Contents
Pairing a dress with trainers is a brilliant way to easily create a more casual, laidback look.
And while it may feel tricky to find the right style of trainers to go with your favourite dresses, it’s actually not as hard a task as you may think.
Smarter, elegant shoes from the likes of VEJA will go with pretty much anything while the chunkier silhouettes such as those from New Balance will add an effortlessly cool feel to your look.
Plus, there’s nothing more versatile than a pair of white trainers.
Invest in a good set now and you’ll have something for your summer and winter wardrobes, something to wear to work and something to run to the shops in.
We can’t see these styles going out of fashion anytime soon, no matter the season.
Wear these white trainers with dresses
Photo: Office
VEJA Campo Trainers
Wear them with: A floral dress with tones that match the mulberry accent
A simple shoe with a retro feel, VEJA’s Campo trainers have been popular since the brand’s launch in 2005. They go well with a multitude of looks thanks to their low-key yet elegant design and subtle pop of colour that elevates a finished outfit.
VEJA is a name known for its sustainable practices. The Campo, in particular, has been made from organic and responsibly sourced materials. It includes recycled polyester lining and a wild rubber sole sourced from the Amazonian Forest.
Photo: Schuh
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Trainers
You save £31.01 (47.71%)£65
Wear them with: A flowy midi dress on a hot day
Worn by the likes of Kate Middleton, Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner, this ultra-feminine canvas trainer has a sleek, minimalist silhouette that is the perfect complement to both casual and smarter looks.
The lightweight vegan shoe features a pure cotton upper providing support and breathability while the vulcanised gum sole offers comfort as you stride through your day.
Photo: Boden
Boden Flatform Trainers
You save £45 (50%)£90
Wear them with: A floor-length maxi dress
While branded trainers will always be more popular than high street options, it’s hard to argue with the price of this pair from Boden.
We like the flatform design which gives wearers a little extra height without the discomfort of heels. The clean aesthetic and leather composition make this a great option for the office, too.
Photo: Office
adidas Samba OG Trainers
Wear them with: A summer dress you want to dress down
The shoe of the moment, adidas Sambas seem to be everywhere right now.
Originally a popular choice in the ‘90s for amateur football players, the streetwear staple has been spotted on supermodels, celebs and influencers alike.
The iconic t-toe suede design, sporty silhouette and pale blue on this pair have a fresh feel that pairs perfectly with laidback dresses.
Photo: Office
Converse All Star Hi Trainers
Wear them with: A dress that falls just above the knee (to create a look that elongates the legs)
A trainer that never seems to go out of style, Converse high tops are a super versatile wardrobe staple.
This pair comes with OrthoLite cushioning to keep your feet comfy, breathable eyelet vents to keep your feet fresh and the iconic Converse ankle patch. They will quite literally go with any dress thanks to their easygoing vibe and all-white colourway.
And, while you may assume that the white canvas material is harder to clean than leather, don’t forget you can always chuck your Converse in the washing machine when they need a refresh.
Photo: ASOS
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Trainers
Wear them with: An ultra-feminine patterned mini
Nike has been manufacturing Air Force 1s since the ‘80s. And while there any many different variations and colourways of the classic shoe, nothing compares to the timeless feel of the simple white option.
A low profile, padded collar and thick sole combine to create a uniquely retro shoe capable of upgrading any outfit. A foam midsole and textured grip tread will help support your feet, too.
We like the bold shoe paired with a feminine floral summer dress best.
Photo: New Balance
New Balance 530 Shoes
Wear them with: An A-line silhouette that lets the shoes do all the talking
An easy way to add a little masculinity to your look is by donning your favourite dress with a pair of chunky trainers.
We love the ‘90s and '00s-inspired silhouette of this popular New Balance pair. The trainers work well with everything from slip dresses to smart shirt dresses and even mini skirts — creating a fun balance with their chunky silhouette.
And with a breathable mesh, a thick cushioned ABZORB midsole and a padded cuff, they’re also pretty comfortable.
Photo: John Lewis
John Lewis Fiona Scalloped Detail Leather Trainers
Wear them with: Your favourite piece of workwear — dress or skirt
Smart and elegant, this trainer has made the list thanks to its leather-lined interior, foam underfoot cushioning and flatform silhouette.
But it's the attention to detail we love most about the shoes; they feature scalloped stitching just above the sole and a gold stud on the heel.
What are some tips for styling a floral dress with sneakers?
When it comes to pairing a floral dress and trainers, we think opting for any shoe with a neutral colour palette is enough to create a cohesive look. Ultimately, you want colours that will complement the floral pattern of your dress, not clash with it.
But when it comes to design, any of the white trainers on this list will work well with floral pieces. The VEJA Campos are a fabulous choice for achieving an elegant yet laidback feel while the adidas Sambas are ideal for pulling off a sportier, retro look.
Is it okay to wear sneakers with a dress?
Wearing your favourite trainers with your favourite dress is always a winning combination, in our opinion. A pair of comfortable trainers is a fabulous alternative to pumps or heels as they can provide your overall aesthetic with a cooler yet more casual feel — aside from being more comfortable.
But ultimately, it’s best to wear whatever you feel most confident in. That’s key to achieving a sparkling look.
Is it wrong to wear sneakers with a formal dress?
It’s not wrong at all to wear trainers with formal attire. If you are heading somewhere especially fancy, do just check for any particular dress codes before leaving the house.
A formal dress will pair best with a smart trainer. Think Veja Campos. Boden’s Flatforms or the John Lewis Scalloped Pair. The sleek, simple shape and neutral colour of these options complement formalwear without clashing with it.
The chunkier, sportier trainers will work better for casual ensembles.
Which are the best white trainers to wear with dresses?
All of the options on this list are versatile enough to pair with an array of dress styles. However, if we had to choose favourites, they would be as follows:
-
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Trainers: Ideal for achieving a polished look, these are the best trainers to wear with summer dresses thanks to their simple shape and breathability
-
Converse All Star Hi Trainers: A versatile shoe that should add a casual vibe to your dress collection
-
New Balance 530 Shoes: Attention-grabbing thanks to their chunky silhouette and vintage shape, these balance out formal looks while complementing casual dresses.