How to Wear Slip on Vans

Last Updated: February 19, 2022 References

Slip-on Vans are iconic shoes that are making a fashion comeback. They are a great staple in any closet.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Spencer Shimada
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} The traditional shoe is a black-and-white checkerboard, but they also come in a variety of patterns and colors that you can pair with almost any look. From the board room to your friend's wedding, you'll find these shoes can take you almost anywhere!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Rocking Different Casual Styles

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Let the shoes be the focal point by toning down the rest of your look. Vans are iconic shoes, so they can carry your outfit if you want to be fairly casual. Opt for a bold Van style, such as the classic checkerboard slip-ons, to make this look work.^{[2]
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- For example, throw on a ripped pair of jeans and your favorite t-shirt with your slip-on Vans.
- This option works well for slightly longer jeans, too, that bunch on your ankles a bit. Just make sure the cut is skinny enough that they can still see your shoes! If you're wearing long jeans, you can pair these with any kind of sock, too.^{[3]
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Opt for cropped pants so people can admire your shoes. Cropped, form-fitting jeans or slacks are a great way to show off these shoes. You can even go Capri-length, as that will highlight your slip-ons.^{[4]
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- If you don't have any cropped or shorter pants, try rolling up the bottom of a slim-fitting pair 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm).
- Another option is to pair these with shorts.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Spencer Shimada
  Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} Just be sure to skip the socks or wear the no-see variety.
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Try a monochrome look to emphasize the checkerboard look. If you have the classic black-and-white checkerboard slip-ons, try a gray, black, and white look. The tonal colors will highlight these iconic shoes.^{[6]
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- Try the same with checkerboard shoes in other colors, such as blue checkerboard paired with whites and blues in your outfit.
- Make sure that if you're wearing socks, they fit into your color scheme!
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Pick a pair of snakeskin slip-ons for a bit of a rock look. The snakeskin variety will give your feet that extra oomph of cool. These pair well with dresses in dark colors or skinny jeans, just to name a few.^{[7]
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- For instance, try these with a pair of skinny jeans and a leather jacket.
- Alternatively, try them with a short, black dress with some rock elements, such as metal studs.
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Mix-and-match prints for a bit of whimsy. Vans come in all kinds of prints and colors, including animal prints like a leopard. Try picking a fun print for your pants or skirt for a big wow factor! Mixing and matching prints can feel a little risky, but it can also help you come up with a fun and unique look.^{[8]
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- For instance, try a leopard print with a polka dot print.
- Alternatively, try a floral print on your shoes with fun stripes in similar colors.
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Put on a bright shirt and denim bottoms for a casual and fun style. This look may take you back to the '80s, but retro looks are all the rage. For your shoes, try a solid color that matches your top, or just opt for some white or black slip-ons.^{[9]
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- For instance, try a bright coral top and faded, ripped jeans paired with bright Vans.
- Alternatively, opt for a bright blue shirt with a denim skirt and black Vans.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing up Slip-on Vans

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Pop Vans on with a suit for a comfortable and stylish look. These shoes have an iconic style, so they can work well with almost any look. The black or navy checkerboard style works with many different suits, including navy and black. Just forgo the socks for this option.^{[10]
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- If you need to wear socks, match them to your suit color or wear no-see socks.
- Skip this option for black tie events.
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Try a bright checkerboard slip-on paired with a dress. Bright color makes these shoes look fashion-forward with almost any dress. Pair them with a long, flowing dress in a floral print to a short, form-fitting dress in a bright color.^{[11]
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- For instance, opt for teal checkerboard shoes with a bright floral print.
- Avoid socks unless you use the no-see variety.
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Put on a pair of solid black slip-on Vans with tailored pants. Solid black Vans can be the perfect finish to a tailored look. The solid color helps sell the polished part of the look and with form-fitting slacks, you can take this look from the street to the office.^{[12]
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- Wear dark-colored socks with this look or even tights or pantyhose if that's your preference.
- Try pairing your Vans with tuxedo-style flannel pants and a v-neck sweater!^{[13]
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Choose a solid color for a more sophisticated look. Pick a pair of slip-ons that are a solid color all over or that have a contrasting color on the soles. This look helps keep outfits feeling pulled together and trendy.^{[14]
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- For instance, try a pair of red leather slip-ons with jeans or slacks. The upgraded material will add even more sophistication.
- Alternatively, try the white leather, which goes with almost any look!^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Deciding Where to Wear Your Vans

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Pick slip-on Vans for an easy and sleek look when flying. Taking your shoes off at security can be a pain with lace-up shoes, particularly if you want to look sleek once you get to your destination. Slip-on Vans are the perfect solution since they're easy-on, easy-off. Plus, you'll still arrive in style!^{[16]
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- Also, Vans offer comfort dressier shoes do not.
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Take your Vans to the office. Vans can seem dressy, as long as you keep them clean and fresh looking. Pair them with a suit, for instance, or tailored pants for a long day's work in comfort and style, and your boss likely won't even bat an eye.^{[17]
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- For instance, try black velvet checkered Vans with tailored pants or skirt and a blazer.^{[18]
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  Spencer Shimada
  Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
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Arrive in style to a wedding in your Vans. You may not think these shoes are appropriate for a wedding, but they can look quite sleek if you pick a solid color or checkerboard style. Just make sure the rest of your outfit is glamorous, and you'll look just fine.^{[19]
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- However, don't pick your ripped, dirty Vans for this occasion! Save those for a rock concert or other fun venue.
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Pop your slip-ons for a jaunt around town. These shoes will take you places, whether to brunch with the girls or drinks with the guys, you can wear these slip-on with confidence. As a bonus, they'll keep your feet nice and comfy without creating an overly sporty look.^{[20]
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- These are great for walking around a local food festival, running errands, or hitting the town!

Expert Q&A

Question

How do men wear slip-on Vans?

Spencer Shimada
Image Consultant
Spencer Shimada is an Image Consultant and the Founder of White Shoe Consulting based in the Denver metro area. He specializes in helping others build confidence through wardrobe consulting and personal styling. Spencer has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Weber State University and an MBA from The University of Birmingham.

Spencer Shimada

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Try pairing your vans with a fitted blazer layered over a buttoned-up oxford shirt. Then, finish off the look with a pair of dark denim and your slip-on Vans.