Gone are the days when trainers were solely reserved for athletic endeavours or your commute, proven it has resumed. Instead, over the past few years, sneakers have broken free from their gym-bag bounds and have taken on new sartorial meaning.
It all started when Adidas Stan Smiths became part of the It-girl uniform. Then Vans proved to be all the rage. Fast-forward a few seasons and we had the pared-back likes of Veja and Superga to obsess over. Most recently, though, “dad” trainers have been clogging up our Instagram feeds, followed by retro styles such as New Balance—something that looks set to continue the further into 2022 we find ourselves.
Claire Most wears Nike Air Force trainers with a floral mini dress and powder blue shoulder bag.
Regardless of which trainer style you’ve pledged your allegiance to, there’s one thing we can all agree on: We’re so glad trainers are here to stay. However, their styling potential goes way beyond the jeans-and-jumper combination we’re guilty of sticking to—I’ve tracked down a bounty of outfit ideas from our favourite influencers to showcase just how versatile they can be.
From dresses and cardigans to skirts and puffer coats, keep scrolling to discover 33 outfits to wear with trainers that look incredibly chic.
Satin always look glossy, but give them a cool spin with a pair of bright kicks.
Floor-skimming frocks always look great with white kicks.
Breathe new life into your little back dresses from seasons gone by with a pair of colour-block trainers.
Wide leg trousers are set to be one of the biggest springtime trends; take cues from Lotte and style yours with chunky trainers.
Michelle ticks off two major trends in one by wearing her running kicks with tie-dye.
Lucy’s tiger-stripe trousers and leather biker combination are made even edgier with her choice of footwear.
Loose jeans and bra tops are two of 2021’s biggest trends. Add ’80s style skater trainers into the mix and make it a hat-trick.
As we begin to dig out our favourite dresses, look for styles with front splits that’ll show off your trainers.
Have your very own Princess Diana moment by pairing your trainers with cycling shorts and an oversized sweatshirt.
Alexis gives us a master class in wearing trainers with summery skirts, while her sized-up blazer makes this look appropriate for the cooler months, too.
Refuse to turn your back on your joggers? Wear them with box-fresh canvas kicks and your favourite shacket for springtime outings.
Throw in bleach denim to complete the L.A. cool mood. Suitcase optional.
Colourful leather is a micrcotrend that packs a big punch come spring. We love how Nnenna has upped the ante of her look with the addition of kooky accessories, which she offsets with white and grey sneaks.
Like Amaka, Aimee is fully subscribing to 2022’s slouchy denim aesthetic. Pair kicks and skater jeans with a thin cardigan worn as a top for the ultimate off-duty ensemble.
Leggings have been an integral part of our uniform for the last twelve months. Carry them through to the new season with neutral separates and edgy black trainers.
Offset a fancy maxi coat with a pair of chunky trainers. For extra fash points, throw in some standout strides.
For a chilly day, bundle up in a grey coat and roll-neck, letting your box-fresh kicks give your attire a refresh.
Could Ada look more incredible? We love the effort she’s put into her laces, too.
Trainers look fantastic in this play on proportions.
Trainers provide the perfect antidote to feeling overdressed.
Jeanette knows the easiest way to make an all-black outfit feel 2019 is with a pair of chunky sneaks.
There’s something very Dirty Dancing about this look, particularly when it’s paired with white tennis shoes.
That checked dress (or five) you invested in last season? They’ll look the part with trainers as well as boots.
Up the retro vibe with colourful sneaks.
A camel coat is one of the most timeless things you’ll ever own. Give it an edgy overhaul with stacked-sole sneaks and wide-leg trousers.
It seems checked trousers and statement kicks go hand in hand.
Wide-leg strides will always look effortless when styled with a pair of Converse—the grubbier the better.
Trainers and Chanel is a vibe I’d very much like to re-create.
Danielle neutralises the busy print of her two-piece with box-fresh kicks.
Of course, slip skirts also look good with trainers.
This look will forever be It-girl uniform.
Ellie uses grey trainers to offset the rest of her extra ensemble, ensuring her look stays on the right side of statement.
In Erica Davies we trust to give us the chicest trainer outfit imaginable.
Sticking to a monochrome palette isn’t just stylish, it’s very on-trend for 2022.
The trainers everyone wants this season.
Tap into the retro trend with bright colourful accents.
Fashion people have been dusting off their Converse of late, so you can expect to see a lot of them this season.
These will blend in seamlessly with minimalist wardrobes.
Wales Bonner and Adidas? Such a cool collaboration.
The trainers Alexa Chung wears on repeat during the warmer months.
I have a hunch that we’re going to see a lot of these trainers this summer.
Just looking at these makes me feel nostalgic for my youth.
These trainers are trend-defying.
If runners are more your thing, look no further than Under Armour.
These kicks put designer trainers on the map.
Another throwback trainer that’s having a moment right now—Hailey Bieber counts herself a fan.
