I must admit, although I’m a fashion editor and love boots, flats and heels as much as the next person, I would happily wear trainers every day. This is partly down to their practicality and partly down to their ability to make almost any outfit feel instantly cooler. In fact, I believe there are very few looks that aren’t made better through the addition of a great pair of trainers.
But wait, before you start throwing controversial trainer outfits at me; yes, a ball gown and trainers may be a step too far (sadly, we aren’t all Rihanna), however, a dress and trainers can be incredibly chic, proving it only takes a few thoughtful style choices to many any outfit trainer feel put-together.
If you’ve previously thought trainers can’t be paired with your favourite classic pieces to create a more elegant outfit, allow me to prove you wrong. This season, some of the biggest trainer trends make the perfect pairing for more polished, sophisticated looks and I’ve found the inspiration to prove it.
From trainers with suiting to old-money-inspired cardigans and kicks, these looks prove trainers make the perfect addition to even the most elegant outfits. Plus, unlike ballet flats or slingbacks, which tend to lend these looks a more refined aesthetic, trainers take these elegant wardrobe staples somewhere much cooler and unexpected for a stylish take on high-low dressing. Keep scrolling to see how it’s done…
7 ELEGANT OUTFITS WITH TRAINERS, AS CHOSEN BY A FASHION EDTIOR:
1. Tonal Trouser Suit + Trainers
Style Notes:I firmly believe that there’s no outfit more polished and put together than a sleek tonal trouser suit, and so, it makes the perfect pairing for elevating your trainers. For a cohesive feel, keep the look tonal, like Nina has here, and finish with classic accessories like a simple belt and shoulder bag.
Shop the Look:
Nobody’s Child
Chocolate Brown Double Breasted Relaxed Blazer
Chocolate brown is the shade of the season.
Reformation
Tallulah Ribbed Sweater Tank
A sleeveless knit will see you through to spring.
Nobody’s Child
Chocolate Brown Double Pleated Trousers
Re-work these without the matching blazer for even more styling options.
Adidas
Gazelle Indoor Trainers in Earth Strata and White
The suede finish gives these trainers a elevated feel.
MÉTIER
Market Small Suede Tote
Bring the look together with a matching bag.
2. Shirt + Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: There’s something eternally elegant about a shirt and trousers combo whether paired with loafers, ballet flats or even trainers. Here Vanessa has opted for light linen fabrics, a look that’s perfect for spring and summer, but you could also recreate this look with wool styles to wear right now.
Shop the Look:
WNU
The Boyfriend in Grapefruit Pink Linen
This lightweight shirt can also double as a beach cover up come summer.
M&S
Pure Linen Palazzo Trousers
These come in three lengths to suit all heights.
Drape over your shoulders for a polished look.
Puma
Arizona in Intense Red Frosted Ivory
I love these so much, I’ve ordered them myself.
3. Jumper + Slip Skirt + Trainers
Style Notes: Here Francesca gives a lesson in how to dress down a satin slip skirt for wearing everyday. Her oversized knit and skirt combination feels chic and timeless thanks to its simple shapes and cosy colour palette while the statement trainers turn the paired-back look into a fashion moment.
Shop the look:
Arket
Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper
Size up for a relaxed fit like Francesca.
MAX MARA
Carnet Silk-Satin Midi Skirt
Bottega Veneta
Small Cobble Top Handle in Barolo
An influencer-approved style.
4. Trench Coat + Black Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes:: All the fashion girls know, a trench coat is one of the hardest working (and most elegant) coat styles you can have in your collection. I love how Monikh has paired it with a simple tee, trousers and contrasting trainers for a look that feels effortless.
Shop the Look:
Sézane
Clyde Trench Coat
This trench has the most perfect relaxed fit.
Massimo Dutti
100% Cotton Short Sleeve T-shirt
COS
Relaxed Wide Leg Trousers
These trousers are smart enough for the office, but also work for everyday wear.
All the cool girls are wearing Adidas.
5. Cardigan + White Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes:: If you only invest in one trainer trend right now, make it a high-shine silver pair. The statement finish may seem intimidating but it’s the perfect way to elevate even the most classic of looks, like Debora proves here.
Shop the Look:
Toteme
Classic Doublé Coat Mid Grey Melange
You’ll get so much wear from this classic style.
& Other Stories
Alpaca-Blend Knit Cardigan
The alpaca-blend makes this so soft and cosy.
Hush
Relaxed Boyfriend Jeans
Don’t save your white jeans for summer, pair them with darker tones now for a chic look.
Onitsuka Tiger
Mexico 66™ SD “Pure Silver Cream” sneakers
The Row
Half Moon Bag in Leather
The Row’s half moon bag is still at the top of my wish list.
6. Blazer + Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: Want to make your jeans and trainers outfit feel more elegant? Whether you’re heading to the office, out running errands or for brunch with friends, there’s no outfit a blazer can’t elevate. Just look to Sarah for inspiration.
Shop the Look:
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Gelso Oversized Tencel Lyocell-Blend Blazer
Frankie Shop always delivers.
John Lewis
Long Sleeve Roll Neck Thermal Top
Wear alone or layer under a jumper.
Abercrombie & Fitch
High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
The cuff makes these jeans feel much more considered.
adidas
Originals Handball Spezial
The contrast sole gives these a vintage spin.
ALAÏA
Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag
7. Knitted Dress + Trainers
Style Notes: A favourite look of street stylers and fashion insiders, I’m a huge fan of a dress and trainers combo. Here Thandi gives her classic Adidas Stan Smiths an upgrade pairing them with contrasting green tones for a dose of spring-ready colour.
Shop the Look:
Joseph
Ribbed-Knit Wool Midi Dress
A knit dress can easily be dressed up and down.
Barbour
Alexa Harley Showerproof Jacket
Alexa Chung’s collab with Barbour always impresses.
Before Sambas, every fashion girl was wearing these and they’re still just as good today.