Much like our out-out ensembles are synonymous sartorially with jeans and a nice top, when it comes to the warmer weather, there’s a different duo that dominates our summer wares.
After a long hibernation, the elevated temperatures mean it’s time to flash our pins and give our skin the hit of vitamin D that it has been craving after the dark, dreary winter. That means skirts, dresses and the shortest of shorts are on the agenda - but that sparks a different sort of dressing uncertainty; namely what are you going to pair it with?
This is especially the case with dresses. Sandals look great but may not always be the most practical for extended walking city dwellers, while loafers have an elegance but may be too smart for drinks down your local. The frock-trainer double act has been an aesthetic that has dominated in recent years and it’s no surprise why.
We could wax lyrical all day about the sheer ease of the style. The pairing has a laid-back nonchalance that feels put together and stylish. There’s also the versatility. You can wear the dynamic duo to work as long as the dress code leans towards the more casual end of the spectrum as well as on the weekend, whether you are basking in the sunshine in parks, pubs or partying at one of the many legendary British festivals. It’s commuter and festival friendly - how’s that for an all-rounder?
Dresses and trainers have all-occasion appeal, but best of all, throw on a pair of tights and you’re ready for the transitional weather.
The only question remains ...what trainers? We’ve got you covered below.
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
The undeniable shoe of the summer, this silhoutte is ubiquitous among the fashion crowd - and it’s really no wonder. The versatile design, slimline upper and retro detailing makes them a win whether you pair with jeans, a dress or a skirt.
Buy now £90.00, Adidas
Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneaker
The pared-back, contemporary aesthetic that has given Axel Arigato its viral status also makes them an easy styling detailing for all occasions. The Dice Lo is a classic with vintage sentiments, impeccable craftsmanship using Italian leather and there’s a sustainable edge too with the use of recycled PET bottles and plastic.
Buy now £215.00, Axel Arigato
Gola Badminton Court Sneakers
Gola has been a fixture on the British sneaker scene since 1905 and its rich heritage is evident in every single pair of shoes. The Badminton Court is an enduring, iconic design that has references to old school basketball silhouettes with sport detailing, playful colourful stripes and logo embellishments that add a vibrant finish to your look.
Buy now £78.00, Free People
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Whether you’re drawn in by Hailey Bieber in its campaign imagery or lean towards Superga for its clean, classic and elegant silhouettes, they’re one of the easiest shoes to style on the market, particularly when you go for the Cotu Classic. Wimbledon, picnics in the park, beer gardens with friends; they make for all season wear - just be wary that they may not retain their box-fresh pristine white if you decide to take them to the festival field.
Buy now £65.00, Superga
Nike blazer platform low trainers in white & black
The Blazer is back! Nike has brought its retro basketball favourite to the forefront of the fashion agenda as a must-have shoe for the summer and beyond. The style is characterised by its bold Swoosh that comes in an array of colours and for the platform, a stacked sole that gives an elongating effect to pins.
Buy now £90.00, Schuh
New Balance 550
So popular was the 550 on launch that with every new colour iteration that New Balance dropped, it would be an instant sell-out. Luckily the shoe is easier (yet still not easy!) to get a hold of and if you’re looking for a colourway that has endless styling potential, this all-white shoe may be your best bet. The silhouette was first popular in the 90s so it is unsurprising that the resurgence coincidences with the enduring revival of the decade’s fashion.
Buy now £130.00, New Balance
VEJA V-10 Trainers White Steel Nautico
Veja’s laid-back nonchalance has caught the eye of A-listers from Meghan Markle to Reese Witherspoon who are no doubt drawn to the ease of the shoe. Not only do they have a throw-on-and-go quality in an array of soft hues, but they make for an eco-conscious footwear choice too. The brand opts for ecological and sustainable fabrics and ethical practices from start to finish.
Buy now £150.00, Office
Golden Goose Women’s Superstar W5 leather trainers
Some sneaker enthusiasts will like to keep their white trainers as unscathed for as long as possible, others with scuff them up the second they put them on their feet. If you fall into the latter category, Golden Goose has got you covered with its pre-distressed aesthetic. The luxe shoes are something of a status symbol with its signature star patch and glitzy detailing.
Buy now £390.00, Selfridges
Loci Origin x Reed
Eschew all preconceived expectations that you have of a vegan trainer. Loci proves that they can be every bit as stylish as your traditional leather variations, while still remaining free from animal by-products and eco-conscious. These slick shoes are handmade in Portugal from plastic bottles with a natural rubber sole, while remaining water resistant and boasting a fair amount of bounce thanks to the cork insole.
Buy now £155.00, Loci
Reformation Harlow Leather Sneaker
In the LA label’s signature effortless elegance aesthetic comes the Harlow trainer, ready to be paired with the label’s capsule wardrobe-led wares. Whether with a dress in summer or trousers in winter, the shoes will suit all styles and come in an array of different colours, from the black to green via pink and even floral print.
Buy now £148.00, Reformation
Novesta Star Master canvas trainers
Novesta may not be a brand that you are not familiar with, yet the sportswear label has been producing its footwear collections since it was founded in 1939 and to this day, use the same Slovakian factory. These plimsole-esque canvas trainers will take you back to your school PE days in the very best way with a subtle distressed appearance that gives a vintage appeal.
Buy now £55.00, Matches
Adidas x Wales Bonner SL72 leather-trim knit trainers
In the sea of white trainers that make up your sneaker collection, it’s time to inject some colour and menswear designer Wales Bonner has seen to that with her collaboration collection with sportswear giant Adidas. The vibrant silhouette is embellished with a knitted design, orange stripes and cream topstitching. Not for wallflowers.
Buy now £160.00, Matches
CAT Intruder Waterproof Galosh - Bright White
For chunky trainers that are ready for whatever your schedule throws at it, CAT's Intruder series are more than up to the job. The futuristic kicks comes in black, white and yellow colourways but all boast an EVA foam footbed for comfort with every step. There's also a protective mudguard and it's waterproof too, so can take whatever the infamous British weather throws at it.
Currently on sale from £115.
Buy now £48.00, CAT Footwear
