Trainers
: no longer just for the gym, but a summer wardrobe staple.
Once relegated to errands and workouts, they’re now paired with everything from jumpsuits to dresses, blurring the lines between casual and chic.
But navigating this trend requires a delicate balance. Fashion experts weigh in on how to master the trainer-and-dress look, offering essential dos and don’ts to ensure you always hit the mark.
Summer dressing calls for shoes that feel fresh but are also functional. The best way to nail the look is to focus on clean lines.
“At present, the prevailing style for trainers focuses on sleek, minimalistic designs,” according to fashion designer and podcast host.
Amanda Wakeley
OBE. “Any traditional white leather design [is] minimalist, sophisticated, and adaptable.”
Subtle, low-key designs are dominating, but adding a touch of elevation isn’t detrimental. “A somewhat thicker sole or flatform can introduce a contemporary twist without overpowering the appearance, plus they offer a bit of extra lift,” notes Wakeley. Additionally, classic plimsoles are making a comeback right now.
“Retro runners are currently shining, bringing a sporty touch to delicate items,” according to Wakeley.
Subdued hues and gentle suede materials are trending for this spring/summer. “The focus of this season is on understated, retro-style sneakers [such as] 1970s sports shoes, reinvented,” explains celebrity and personal stylist.
Deborah Sheridan-Taylor
.
Soft creams, pastels and muted vintage tones complement the lightness of summer fabrics. Sheridan-Taylor suggests butter yellows, light browns and baby blues.
M&S Leather Stripe Trainers, $62.75
Adidas
Samba OG Shoes, £95
Dune
Eden White FlATFORM LACE-UP TRAINERS, $99 down to £69
Balancing proportions is essential
Pulling off the trainer-and-dress look isn’t
just
about what you wear, but about how you wear it. Proportion plays a huge role in getting it right.
“When you opt for a flowy dress, balancing the outfit with a chic, streamlined sneaker adds harmony,” says Wakeley.
Control the volume — should your gown be full-bodied, choose a minimalist shoe and consider adding a cropped jacket or emphasizing a distinct waist.
According to Sheridan-Taylor, it’s all about achieving balance through contrasts. She presents a straightforward fashion equation: “The more flowing and loose the gown, the bulkier the sneaker should be.”
When hems elevate or fit tighter, trainers ought to become slimmer and more polished.” She currently favors the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. “That crisscross pattern at the back serves as a sort of corset for the ankle; it adds an extra layer of thoughtful detail.
Wolf & Badger Large Cotton Tote Bag In Pink Stripes, $70
Boden
Anna Linen Tiered Midi Dress, $136
New Look
Pink Faux Suede Panelled Flatform Trainers, £32.99
Not
all
dresses work with trainers
While this styling duo can be effortlessly cool, not every dress makes a great match. Some silhouettes are just too structured or formal.
Tailored or form-fitting designs may not blend well with the comfort of sneakers,” notes Wakeley. Instead, looser and more flowing styles often pair better, such as loose shirt dresses, A-line midi skirts, or airy maxi lengths.
Trainers should never be an afterthought, insists Sheridan-Taylor. “The focus should always be on how the dress’s design complements the sneaker’s look,” she explains.
Thick-soled shoes paired with flowing skirts? Absolutely. Check out the Axel Arigato Sphere Runner – a bulky, multi-material sneaker that exudes effortless cool.
For individuals dipping their toes into it, she recommends beginning with tonal.
“Opting for an entirely black ensemble – such as a black linen skirt suit combined with a basic tank top, finished off with vintage-inspired black sneakers like the Adidas Tokyo Low-Top – effectively creates a cohesive monochrome appearance ideal for professional environments,” explains Sheridan-Taylor.
Wolf & Badger Gold Willa Earrings, $20
Zara
Pleated Midi Dress, £49.99
Mint Velvet Chunky Cuff Bracelet, priced at £45,
John Lewis
& Partners
Adidas Tokyo Shoes, £85
Accessories have the power to change the appearance.
The perfect accessories can transform thetrainer-and-dress combinationfrom casual to sophisticatedin an instant.
Accessories play a crucial role in giving this outfit a refined finish,” states Wakeley. “I enjoy stacking delicate gold jewelry or wearing statement-making earrings to add some glitz […] whereas a large pair of sunglasses can effortlessly tie all elements together.
Incorporating distinctive elements—other than jewelry—can truly personalize an ensemble. As Sheridan-Taylor recommends, “Consider adding a chic, vintage-style Hermès-inspired silk scarf casually fastened around the waist or draped over your handbag for a vibrant splash of color.”
She suggests matching the color of the sneakers with the colors in the scarf to create a cohesive appearance.
Maintain Boutique Apaches Heart Block-Print Neck Scarf, $52
The M&S Denim Button-Front Midi Shirt Dress costs £45.
Pull & Bear Fringed Shopper Bag, £27.99
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, £150
Certainly, you can dress up the combination to be more formal.
Dressing formally does not necessarily demand wearing heels. When styled correctly, sneakers can be refined enough for any event.
“Coaches can be perfect for more formal occasions, provided they are spotlessly clean and worn with purpose,” according to Wakeley.
She suggests high-quality materials and bold accessories. “Pairing a slip dress — possibly made of silk — with stylish leather sneakers and enhancing the look with eye-catching earrings or a tailored blazer, can make for a contemporary choice suitable for a summer occasion.”
Sheridan-Taylor suggests that enhancing an outfit hinges on the choice of material. She explains, “Wearing loose pale yellow silk trousers paired with suede sneakers can be ideal. Alternatively, consider vintage-inspired metallic low-top shoes combined with a long silk maxi skirt and a sparkling crystal-adorned top.”
She emphasizes that investing in high-quality sneakers is crucial. “Heels that you only wear once and feel uncomfortable throughout the evening end up costing a lot. So why not put your money into stylish sneakers you can enjoy wearing every day?” she suggests.
Think large, be daring, and achieve great value per wear. The essential part is to embrace the contrast. This is what gives it its edge.
Zara 50th Anniversary Satin Midi Dress, $39.99
Olivia Burton Classic 23mm Grove White & Two-Tone Bracelet Watch, priced at £149
Lyon Oval Link Chain Bracelet from Abbott in Gold, priced at £55
Veja Volley Canvas White and Black Trainers, priced at £110
The Independent stands out as the globe’s premier source of unbiased reporting, offering international news, insights, and evaluations tailored for those with an independent mindset. With a vast worldwide audience comprised of people who appreciate our reliable perspective and dedication to fostering constructive transformation, we continue to thrive. Today, fulfilling our purpose—driving progress forward—is more crucial than ever before.
