And just like that, we’re out of hibernation and ready to step into a sunnier new season, so it’s time to start thinking about the much-discussed topic of what to wear in spring. One of the best things about the season has to be its relaxed approach to dressing. While winter required well-planned layering in an effort to stay cosy, a milder spring makes the most of easy outfits that are the right balance of fashion and function. How? Simply add trainers.
After spending the majority of my career trying to refine the perfect outfit formula for any season, style or occasion, I’ve found that spring and summer are when my wardrobe truly comes into its own. Last year gave us some of the most divisive trends, and after all the runway moments, viral aesthetics, and flash-in-the-pan trends, I’m focused on stripping back my wardrobe and taking a back-to-basics approach this year. Not only is this the easiest way to build a capsule wardrobe that will rise to any dress code, but it also takes the stress out of choosing what to wear every day. And there’s one cult favourite brand that I can rely on to complement my current approach to style: Onitsuka Tiger.
With quite possibly the most iconic movie trainers of all time (Kill Bill, anyone?) and collaborations with Valentino, Shu Uemura and Givenchy, Onitsuka Tiger has been a champion of quiet luxury for over 70 years, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and a meticulous eye for detail.
I’ve been building my spring and summer wardrobe around comfortable trainers, so I need versatile pieces that will work with flat shoes. The brand’s spring 2023 collection is all about Japanese minimalism—think strong silhouettes, lightweight fabrics, and sweeping lines, all in a refined colour palette of black, white and pops of yellow and green that are perfect for the transition to spring. And, as Onitsuka Tiger proved during it’s fourth Milan Fashion Week show, there’s plenty of room for a brand that combines slick, fashion-forward design with wearable, urban lilt. Nylon dresses that can be shortened thanks to hidden zippers? Miniskirts with plenty of pocket room? Sign me up.
I tested my favourite mix-and-match pieces from the Onitsuka Tiger spring 2023 collection with the brand’s latest footwear styles and came up with some foolproof looks to prepare your spring wardrobe for the coming months. Below are all the dresses, trousers and skirts that look good with trainers to help you get dressed in no time.
Let’s start with the important outfit element: the sneaker. Flat shoes will always come back around, but right now, trainers are having a moment that’s simply too big to ignore. Whether it’s the comfort, the cool factor, or the casual answer to last year’s skyscraper platforms, it’s always a good idea to have a pair of trainers in your wardrobe, and thankfully, Onitsuka Tiger specialises in unique, attention-grabbing styles that elevate even the most basic outfit. Whether you want the MEXICO (bold, confident and cool), the SCLAW (sleek, understated and stylish), or the high-top SCLAW MT (edgy and experimental), there’s a style for everyone. (And that’s coming from an OG MEXICO 66 fan.) How to wear them, you ask? I have some thoughts…
From the citrus brights of summer to the jewel tones of autumn, the colours we wear tend to echo the shift in our surroundings as the seasons change, so what better way to transition out of the cold, crisp winter than with optimistic pops of colour? A classic foundation of black, white and grey is ready for anything that the Great British weather has to throw at us, but a nod to brights is the boost we need to manifest a little more sun. Look to lightweight wide-leg trousers, bright pouches, and nylon coach jackets that look as just as good from the back as they do from the front.
There are only a handful of items that should truly be considered wardrobe essentials, but a white button-down shirt is one of the most versatile pieces worth investing in. A staple like this goes with jeans, skirts, summer dresses, winter knits and sharp suiting all year round. Just size up to wear it oversized for laid-back appeal. This spring and summer, I’ll be swapping my usual jeans for something a little cooler, and I’ve found that in the utility-detailed WS miniskirt. The adjustable waist makes it a great fit for many different body types.
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s the value of good loungewear. Although we aren’t spending the majority of our time indoors anymore, we still deserve clothing that manages to be both comfortable and chic for the 9-to-5, our weekend plans and everything in between. The answer is luxe loungewear. If you’ve been living in leggings or looking for a casual outfit that still feels put together, Onitsuka Tiger’s classic tracksuit has been reworked for this season with a wide-curved and ultra-baggy fit, echoing the supersized tailoring that has dominated for the last few years.
There’s no easier instant outfit than the dress, and Onitsuka Tiger’s draped and ruched details make simple midi styles truly special. Should you need a piece that transitions effortlessly from day to night, these dresses pair perfectly with everything from mules to sneakers (even a chunky flat sandal once the sun is out). There are no zips—simply pull on overhead and readjust the strings to personalise the fit. It’s simplicity at its finest.
The difference between high-street and luxury pieces often comes down to the execution, and if you’re looking for pieces worth investing in, look out for styles that take the finer details into account. A pleat here or a nipped waist there can prove a designer’s credentials, and although Onitsuka’s pleasingly weighty dresses and shirts seem simple by design, the stitching around the bust, the drawstrings and the draping all work together for a fluid fit so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing something so directional. Without a doubt, these are the easiest pieces to pull on and go with a statement trainer and light jacket.
