How to Wear Dresses with Trainers

The fashion world’s favourite style equation? A great dress plus comfortable trainers equals an effortlessly cool outfit that works from day to night.

Content editor

Jayne Cherrington-Cook

Mastering the dress and trainers combo

Is it okay to wear trainers with a dress? Absolutely! Gone are the days when trainers were confined to the gym or casual weekend wear. Many of us are now keen to bridge the gap between looking good and feeling comfortable, and dresses and trainers outfits are the perfect way to do this. Whether you’re heading to a weekend lunch, running errands or even attending a party, dresses and trainers offer a modern, effortless look.

It’s not as simple as just grabbing any dress and your favourite trainers. You need to consider how they complement each other – think proportions, style compatibility, the works – to make the look feel intentional. And if you’re unsure, you can always rely on a classic pair of clean white trainers.

Choosing the right dress for your trainers

When it comes to what dress to wear with trainers, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Midi dresses: The most versatile option, midi dresses create a balanced silhouette that works with both chunky and sleek trainers. A midi dress in a solid colour, such as red, paired with white leather trainers creates a clean, modern look. Don’t shy away from a floral dress with trainers though – the contrast between the feminine print and the sporty footwear creates a modern look. Pick out one of the colours from the floral print and match it with your trainers for a pulled-together look.

Maxi dresses: For a breezy, laid-back look, a maxi dress with trainers is a perfect choice. Consider a flowing maxi paired with classic canvas trainers for a summery vibe.

Mini dresses: For a more playful look, a short dress with trainers is ideal. A mini sundress or a casual T-shirt dress looks fantastic worn with retro, sporty trainers.

It’s all in the details

To sock or not to sock: that is the question when wearing trainers with dresses. For a minimalist approach, opt for invisible trainer socks. Conversely, a carefully styled sports socks or bold colourful socks can elevate your dress and trainers outfits with a deliberate, on-trend detail.

To create a coordinated look, consider matching your accessories with your trainers. For example, if you’re wearing white trainers, choose accessories with similar clean lines and neutral tones. For metallic or coloured trainers, pick up those accent colours in your jewellery or bag choice.

Remember to keep the overall look balanced – if your dress is elaborate or patterned, keep your trainers and accessories simple. Conversely, if you’re wearing a simple dress, you can experiment with bright trainers and bold accessories.

Trainers for every dress

£25

The ‘go with every dress’ trainers

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Add a pop of colour to plain dresses

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Tap into the animal print trend

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Give mini dresses a sporty vibe