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 – to make the look feel intentional. And if you're unsure, you can always rely on a classic pair of white trainers.

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. This striped knit dress with a polo collar captures a sporty, preppy vibe.

A mini dress also works as the perfect opportunity to experiment with eye-catching socks. Reach for a pair of sporty stripes or go wild with bold animal print.

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 black, paired with leather, retro trainers creates a clean, modern look.

Don't shy away from a patterned dress with trainers though – the contrast between feminine prints and the sporty footwear creates visual contrast. Pick out one of the colours from the 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 drop-waist maxi dress, made from pure cotton in sunny yellow. To contrast the pastels, go for leather trainers in a rich, dark colour like these chocolate brown ones.

For a more feminine silhouette, try a pair of ballet trainers. This elegant twist on sporty staples elevates the look with ankle ties in a delicate bow.

Should you wear socks with 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.

How to accessorise a dress and trainers

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, like red and blue, and bold accessories.