How to Style Trainers

Trainers have earned their popularity and ubiquity. There’s a reason everyone owns at least one pair: they’re comfy, they look good, and they’re versatile. But sometimes it’s less obvious how to style them with particular outfits. If you’re stuck wondering “how do I wear that with trainers?”, this guide is for you.

In it, we’ll cover how to wear trainers with a range of different outfits, giving you the confidence to pair your favourite trainers with everything from jeans to work smart-casual. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How to wear trainers with different outfits
• How to style different colour trainers
• How to style different types of trainers

How to Wear Trainers with Different Outfits

Trainers are probably the most versatile type of shoe you can have in your wardrobe, but the logic for matching them with different outfits may not be familiar.

In this section, we’ll look at how to pair them with jeans, trainers, work outfits, and on nights out - four very common scenarios.

How to wear trainers with jeans

Trainers and jeans are the most natural pairing in this list, but the cut and the length of the jeans can have a massive impact on how well trainers work with the outfit. We’ve written a full guide to wearing jeans with trainers - check it out here.

As a general rule, white trainers go with pretty much any trainer, and black trainers bring a slightly smarter feel.

How to wear a dress with trainers

We have a full guide on how to wear trainers with a dress, but this is such a popular combo that it warrants a full read-through. If you’re looking for a top-level summary:

• Trainers and dresses work together because of the tension between dressing up and dressing down
• Leaning into this is the way to create stunning pairings
• Aim for a minimal, clean trainer that lets the dress do most of the work - browse our casual trainers for women for inspiration

How to wear trainers to work

Wearing trainers at work depends on the workplace culture: a formal environment invites a different type of shoe to a creative startup. Trainers flourish in smart-casual offices, creative environments, and in retail, with the caveat that the type of trainer suits the vibe of the place.

Clean, minimal leather trainers are great for smart-casual, for example, whereas a chunky, vibrant shoe may be less so. Bolder options can work well in creative workplaces, though - read the room and try to make sure your trainers are the most casual part of your outfit.

Head over to our other blog to read more about whether trainers count as smart-casual.

How to wear trainers on a night out

A night out can cover everything from casual cinema to sticky dancefloor to formal cocktail lounge, so again, context matters. The rule to bear in mind is that your trainers should feel like a considered choice - an intentional part of your outfit - rather than a fallback or a last-minute decision.

Avoid overly sporty trainers or anything scuffed; choose clean, sleek trainers, possibly leather, favouring neutral or metallic colouring.

And always check the dress code: there’s nothing worse than picking the perfect pair only to be turned away at the door.

How to style different-coloured trainers

Colour is a crucial variable when styling trainers, and you ignore it at your peril. The same silhouette can come to life in completely different ways depending on the colour.

How to style white trainers

White trainers are the most versatile, by far. They work well with pretty much any outfit or style. Classic pairings include blue denim, all-black outfits, or against pastel or neutral tones.

The most important thing? Keep them clean. Crisp white looks very different to scuffed, yellowy-used-to-be-white.

Read more about how to style white trainers in our other blog.

How to style black trainers

Black trainers are the smarter, more evening-appropriate neutral. These trainers feel more considered and are more versatile for occasions that lean smarter.

Black trainers with black jeans are a streamlined classic. Black trainers against blue denim are a crisp, clean contrast. And any neutral outfit will be grounded well by this colour trainer.

If you’re aiming for smart-casual, consider black trainers over white as they hold their own better in such environments.

How to style brown trainers

Brown trainers are underrated, and we’re not afraid to say it. These warm, grounded and surprisingly versatile shoes don’t get enough attention - next time you’re wondering what trainers to wear, give brown a moment’s thought.

Cream tones with brown trainers? A lovely, tonally warm palette. Brown trainers with olive or tan? An earthy, autumnal palette with a difference. Or just with mid-wash denim, they create a nice, relaxed feel.

Brown trainers thrive in autumn and winter, but don’t be afraid to wear them year-round.

How to style grey trainers

Grey trainers earn their keep: neutral enough to go with basically anything, but interesting enough not to look boring. It’s a tricky balance to tread; they tread it well.

All-grey outfits work well (grey clothes + grey trainers) if you’re looking for a minimal, tonally consistent look. Navy suits with grey trainers are a classic combination that brings a nice elegance. Black outfits with grey shoes are a softer contrast than black with white.

Bear in mind the shade of grey: lighter greys go better with white and lights, darker greys work better with black.

How to style coloured trainers

Coloured trainers are statement pieces, and the rest of the outfit should support them rather than competing. If you’re wearing bright colourful trainers, make them the focal point.

Misjudge this balance by wearing a bright trainer with a similarly bold outfit, and you risk it coming across as busy as opposed to bold.

How to style different types of trainers

After setting and colour, the silhouette is the next most important consideration. Trainer shapes and styles play a large part in how they look in different contexts.

How to style chunky platform trainers

Platform trainers have exaggerated soles that add height and visual weight and are a deliberate fashion choice. They offer grounding to outfits with visual contrast, working particularly well with elements like midi dresses or wide-leg jeans.

Read our full guide to styling platform trainers.

How to style smart leather trainers

Smart leather trainers are the most versatile and the most able to bridge casual and smart-casual. Clean lines and quality leather with minimal branding enable leather trainers to work where others don’t. They bring polish and can work well with tailored trousers, blazers, smart midi skirts, and even relaxed suits in the right contexts.

White and black are the most versatile, as we’ve mentioned. Navy or tan can add personality without detracting from their impact.

Trainer Training Complete

Trainers are well-loved and ubiquitous for a good reason. The term covers such a broad umbrella that you’re sure to find a pair whose silhouette, colour, and style can match pretty much any outfit. We hope our guide has replaced any doubt you had about which trainers to wear with confidence to find the perfect pair for your next outfit.

Browse our full range of trainers for women and men, or head into your nearest store to find your trainer inspiration.