wearing your white Vans sneakers or slip-ons with a nice pair of skinny or boyfriend jeans? You’d look so stylish. Whether your Vans are high-top or low-top, they look great when paired with denim from all types of jeans to denim jackets and skirts. 

But don’t forget to pair your jeans with a nice shirt, tee, or jacket for casual, smart-casual, or formal events too.

With a Skirt

These shoes also pair well with any type of skirt.

It doesn’t matter if it’s mini, midi, or maxi. Just as how pink Converse and triple pink dunk sneakers look good with skirts, your white Vans aren’t left out too.

With Shorts

Wearing Vans with your bum shorts, jean shorts, cargo shorts, ankara shorts, or any kind of shorts is a no-brainer. 

It’s an easy-to-achieve outfit that comes in handy during summer.

With Leggings

Leggings are another superb way to style white Vans. They’re perfect for days when you don’t feel like dressing up but still wanna look put together.

You can wear them underneath with skirts, dresses, and shorts, to add more accents to your look. You can also pair them with tank tops and tees for a cute athleisure look or throw on a blazer for a smart casual look. Thankfully, we have a style guide on how to style leggings. If this option excites you, check the piece out. But if you’d rather do it later, let’s proceed. 

With a Suit

Who says you can’t wear your white Vans with a suit? That person must be living in the 14th century.

Suits are an exciting way to dress up your white kicks. You can pair them with a dress shirt or T-shirt, depending on the look you aim to achieve. Furthermore, they’re perfect for formal occasions or places that require you to make a style statement. But if you’re wondering how to pull it off, consult our style guide on rock sneakers with suits.

With Bodycon Dresses

Wanna flaunt your beautiful figure? Wear a bodycon dress.

But instead of pairing it with heels, wear white Vans. You’ll still look classy and chic.

Wear Your White Vans with Mini or Maxi Dresses

Imagine your white Vans sneakers peeking from your maxi dress. Stylish, right? Now, imagine those kicks complementing your short dress while you stand in a beautiful background, posing for a picture.

How dashing would you look? Now stop imagining. Try this tip out when you feel like hiding your legs in a maxi dress or showing them off to the world with a mini dress.

Try Some Layering

Layering your outfit is a great way to restyle your clothes without looking like you repeat them. 

So, as you don your white Vans, don’t forget your sweater, jacket, blazer, coat, and other outerwear. They switch up your look and come in handy in cold climates.

Throw on Some Accessories

Don’t just wear your clothes and get going. Adorn yourself with your earrings, hat, nose ring, wristwatch, pocket filler, cufflinks, anklet, handbag, necklace, sunglasses, and other add-ons.

They help to magnify your look and transform it from simple to statement-worthy.

Create an All-White Ensemble with Your White Vans

Imagine combining your white kicks or slip-ons with white clothes throughout.

It’ll create a resplendent outfit that encapsulates the beauty and serenity of the color white.

Add More Colors to Your White Vans Outfit

Don’t want an all-white look? Not a problem, wear other colors. This works in two ways.

You either wear clothes and accessories in other neutral colors such as black, grey, beige, brown, navy blue, etc., or wear bold colors such as pink, green, blue, purple, red, etc.

How to Know if Your White Vans are Original

Vans are designer shoes, and like other designer products, knock-offs abound. But there are ways to recognize the real Vans from the counterfeits so you don’t wind up investing in a fake pair. 

Dakonda shared handy tips on how to tell if your Vans are original. And it involves checking the barcode, logo, shoebox, seams, laces, etc. In addition, we have a guide on how to recognize original designer products. Do check it out as it applies to Vans too.

Don’t Just Rock White Vans, Clean Them Too

How do you love something, use it always, but never care for it? You’ll agree with me that’s not true love. And it applies to how you wear your Vans shoes too.

So, while you wear them like a style pro, don’t forget to clean them too. This works by first keeping them clean always. You can do this by using a shoe fabric protector spray and shoe brush on your shoes to keep dirt and dust away.

In addition, use a soft toothbrush with warm water and dishwashing liquid to clean your shoes when they get stained. Afterward, wipe them with a clean wet cloth and air-dry in the sun so they don’t smell damp.