Trainers have officially transitioned from gym wear to everyday fashion essentials, becoming a go-to companion for summer wardrobes. Whether styled with jumpsuits or breezy dresses, this trend blurs the lines between casual ease and polished chic. Fashion experts share their best tips to help you pull off this stylish combo effortlessly—without sacrificing comfort or elegance.
Keep It Clean and Classic
As summer demands shoes that are both fresh-looking and practical, experts agree that the key to getting this look right lies in keeping things clean and simple.
“Right now, the trainer trend is all about clean, minimalist silhouettes,” says designer and fashion podcaster Amanda Wakeley OBE. She recommends classic white leather trainers, which she calls “pared-back, elegant, and versatile.”
Low-profile trainers are leading the style charge, though a slight elevation can enhance the look. “A slightly chunkier sole or flatform can add a modern edge without overwhelming the outfit, while giving a subtle height boost,” Wakeley notes. For those who enjoy vintage flair, retro plimsolls are making a big comeback.
Embrace the Vintage Vibe
Old-school designs are dominating this season, especially those with a nostalgic twist. “Retro runners are also having their moment in the sun, adding a sporty sensibility to feminine pieces,” says Wakeley.
Muted shades and rich suede textures are also in. Personal stylist Deborah Sheridan-Taylor highlights the appeal of ‘70s athletic-inspired footwear: “This season, it’s all about low-profile, retro-inspired trainers,” she says.
Color-wise, go for soft creams, baby blues, light browns, or butter yellows to match the breezy nature of summer fabrics. These hues add subtle sophistication while harmonizing with light and airy outfits.
Balance Is Everything
The success of the trainer-and-dress look doesn’t just depend on the pieces themselves—it’s about how you wear them together. According to Wakeley, proportion is crucial.
“When wearing a more floaty dress, grounding the look with a sleek, structured trainer creates a sense of balance,” she advises. If your dress has volume, opt for a low-profile shoe and consider layering with a cropped jacket or adding a defined waist to create shape.
Sheridan-Taylor agrees and offers a straightforward rule of thumb: “The longer and looser the dress, the chunkier the trainer. As hemlines rise or become more fitted, the trainer should get sleeker and more refined.”
She favors the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 as a go-to style. “There’s something about that criss-cross back—it acts like a corset for the ankle, just that little bit more thought-out and considered.”
Choose the Right Dress Silhouette
While this pairing can be incredibly stylish, not all dresses are ideal matches. Very tailored or bodycon styles may clash with the laid-back nature of trainers.
“Ultra-tailored or bodycon silhouettes might not sit as harmoniously with the ease of a trainer,” says Wakeley. Instead, go for relaxed styles like A-line midis, shirt dresses, or floaty maxi dresses, which complement trainers beautifully.
Sheridan-Taylor emphasizes that trainers should feel intentional. “It’s all about the relationship between the shape of the dress and the style of the shoe,” she explains. For example, pair a diaphanous skirt with a chunky sole like the Axel Arigato Sphere Runner to add contrast and effortless flair.
Start Tonal for Safe Styling
If you’re new to the dress-and-trainer trend, begin with a tonal outfit to ease into the look. Sheridan-Taylor suggests an all-black ensemble—a linen skirt suit with a tank top and a black retro trainer, such as the Adidas Tokyo Low-Top—for a clean, monochromatic aesthetic that’s office-appropriate yet modern.
Accessories Make the Difference
The right accessories can elevate your look from casual to polished in seconds. Wakeley recommends using fine gold jewelry or statement earrings for added glam. “An oversized pair of sunglasses can also pull everything together beautifully,” she adds.
Sheridan-Taylor suggests adding a pop of personality with accessories like a vintage silk scarf. “Tie it around your bag or waist for a splash of color,” she says. To create a cohesive look, match your trainer shade with colors in the scarf.
Dress It Up Without the Heels
Formal dressing doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable heels. With thoughtful styling, trainers can fit in seamlessly at more elegant events.
“Trainers can work beautifully for more dressed-up moments, as long as they’re impeccably clean and styled with intent,” says Wakeley. She recommends pairing a silk slip dress with sleek leather trainers and finishing the look with bold accessories or a tailored blazer.
Sheridan-Taylor adds that luxurious fabrics can elevate casual footwear. “A pale yellow floaty silk trouser suit with a suede trainer is perfect,” she says. She also suggests combining retro metallic low-tops with a silk maxi skirt and an embellished top for evening-ready style.
Invest in Your Footwear
When it comes to building a versatile wardrobe, investing in quality trainers is a smart move. “You’ll spend a fortune on heels you wear once and regret all night,” Sheridan-Taylor notes. “Why not invest in elevated trainers you’ll live in?”
Her advice: embrace bold choices and make them count. “Go big, go bold, and get serious price-per-wear payoff. The key is to commit to the contrast. That’s what makes it cool.”
With the right pairings, thoughtful proportions, and considered accessories, the dress-and-trainer look can be one of the most comfortable yet stylish choices for the season. Whether you’re heading to a brunch, a meeting, or a summer soirée, this versatile trend proves you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for style.
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