How to Wear Dresses with Trainers

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 dress and trainer outfits are the perfect way to do this. Whether you're heading to a weekend lunch, running errands or even searching for a casual night out, it's the style pairing that keeps on giving.

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.

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, carefully styled sports socks or a pair of bold colourful socks can elevate 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.