Introduction to Trainer Fashion
Trainers are no longer just for the gym, but have become a staple in summer wardrobes. They can be paired with everything from overalls to dresses, blurring the lines between casual and chic. However, navigating this trend requires a delicate balance. Fashion experts emphasize the importance of mastering the trainer and dress look, and offer crucial dos and don’ts to ensure a stylish and put-together appearance.
Key Considerations for Mastering the Trainer and Dress Look
Summer dressing demands shoes that feel fresh but are also functional. The best way to nail the look is to focus on clean lines. Fashion designer and podcaster Amanda Wakeley suggests that classic white leather styles are timeless, elegant, and versatile. Low-profile forms are leading the pack, but a subtle height boost doesn’t hurt. A slightly chunky sole or flat shape can add a modern edge without overwhelming the look, with the additional advantage of easily dressing it up.
Current Trends in Trainer Fashion
Retro runners are also having their moment in the sun, giving feminine pieces a sporty sensibility. Pumper tones and soft suede textures are also big this spring/summer. Celebrity and staff stylist Deborah Sheridan-Taylor notes that this season is all about low-profile, retro-inspired trainers, such as 1970s sporty shoes, reimagined. Soft creams, pastel hues, and muted vintage tones complement the lightness of summer fabrics. Sheridan-Taylor proposes butter yellow, light brown, and baby blues as key colors.
Balancing Proportions
Extending proportions is essential when pairing trainers with dresses. It’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. The proportion plays a significant role in getting it right. Wakeley explains that if you’re wearing a flowing dress, it creates a feeling of balance to pair the look with a slim, structured trainer. On the other hand, if the dress is voluminous, choose a low-profile shoe and may layer with a shortened jacket or a defined waist.
Choosing the Right Dress
While the trainer and dress pairing can be effortlessly cool, not every dress is a great match. Some silhouettes are simply too structured or formal. Wakeley notes that ultra-tailored or bodycon silhouettes may not be so harmonious with the lightness of a trainer. Loose, more fluid shapes tend to work better, such as relaxed shirt dresses, A-Line Midis, or Floaty Maxis.
Accessorizing the Look
The right accessories can take the trainer and dress pairing from relaxed to polished. Wakeley says that accessories are the key to making this look polished, and suggests laying fine gold jewelry or sculptural earrings for a touch of glamor. Oversized sunglasses can also easily pull everything together. Adding more unique details, such as a vintage, Hermès-inspired silk scarf nonchalantly tied to the waist or around a bag, can achieve a pop of color.
Making the Combo Formal
Formal dressing doesn’t always require heels. With the right styling, trainers can feel dressed up enough for any occasion. Wakeley recommends luxurious fabrics and strong accessories, such as a silk pantsuit paired with a slim leather trainer and statement earrings, which can feel fresh and relevant for a summer event. Similarly, Sheridan-Taylor suggests that a light yellow, flowing silk pantsuit with a suede trainer is perfect for a formal look.
Investment and Commitment
Trainers are the one piece of shoes in which you can invest, according to Sheridan-Taylor. She advises getting a high-quality, statement-making pair and committing to the contrast, which makes the look cool. With the right combination of trainers, dresses, and accessories, anyone can master the art of pairing trainers with dresses for a stylish and put-together appearance.
