The recent arrival of sunshine has been hard to miss in the UK, but if your wardrobe still hasn't got the memo and you're struggling for May outfit inspo, it's totally fine to fall back on a tried-and-tested favourite. We're talking about the foolproof combo of a dress with trainers.
It's foolproof for good reason – a summer dress is a one-and-done that ticks off both the easy and breezy boxes, crucial considerations when the mercury starts to climb. But let's not kid ourselves, this is Britain, not the Bahamas, and the weather can turn on a dime. As such, open-toe sandals are an undeniably risky option. Instead, pairing your fave frock with your fashion trainers promises to be both pretty and practical. Win-win!
To keep this timeless ensemble feeling fresh for 2025, tap into the spring summer fashion trends with pastel colours, bold floral prints and sheer fabrications. As for your footwear, there's a slew of new trainer trends, so options are plentiful. And one thing that can't be ignored is your choice of socks, as the millennial-Gen Z ankle versus crew sock culture war becomes more relevant than ever.
For all the outfit inspo you need, read on for how to wear a dress with trainers this szn.
With a midi dress and socks
Sorry millennials, but an instant way to update your dress and trainers outfits is with your socks. Following Gen Z's lead and ditch your ankle socks in favour of a pair of crew socks that hit right at the mid-calf.
With a mini dress and socks
The look works just as well if you prefer a mini hemline, with the shorter silhouette putting your crew socks on show. There's no swishy skirts to hide behind here.
Emphasise athleisure silhouettes
Trainers obvs originated as a sporty shoe, so even though they're now widely worn with everything and to any occasion, they're the perfect shoe to wear if you want to lean into a sports-luxe aesthetic.
Pair busy prints with white trainers
From ditsy florals to abstract patterns, let your dress take centre stage and keep things muted on your feet with a pair of simple, classic white trainers.
Toughen up a white summer dress
It's an unofficial style rule – to instantly make an outfit look cooler *and* more expensive, add a contrasting element. Case in point, a feminine white summer dress paired with the chunky ‘ugly’ dad trainers the street style set are obsessed with.
ASOS DESIGN Prairie Square Neck Maxi Dress with Dropped Waist
Dress down an evening dress
Want to wear that lace naked dress or slinky satin slip but feel a little too overdressed? Slip on some sneakers and your look instantly becomes more casual as well as taking you effortlessly from day to night. Ideal if your evening plans involve post-work drinks.
Rep the one-tone trend
Dressing in one colour head-to-toe is easy if you're opting for a neutral hue, but don't rule the look out if it's a bright and vibrant dress you're wanting to wear. With trainers in every colour of the rainbow, forget about your loafers and ballet flats.
Add a pop of colour
If the rest of your outfit is largely neutral, use your trainers to inject some colour and personality to your overall look.
Contrast a smart blazer
Yep, we told you that you can pretty much wear your trainers anywhere now, and depending on your employer's dress code, that includes to work! We think a blazer, dress and trainers make a really cute summer workwear 'fit.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
