On occasions when you want to prioritise comfort or show off your sporty side, trainers have long proven to be the chameleons of the wardrobe. Whether you have your eyes on trending styles and techy fits, or prefer a classic, tried-and-true sneaker, there’s no better time than now to get your trainers out for your everyday rotation.
After a long winter of boots and layering, perhaps the best thing about trainers is that they’re the perfect match for spring’s other easy outfit solution: dresses. If “jeans and a nice top” is your usual going-out formula, then “a dress with trainers” will achieve the same for your daytime aesthetic.
With so many versatile ways to style dresses with trainers, there’s only one rule of thumb with this outfit combination: If it feels right, go for it. And if you’re looking for some inspiration for classic and creative combos, look no further. Ahead, find 12 dresses and 12 trainers that you can mix and match, and save for later.
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The Daytime Go-To
Aligne Moss Denim Pinafore Dress, £99
From the farmers’ market to weekend brunch, it’s fun to contrast different types of silhouettes, like a flowy maxi dress with chunky high tops, or a denim midi with dad trainers.
Aligne Moss Denim Pinafore Dress, $, available at Aligne
New Balance MADE in UK 1500 Series Shoes, £200
New Balance MADE in UK 1500 Series Shoes, $, available at New Balance
Weekday Mini Poplin Strap Dress, £44
Weekday Mini Poplin Strap Dress, $, available at Weekday
Charles & Keith Mesh Curved Platform Mary Jane Sneakers, £95
Charles and Keith Mesh Curved Platform Mary Jane Sneakers, $, available at Charles and Keith
All Saints Lil Leopard Print Asymmetric Maxi Dress, £119
AllSaints Lil Leopard Print Asymmetric Maxi Dress, $, available at AllSaints
On THE ROGER Clubhouse Trainers, £140
On The Roger Clubhouse, $, available at On
The Party-Perfect Look
Réalisation Par The Sofia Dress, £235
Trainers can pretty much work for any occasion, including weddings and nights out. Formalwear can absolutely apply to a milkmaid dress and Chuck Taylors — and you’ll be blister-free. Accessorise with stacks of jewellery for a more dressed-up look.
Realisation Par The Sofia, $, available at Realisation Par
Converse Off-White Chuck 70 Mixed Materials Sneakers, £135
Converse Off-White Chuck 70 Mixed Materials Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Omnes Nova Tie Back Dress, £89
Omnes Nova Tie Back Dress, $, available at Omnes
Bobbies Avalon Trainers, £195 £136.50
Bobbies Avalon Trainers, $, available at Bobbies
& Other Stories Jersey Mini Dress, £45
& Other Stories Jersey Mini Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Adidas Originals Gazelle Bold Platform Trainers, £90
Adidas Originals Gazelle Bold Platform Trainers, $, available at ASOS
The Office Essential
Samsøe Samsøe Sahani Short Dress, £130
Heading to after-work drinks straight from the office? You’ll want your feet to be comfy all day long. Pair a structured dress with platform trainers (or pack the latter in your bag for switching out your shoes later). You can always layer your dress with a blazer if the look isn’t work-appropriate enough.
SAMSØE & SAMSØE Sahani short dress 14644, $, available at Samsøe & Samsøe
Salomon XT-Pathway Trainers, £120
Salomon XT-Pathway Unisex Sportstyle Shoes, $, available at Salomon
H&M Shimmering Metallic Denim Dress, £37.99
H&M Shimmering metallic denim dress, $, available at H&M
Good News MACK Trainers, £130
Good News MACK white red, $, available at Good News
Gap Linen Blend Short Puff Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress, £55
Gap Linen Blend Short Puff Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress, $, available at Gap
Gola Classics Badminton Plimsoll Trainers, £65
Gola Badminton Plimsoll Trainers, $, available at Gola
The Summer Combo
Klayd Tube Dress, £80
Rooftop patios are calling our names — although that can also mean lots of stairs, too. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, right? Pair a tube midi or printed maxi with some trendy kicks that will extend your day plans into night.
Klayd Tube Dress, $, available at Klayd
Adidas Handball Spezial Stripe Suede Trainers, £89.99
Adidas Handball Spezial brand-stripe suede trainers, $, available at Selfridges
Kai Collective Aleah Printed Scarf Maxi Dress, £150
Kai Collective Aleah Printed Scarf Maxi Dress, $, available at Kai Collective
Urban Outfitters ASICS Grey Gel-NYC Trainers, £145
ASICS ASICS Grey Gel-NYC Trainers, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Free People Ultraviolet Dress, £140
Free People Ultraviolet Dress, $, available at Free People
KEEN Jasper Trainers, $, available at End Clothing
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