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Make trainers your go-to spring shoes by embracing them with sunshine-ready dresses for an effortlessly put-together look.
Once upon a time trainers may have been solely reserved for sports and gyms, but thankfully, things have changed and now the comfort-first shoes are as much part of our wardrobes as jeans and tailoring.
I don’t know about you, but my love for trainers is down to two key factors. First, they have to be entirely versatile. Second, I have to feel comfortable in them all day long. So much so, in fact, that there isn’t an outfit I can’t finish off with the right pair of trainers, whether it’s a smart tailored look, casual loungewear or a dress. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I wore actual shoes because trainers have had my sartorial back for such a long time.
Trainers with jeans have become a natural default, so have trainers with leggings, wide-legged trousers, slip skirts and denim shorts. But there is something particularly stylish about trainers with dresses. (Thank you, Lily Allen).
Now, unlike jeans, this isn’t a one-trainer-fits-all scenario. There are certain nuances that have to be factored in when deciding which trainers to pair with your dress. You have to consider the length of the dress, the fabric, whether it’s printed or plain and how much detail there is already on the dress (is it covered in ruffles or is it a simple slip dress?) before working out exactly what kind of trainer will work best.
A high-top trainer works well with mini dresses as opposed to midi dresses while a chunky trainer looks great with a maxi dress. And if there’s a lot going on with your dress, then stick to a classic tennis shoe. Whoever said style was simple?
If you’re ready to take on this key summer style pairing, then we’ve rounded up the best trainers to wear with dresses this summer and… well, forever.
Keds by Elizabeth Olwen canvas trainers
Keds by Elizabeth Olwen canvas trainers Florals for summer are absolutely groundbreaking, but in case you find them too outré for your everyday ensembles, weave them into your outfits via a pair of crisp white trainers.
Stylist x LØCI trainers
Stylist x LØCI trainers Crafted with 100% recyclable materials, these vegan trainers, which are the result of Stylist’s own collaboration with conscious sneaker label LØCI, are a no-brainer for adding to your summer wardrobe. Even better, apply code STYLIST15 at the checkout and get 15% off your very own Stylist sneakers.
Reebok Classic Leather SP trainers
Reebok Classic Leather SP trainers No trainer is better than a chunky, comfortable iteration, such as this classic pair of Reeboks. Take it back to the early 00s by wearing them with frilled ankle socks and a statement dress.
Veja Impala trainers
Veja Impala trainers Veja’s first-ever indoor training shoes not only look the part but they also feel like you’re walking on a cloud thanks to their super lightweight silhouette. What’s not to love?
Vans Classic Old Skool trainers
Vans Classic Old Skool trainers In case you missed the memo, Vans are back with a vengeance this summer. Wear the Old Skool silhouette to tone down the femininity of floaty dresses for an optimal spring ensemble.
Loewe flow runner trainers
Loewe flow runner trainers Loewe’s zesty-toned trainers were firmly stationed on the feet of the style set at the most recent fashion weeks. Perfect for lending a helping sartorial hand to ditsy floral dresses, these treads are a worthy forever investment.
Merrell x Sweaty Betty GTX trainers
Merrell x Sweaty Betty GTX trainers Techwear is cooler now than ever before and these chunky, zesty treads, which are Sweaty Betty’s first foray into footwear, are the perfect place to start.
Alexander McQueen Sprint Runner trainers
Alexander McQueen Sprint Runner trainers One of the best things to emerge from Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2022 collection was its reimagined Runner trainers, which are now more streamlined and colourblocked than before. Expect to see them everywhere very soon.
Adidas Ozweego Pure trainers
Adidas Ozweego Pure trainers Adidas’ Ozweego was one of its most popular running shoes in the 90s. Now, the shoe has been re-envisioned for leisurewear but maintains the same comfort and cushioning round in the original. One part chunky, one part colourful, this pair is ideal for linen midi dresses.
Adidas Stan Smith vegan trainers
Adidas Stan Smith vegan trainers It doesn’t get more classic than Adidas’ Stan Smith trainers. Consider these trainers an investment buy as they will work with every single dress in your wardrobe time and time again.
New Balance MS327 trainers
New Balance MS327 trainers Industry insiders can’t get enough of chunky New Balance trainers. So much so, they sell out almost as quickly as they’re restocked. Team yours with a floral midi dress for an instant hit of cool.
Salomon XT-Wings 2 trainers
Salomon XT-Wings 2 trainers Comfort well and truly meets style with Salomon’s tech-wear trainers. We’ll be wearing ours with mini dresses for the day and maxi smock dresses in the evening.
Converse All Star Hi trainers
Converse All Star Hi trainers Fans of trainers with dresses will know that Converse is always a good idea. Mix up your look by teaming your simple white summer dress with a pair of floral All Stars instead.
Balenciaga Triple S white mesh and leather sneakers
Balenciaga Triple S white mesh and leather sneakers For statement trainers, Balenciaga’s chunky Triple-S continues to rule the footwear game. A firm favourite among industry insiders, the newest version of this trainer comes in an easier-to-wear neutral palette. We’ll be wearing ours with a ditsy floral maxi dress.
Shop Balenciaga Triple S leather trainers at Harvey Nichols, £695
Superga Linea Up flatform trainers
Superga Linea Up flatform trainers Italian footwear brand Superga is known for its simple canvas shoe, but don’t be fooled: its fashion credentials are right up there thanks to collaborations with Alexa Chung, Mary Katrantzou and LoveShackFancy. Try Superga’s chunky trainers with a dainty embroidered dress.
Veja Campo trainers
Veja Campo trainers Meghan Markle, Emma Watson and Victoria Beckham are all fans of vegan footwear brand Veja. We love the minimalist appeal of this particular pair, which will work perfectly with a brightly coloured maxi dress.
Reebok Club C trainers
Reebok Club C trainers A classic tennis shoe never goes out style, and better still, they work with every dress style. Team yours with your go-to black sundress with brightly coloured jewellery.
Nike Air Max 95 trainers
Nike Air Max 95 trainers The ice lolly shades on Nike’s Air Max 95 trainers are giving us a real summer feeling. For a retro look, wear yours with a 90s-style slip dress.
Gucci Ace trainers
Gucci Ace trainers Gucci’s statement chic trainers pack a real fashion punch. Wear yours with a simple maxi dress and basket bag when summer hits.
Lululemon Blissfeel trainers
Lululemon Blissfeel trainers Lululemon has branched into footwear for the first time, and they feel like cushions made specifically for feet, which makes them perfect for adding a utilitarian touch to floaty floral frocks. Run, don’t walk.
Sandro Flame low-top leather trainers
Sandro Flame low-top leather trainers Don’t allow your trainers to take a backseat; instead, look to a punchy pair of treads that will add a dose of texture and colour to an otherwise pared-back ensemble.
Shop Sandro Flame low-top leather trainers at Selfridges, £249
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands
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