If you’re attached to your Converse or chunky dad sneakers more than any other footwear, then you already know that the right sneakers can make a strong style statement. You may also be well aware of their unmatched versatility — from pairing them with worn-in mom jeans to chic date-night dresses alike, sneakers are a reliable footwear choice no matter the occasion. A sneaker-and-dress combo strikes a particular balance between casual and elevated. Take a recent example from Blake Lively — while adventuring in New York City earlier this summer, the actress paired a white cotton mini sundress with Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. The laidback style moment followed a busy week of the 34-year-old fashionista wearing high heels and floor-length gowns, proving that sneakers and dresses are a formula for cool off-duty style.
Take a cue from Lively, and give your favorite poplin dresses a sporty twist this season. New to this style of dressing? Start by matching your sneakers to the color or print of your mini, maxi, or midi dress for a subtle monochrome statement. If going matchy-matchy doesn’t suit your style, try mixing up the patterns and colors instead. Emphasize each piece by pairing a short printed dress with complementary high-top sneakers. Sporty, track-inspired shoes can be a strong contrast against dresses that expose a lot of skin, such as those with plunging necklines, open backs, thigh-high slits, and short hemlines.
The sneaker-dress combo is ideal for long days of hopping from one activity to the next, especially if you’ll be on your feet for a majority of the time. Scroll on to find ways to incorporate the look in your wardrobe.
How to Wear a Dress With Sneakers
While both pieces look good on their own, they work well together when you want a chic-but-comfortable outfit. For example, style your go-to Keds sneakers with a floral-print midi dress. Alternatively, step out in a classic pair of Converse sneaks with a short miniskirt silhouette. The combinations are as limitless as your imagination, and this trusty duo will always be there when you need it, from the airport to the office and beyond.
How to Accessorize a Dress With Sneakers
Top-handle bags, totes, clutches, and shoulder bags are just some of the accessories you can wear with dresses-and-sneakers combos. Some other options we love? Baseball caps for a sportier touch or sun hats for a poolside-appropriate get-up. Street style stars are well versed in the art of pairing dresses with sneakers, especially during Fashion Week when people typically hop from show to show. Keep scrolling for a fresh dose of outfit inspiration.
— Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
