Black, White, Or Grey Converse? Here's How To Decide

Buying a pair of classic Converse can easily become overwhelming. With their wide range of colors to choose from, it can be tough to narrow it down. Regardless, black, white, and grey are some of the best colors to opt for because each is incredibly versatile and can be worn with numerous outfits.

While it’s rarely possible to go wrong with any color of Converse, one might work better for you and your style. But, even after reducing the options down to the basics, how do you decide which to buy?

Between black, white, and grey, the differences might be hard to recognize, which can leave you in quite the conundrum.

To help you decide which would be the best option for you, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of each color. And, of course, we’ll give you some ideas on how to wear each color, so you can analyze your closet to see if the ones you choose will be a good match.

So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

You May Also Like:

Black Converse

Ah, black; the staple color in every man’s closet. A black pair of Converse is never a mistake. They’re classic, sleek, and super cool. Not to mention, they pair perfectly with nearly any other color.

Their versatility makes them one of the most common color options available. And, they are a great addition to any wardrobe—you know you’ll wear them as often as possible. Converse aims to please, offering the classic black canvases with white soles and white laces while also retailing an all-black version of the traditional kicks.

Despite it all, is black the right color for you? Let’s go over the facts.

Pros and Cons of Black Converse

Like I mentioned before, black goes with almost everything. Black is very neutral, making it a clean and sleek addition to any ensemble. It’s also conventional, and you’ll never have to worry about whether your shoes are on-trend because black converse will always be mainstream.

Also, they’re incredibly hard to dirty, making them durable and easy to care for.

While the pros may be obvious, there are a few cons to owning black converse, believe it or not. Black is a well-loved color.

Most people who own Converses own black Converses, so they’re fairly common—they won’t necessarily help you to stand out and be unique by any means. And, although they pair well with most other colors, they might not be 100 percent versatile.

For example, black doesn’t always look the prettiest next to espresso brown (despite the rare case in which it actually does). The black canvas is also likely to fade. So over time, they might not be as crisp as when you first bought them.

What Goes Well with Black Converse?

Typically, wearing dark colors works well alongside black Converse. However, you can wear them with any ensemble.

Nonetheless, here are a few outfit examples that may help you navigate the black Converse look:

Suggestion 1: Black Chucks work well with a pair of skinny black jeans, cuffed at the bottom. It’s even better if you opt for a distressed pair of pants. Add in a solid-colored t-shirt—a neutral tone is always a nice choice—and layer on a denim jacket. Add a chain necklace and a baseball cap or fedora for some depth.

Suggestion 2: Pair your black Converse with some light-wash denim skinny jeans. Add a short-sleeved, white, relaxed button-up (buttoned all the way up), and cuff your sleeves while leaving your shirt untucked.

Suggestion 3: Try a grunge look by wearing black Converse with black or charcoal chinos, cuffed at the bottom. Add a loose-fitted graphic tee and layer on a denim button-up and a black bomber or shirt jacket.

Are They Right for You?

Deciding on black Chuck Taylors is largely dependent on your personal style and daily activities.

If you’re new to the Converse game, then black is a great starter color because it is easy to wear and will always look cool and classy. If your fashion sense centers around dark tones and black shades, then black Converse will make a great addition to your closet.

Besides that, black will withstand dirt and debris better than other colors, making it a great choice if you have an active lifestyle or find yourself getting light-toned shoes dirty all too often.

But on the other hand, if you’re keen on standing out in a crowd, black is more of a commonly worn color, so it’s less likely to make a scene.

White Converse

Equally as popular as black Converse are white ones. Everyone needs a pair of white sneakers in their wardrobe, and what better brand than Converse to play the part?

White can add some stark contrast where needed, and they’re a solid emulator of cleanliness and taste all at once.

Let’s take a look at the best and worst qualities of white Converse to guide you in the big decision.

Pros and Cons of White Converse

While black has some colors that may not set pretty beside it, white looks great with absolutely everything. There is no outfit that white Converse don’t add to in terms of style and pizzazz.

They’re super simple, but they can be the perfect avenue toward adding some contrast to a dark outfit or continuing to brighten things up with a lighter one. They’re clean, sophisticated, and will always stay on-trend.

The real con about white Chucks is the fact that they get dirty quickly. Since they’re canvas, the material picks up on dirt much easier than leather or synthetic materials.

Although they’re pretty easy to clean, you spent your hard-earned money on them. And it’s not always fun to have to stress about wearing your white shoes to the state fair.

What Goes Well with White Converse?

Like I mentioned before, white Converses are probably the most versatile of all three options. They’re great with absolutely anything and work especially well with khaki and tan pants. To give you some ideas, here are some outfit examples with white Converse:

Suggestion 1: Rock your white Converse alongside a pair of beige, slim or skinny-legged pants. Add in a white tee and layer a colorful flannel on top (red tones mesh well). Accessorize with some sunglasses to complete the look.

Suggestion 2: Wear a white button-up beneath a black or grey patterned sweater. Throw on a pair of dark or light-washed slim jeans and polish it off with some white Converse. Last but not least, strap on a clean watch.

Suggestion 3: With some loose-fitting, modern-vintage dad jeans, roll up the bottoms an inch or two and toss on some white Chucks. Pair with a white tee layered beneath a solid-colored crewneck sweater. Add in some matching patterned socks to tie everything together.

Are They Right for You?

In all reality, white Converse are rarely a bad choice. But, it’s helpful to consider your lifestyle and how you plan to wear them.

If you live in warmer weather, white goes super well alongside shorts—particularly khaki. They’ll also complement nearly any outfit that you put together. On the contrary, if you plan on wearing them regularly, it’s important to keep in mind that they will get dirty quickly. However, many people enjoy the look of worn-in white Converse, which can be something you’re going for as well.

Grey Converse

Grey Converse are a rare treasure that can be the perfect fit for many outfits. Not to mention, grey is merely the combination of white and black, which can help make your decision between the two ends of the spectrum.

Let’s dive into the opportunities that grey Converse can open up for you.

Pros and Cons of Grey Converse

Not many people own grey Chucks, so they can be the perfect neutral shade to opt for if you’re on the hunt for something different. And they’re super versatile; they can genuinely go with anything, from brown to black to orange to green.

Wearing grey can be like wearing white, without having to worry about getting them dirty. On top of that, grey is not too bright but not too dark; it can make for a great happy medium that is entirely unique at the same time.

On the other side of the fence, some people find grey to be dull. Not to mention, it can be slightly depressing to wear time and time again. In comparison to white or black, Grey Converse can also be seen as more of a compromise to an outfit than an improvement, especially if they aren’t worn to their full potential. In other words, it’s essential to wear them well.

What Goes Well with Grey Converse?

Grey can be a super flexible color and can easily make for the perfect addition to particular get-ups. Here are a few clever ensembles that can help you wear grey Converse with confidence:

Suggestion 1: Opt for comfort by pairing a pair of Adidas sweatpants with some grey Chuck Taylors. Add a colorful windbreaker or a solid-colored hoodie alongside a black or grey beanie to complete the look.

Suggestion 2: For a casual, everyday outfit, pair some dark-wash, slim-fit jeans, rolled a few inches high, with a pair of low-rise grey Converse. Toss on a white tee and add some colorful, patterned mid-calf socks to the mix to spice things up. Try some sunglasses and bracelets to accessorize.

Suggestion 3: Wear grey Converse with some black chinos or black pleated pants and a solid-colored sweater; white or grey typically works well. Tie it all in with a denim jacket or a black overcoat.

Are They Right for You?

Grey is ordinarily a calmer color to incorporate into your wardrobe, and it’s fairly unique.

If you’re hoping to be different in more of a subtle way, grey Converse make a fantastic choice. They’re also adaptable to nearly any ensemble, making them easy to wear. Not to mention, they’re super simple to keep clean.

However, it is less likely to add as much contrast as black or white would. If you find that grey is a bit too dull for your liking, it might not be the best color for you. Regardless, whether grey Converse are right for you ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between black, white, and grey Converse can land you in quite the pickle. However, recognizing the pros and cons of each, along with some great ways to sport them, will guide you in your ultimate choice. Regardless of which color you choose, you can feel confident that there are no wrong answers; your confidence will make you look good in anything.

Black, White, Or Grey Converse? Here’s How To Decide