How to wear a dress with sneakers ? Complete guide
The Espace des Marques Team | Updated on July 24, 2026
Do you love wearing dresses but hesitate to bring out your best outfits for fear of having to spend the day in heels? Good news: it’s now possible to combine elegance, style and comfort thanks to the dress-and-trainers combo.
Now a wardrobe staple for women, wearing trainers with a dress lets you create modern, easy-to-wear looks for everyday life. Whether you’re into casual chic, boho or a more on-trend style, trainers add a relaxed touch whilst maintaining a feminine look.
But how can you pull off this combination without compromising on elegance? Which trainers should you choose to wear with a dress? Discover all our tips and outfit ideas in our comprehensive guide: how to wear a dress with trainers?
CONTENTS
- Dress + trainers: the on-trend combo for a stylish look without breaking the bank
- Which trainers should you wear with a dress?
- How to choose your trainers to match your dress?
- Our ideas for on-trend dress and trainers outfits for every occasion
- Mistakes to avoid when wearing a dress and trainers
- Where can I buy trendy trainers to go with my dress?
- FAQ
Dress + trainers: the on-trend combo for a stylish look without breaking the bank
The combination of a dress and trainers is based on a contrast that works particularly well: it blends the femininity of a smart dress with the casual, practical feel of trainers. Looking for a modern and elegant look for an event or for everyday wear? Trainers let you make the most of a dress whilst staying comfortable, unlike heels, which are often less suitable for long days.
Wearing trainers with a dress adds a touch of casual chic and a more contemporary feel to your outfit. You can have fun playing with volumes, shapes and colours to create romantic, boho, elegant or futuristic styles, depending on the trainers you choose.
At Espace des Marques, discover a selection of women’s trainers from leading brands such as Adidas, Nike and Puma at clearance prices. It’s the perfect opportunity to put together your dress-and-trainers looks with on-trend styles at up to 70 per cent off.
Which trainers should you wear with a dress?
Not all trainers look the same with a dress. The choice of style depends on the look you’re going for, the cut of the dress and the occasion.
White trainers: a timeless choice
White trainers are undoubtedly the easiest to pair with a dress. Simple and versatile, they go with almost any colour and fabric.
They work particularly well with:
- a black dress for an elegant contrast;
- a floral dress for a spring-inspired look;
- a denim dress for a casual outfit;
- a long, flowing dress for a modern boho style.
If you’re looking for a pair that’s easy to wear every day, the white Converse Chuck Taylor trainers for women, in either high-top or low-top styles, are an excellent choice. They go easily with all your dresses, from the little black dress to a floral summer dress. Adidas Stan Smiths or Superstars are also very popular; with their minimalist design, they’re a safe bet for putting together an effortlessly elegant outfit.
Retro and vintage trainers: the trend of the moment:
Inspired by running trainers from the 80s and 90s, retro trainers have become a wardrobe staple for women. They add a touch of style whilst remaining easy to wear every day.
They pair perfectly with:
- long boho dresses;
- flowing dresses;
- printed dresses;
- shirt dresses;
- casual-chic looks.
The most sought-after styles include the Adidas Samba, Adidas Gazelle, Adidas Handball Spezial, New Balance 530, New Balance 327, New Balance 574, Puma Palermo, Puma Speedcat and the Nike Cortez. Their slim silhouette perfectly balances a dress without weighing down the figure.
Chunky trainers: for a bold, fashion-forward look
With their thick soles and imposing silhouette, chunky trainers – also known as ‘dad shoes’ – add character to an outfit. They create an interesting contrast with a flowing dress or a figure-hugging dress and are particularly well-suited to fans of streetwear.
To pull off this combination:
- opt for a lightweight dress to balance out the proportions;
- avoid layering several oversized pieces;
- choose neutral colours for your first attempt.
The New Balance 9060, New Balance 1906, Nike P-6000, Nike V2K Run, ASICS Gel-1130, ASICS Gel-NYC and the Puma RS-X are all excellent options for embracing this trend.
Colourful trainers: adding a touch of originality
A black, beige or white dress can easily be livened up by a pair of colourful trainers, which will become the standout feature of your outfit. It’s a great way to make a style statement whilst maintaining a balanced look.
A few tips:
- match a colour from your dress or your accessories;
- stick to a maximum of two or three colours to keep your outfit harmonious;
- go for pastel shades in spring or bright colours in summer.
Styles such as the Adidas SL 72, Nike Dunk, Puma Palermo or colourful New Balance 327s are an easy way to add a touch of personality to a simple look.
Discover our wide range of women’s trainers from leading brands at outlet prices to create stylish and comfortable outfits pairing dresses with trainers.
How do you choose trainers to go with your dress?
Good news: almost any dress can be paired with trainers. You just need to strike the right balance between the cut of the dress and the style of the trainers.
A maxi dress with trainers: a trendy boho look
A long dress and trainers are a must-have combination. This pairing lets you wear a flowing garment every day without compromising on comfort.
To pull off this look:
- choose low-top trainers to lighten the silhouette;
- opt for white or retro styles;
- let your ankles show slightly where possible.
A long floral dress with trainers is ideal in spring and summer for a feminine, relaxed style.
The short dress with trainers: a dynamic outfit
A short dress paired with trainers creates a modern look that’s easy to wear every day. Go for high-top trainers or streetwear-inspired styles with a T-shirt dress or a shift dress.
Complete your outfit with a denim jacket, an oversized blazer or a crossbody bag for a casual-chic look, perfect for a day in town, a night out with friends or a weekend away.
The little black dress with trainers: giving a classic a modern twist
The little black dress is a wardrobe essential for any woman. Paired with trainers, it instantly takes on a more contemporary feel.
Some great combinations:
- black dress + white trainers for a minimalist style;
- black dress + coloured trainers for a fashionable touch;
- black dress + retro trainers for a vintage look.
Check out our article too: buying a little black dress: the essential piece for your wardrobe.
A floral dress with trainers: a romantic yet casual combination
A floral dress adds a feminine and romantic touch. Trainers help to tone down its sometimes overly bohemian or dressy look.
For a harmonious look:
- choose white trainers to keep it understated;
- go for coloured trainers to echo a pattern on the dress;
- opt for retro styles for a trendy look.
A wedding dress with trainers: elegance without compromising on comfort
Yes, you can definitely wear trainers with your wedding dress – it’s actually very on-trend! More and more brides are choosing to wear trainers with their wedding dress so they can make the most of this special day without sacrificing comfort.
Sneakers are particularly popular for the civil ceremony, the reception or even the evening dance. They allow you to stay elegant whilst remaining comfortable right through to the end of the night.
For a harmonious look, opt for understated and sophisticated trainers:
- Puma Ribbon
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
- Nike Air Force 1
- Adidas Superstar or Stan Smith
- trainers with gold, silver or glittery details to complement the bride’s accessories.
Our ideas for on-trend dress and trainers outfits for every occasion
One of the main advantages of this combination is its versatility. Depending on the cut of the dress, the style of trainers and the accessories you choose, you can create looks to suit any situation.
A casual-chic look for the office
For a professional outfit that’s both elegant and comfortable, pair a plain midi dress, a shirt dress or a wrap dress with a pair of minimalist white trainers, such as Adidas Stan Smiths or low-top Converse with a platform sole.
Complete your outfit with an oversized blazer, a structured tote bag and some subtle jewellery. The result is a modern look, ideal for a day at work or a business meeting.
A boho look for the holidays
On holiday, go for a flowing maxi dress paired with retro trainers such as Puma Palermo, or a floral dress with canvas trainers such as Converse Chuck Taylor All Star.
Add a wicker basket, sunglasses and a straw hat for a summery look that’s as comfortable as it is on-trend – perfect for exploring a city or strolling along the seafront.
A casual look for a laid-back day
Whether you’re out walking all day without compromising on style, heading for a day’s shopping or attending a festival, opt for a T-shirt dress or a short dress paired with lifestyle trainers such as Nike Air Force 1s or Converse.
A denim jacket, a shoulder bag and a pair of sunglasses are all you need to complete this casual look, perfect for a day out with friends or a spot of shopping.
A trendy look for a night out with friends
Fancy wearing a dress for a night out without putting on heels? Go for a black, satin or figure-hugging dress, paired with retro trainers or on-trend trainers such as the Adidas Samba, Nike Dunk or New Balance 327. These styles add a fashionable touch whilst remaining comfortable.
Add some gold jewellery, a leather jacket or a blazer, and a clutch bag to create a feminine, modern outfit full of character.
A romantic look for brunch or a casual celebration
For brunch, a birthday or a christening, a floral midi dress or a pleated dress pairs perfectly with understated, elegant trainers such as the Adidas Stan Smith or the Puma Palermo in pastel shades. These styles maintain the outfit’s refined feel without making it look too sporty.
Finish off the outfit with a small shoulder bag and delicate jewellery to maintain a chic style whilst staying comfortable all day long.
The autumn look for cooler days
Dresses aren’t just for summer! Pair a jumper dress or a knitted dress with leather trainers such as the Nike Dunk, New Balance 530 or ASICS Gel-1130. Leather trainers are particularly well-suited to the autumn season and offer better protection on cooler days.
Complete your outfit with opaque tights, a long woollen coat or a trench coat, a leather bag and a scarf to create an elegant and comfortable autumnal look.
Mistakes to avoid when wearing a dress and trainers
Although pairing a dress with trainers is an easy look to pull off, a few mistakes can throw the outfit off balance.
- Choosing trainers that are too sporty: High-performance running trainers can sometimes create a contrast that’s difficult to pull off with an elegant dress. Opt for lifestyle trainers instead for a more harmonious look.
- Neglecting the condition of your trainers: A lovely dress can quickly be let down by trainers that are too worn. Clean, well-maintained trainers are essential for a successful look.
- Forgetting about proportions: A very long, voluminous dress paired with very chunky trainers can weigh down your silhouette. The key is to find a balance between the different volumes.
Where can I buy trendy trainers to go with my dress?
Are you looking for branded trainers without paying top dollar? At Espace des Marques, specialists in clearing stock from major brands for over 15 years, we offer a wide selection of branded trainers at reduced prices. Discover brands such as Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Nike and Reebok, available at unbeatable prices: up to 70 per cent off. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to trainers that’ll go perfectly with your dresses, whatever the occasion.
FAQ: your questions about dresses and trainers
Can you wear trainers with an elegant dress?
Yes, trainers are actually a great way to give an elegant dress a modern twist and create a very on-trend contrast.
Which trainers should you wear with a maxi dress?
White trainers, retro trainers or canvas trainers work particularly well with a long dress. They add a casual touch without weighing down the outfit.
What colour trainers should you choose to wear with a dress?
White trainers are the easiest to match, but coloured styles also allow you to personalise an outfit.
Can you wear a dress with trainers in winter?
Yes. In winter, pair your jumper dress or long-sleeved dress with trainers, tights and a warm jacket for a comfortable and on-trend look.
Do trainers go with all dresses?
Most dresses can be worn with trainers. You just need to choose a style of trainer that suits the style and cut of the dress.