I Always Wear These 2 Trainer Styles With Dresses

When you wear a dress, you make a decision that you want it to be the standout part of your whole look. It's not an outfit, it's a dress. For this reason, when discussing which trainers go with dresses, it's all about finding the right sneakers that blend into the background. They want to look great too, of course, but they can't take centre stage—that is reserved for your dress. 

As someone who has had a long love affair with sneakers, and has recently built up their dress collection, I've come to the conclusion that there are two main trainer styles that work with every dress in your wardrobe. It sounds like a small selection, but hear me out: You only need a couple of styles of sneakers that'll look really great with your dresses. No need to endlessly mix and match different styles. 

And the two sneakers in question? First, high-tops, and second, chunky "dad" trainers. That's it—those are your two. My reasoning is clear: Both of these sneakers are happy to take a back seat to your look, and they'll never outshine your dress, provided you stick with a muted colourway, that is. Below, I've taken these sneakers and put them with nearly every kind of dress I own. Keep scrolling for what trainers to wear with dresses.

1. High-Tops

Style Notes: I've had this dress for a few years now, and every time I pull it out of my wardrobe, I remember why I love it. It fits really well, thanks to the cinch waist but is super comfortable. But the wow factor comes from the puff sleeves, which could only work with a pair of trainers that aren't equally as bold. 

Style Notes: Knit dresses are a big part of our wardrobes in the winter, and while it remains a little chilly (read: freezing) outside, I'll still be wearing this frock. I wanted to switch up the ankle boots for a more comfortable pair of shoes, and these sneakers do the job.

Style Notes: Me and maxi dresses aren't always on the best of terms due to the fact that I'm just under 5'3,'' which means they can drag on the floor if you're wearing flats. That being said, high-tops work perfectly with maxis, subtly poking out underneath. 

Style Notes: Floral dresses weren't my bag for a long time, but then, I met this from Queens of Archive and I fell in love. The flounced sleeves and the tiered hem make this a very pretty dress and I love that a pair of high-tops takes it to a more casual level. 

2. Chunky Sneakers

Style Notes: I know "dad" sneakers can be divisive, but they really do work when worn with certain dresses. My favourite is to pair them with a shirtdress, as it makes this wardrobe staple a little less boring. 

Style Notes: Pleated dresses are a more consciously "fashion" choice, so it makes sense that a chunky pair of sneakers would work well. It's exactly the kind of outfit I see during fashion week (when we can go, of course). 

Style Notes: Back to the puff-sleeve dress. While high-tops work really well, I'm also a fan of chunky sneakers too.

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends to know.