Wearing Trainers with dresses? Style Advice & Best Brands from our experts

Can You Wear a Dress with Trainers in the UK?

Yes—dresses and trainers are one of the most versatile and stylish combinations in UK fashion today. This pairing has moved from edgy to everyday, thanks to its comfort, ease, and visual contrast. British fashion favours a smart-casual mix, and this look works year-round—especially with the UK’s variable weather.

Absolutely, you can wear a dress with trainers in the UK—it's a staple of modern British street style that balances practicality with effortless cool. From the streets of London to countryside towns, this pairing is not only accepted, it’s celebrated. Below is your complete guide on how to style dresses with trainers, which trainers work best for different dress types, and how to get your perfect fit—plus how Tellar.co.uk helps you nail every look with zero sizing guesswork. Lottie, Stylist & Personal Shopper @ Tellar.co.uk

Why It Works:

Comfort Meets Style – You get the ease of movement from trainers and the femininity of dresses.
Seasonal Versatility – Pair with tights and oversized coats in winter or bare legs and denim jackets in summer.
City-Friendly – Ideal for walking-heavy days, especially in urban centres like London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Body-Shape Friendly – Trainers add visual grounding to dresses of all cuts, making them more wearable across sizes and shapes.

Which Styles of Trainers Work Best with Dresses?

Not all trainers are created equal when it comes to styling with dresses. The key is balance—both in proportion and intention.

1. Minimalist Leather Trainers

Perfect with: Shirt dresses, midi dresses, T-shirt dresses

Brands: Veja, Axel Arigato, Common Projects, COS

Why: Sleek and low-profile, they keep the silhouette clean. Ideal for smart-casual or workwear pairings.

2. Chunky “Dad” Trainers

Perfect with: Floaty dresses, tiered midis, oversized knits

Brands: New Balance 530, Nike Air Monarch, Balenciaga Triple S

Why: The bulk balances out volume on top. Great for creating a “cool girl” silhouette.

3. Retro Runners

Perfect with: Slip dresses, bodycon styles

Brands: Adidas Samba, Nike Cortez, Onitsuka Tiger

Why: Adds edge and contrast. Particularly good for adding structure to soft, fluid fabrics.

4. High-Top Trainers

Perfect with: Mini dresses, sporty or casual cuts

Brands: Converse, Golden Goose, Reformation

Why: Adds youthful energy and plays well with streetwear-inspired looks.

5. Platform Trainers

Perfect with: Smock dresses, babydoll styles, A-line cuts

Brands: Superga 2790, Puma Cali, Vans Platform

Why: Adds height without sacrificing comfort. Works well on petite frames for elongation.

Styling Tips: Dresses + Trainers Done Right

1. Mind the Hemline

Mini dresses pair well with chunkier or high-top trainers.
Midi dresses look balanced with both slim or platform soles.
Maxi dresses work best with streamlined trainers or platforms to prevent a “dragging” look.

2. Add Layers for UK Weather

Throw on a denim jacket, trench coat or oversized blazer.
In colder months, tights and longline cardigans give a stylish edge.

3. Play With Proportions

If your dress is voluminous, go for a heavier trainer.
If your dress is fitted, streamline the look with a slim, low-cut trainer.

4. Neutral Tones Work Everywhere

Stick to white, black, beige or tan trainers if you want maximum wearability across your wardrobe.

What Body Shapes Can Wear Dresses with Trainers?

All of them. The trick is not the combination itself, but choosing the right shape of both the dress and the trainer. Here’s a quick shape guide:

Pear-shaped: Try A-line or wrap dresses with structured trainers to draw attention upwards.
Apple-shaped: Empire or trapeze dresses with chunkier trainers work to balance proportions.
Hourglass: Cinched waist styles with sleek trainers keep things flattering.
Rectangle: Add volume—think puff sleeves, babydoll cuts—and pair with bold or retro sneakers.

Need more help on body shapes? Check this:

👉 The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

Where Do British Women Wear Dresses with Trainers?

Work (Smart-Casual Offices): Midi dress + white trainers + trench coat.
Brunch & Errands: Smock dress + chunky trainers + tote bag.
City Days Out: Bodycon + retro runners + blazer.
Date Night: Slip dress + sleek trainers + leather jacket.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too many sporty elements: Skip gym-specific trainers or logos unless you're going full athleisure.
Poor fit: Ill-fitting dresses + worn-out trainers = sloppy. Always aim for neat, intentional looks.
Ignoring weatherproofing: UK rain demands water-resistant options or care products for leather/suede trainers.

How Tellar.co.uk Helps You Nail the Look Every Time

Dresses and trainers only look good when they fit well—this is where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

🔍 What is Tellar.co.uk?

The UK’s Leading Sizing Tool. Instantly match your body to sizes in over 1,500+ brands, from Reiss and COS to Arket and H&M. No more size guessing, no more reading generic charts.

✅ How It Works:

Measure once – bust, waist, hips (or enter your known size in a brand).
Create your free profile – at Tellar.co.uk.
Use the Store Size Lookup – instantly see your size in any brand.
- Try it here: Finding Your Clothes Size – The Ultimate Guide
Download the free printable measuring tape.

🎁 Why It’s Game-Changing:

Works across 1,500+ high-street and designer brands
Adapts to your body, not a chart
Always free
No app needed—fully browser-based
Reduces returns, saves money, and boosts confidence

Plus: The Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar isn’t just a sizing tool. It’s a free fashion library curated by real stylists, answering every fashion query you have—what to wear, what suits your shape, and which brands to trust.

Explore:

Follow for styling tips & live updates:

📸 Instagram: @Tellarsizing
🐦 Twitter/X: @Tellar100
📍 Pinterest: TellarUK
📘 Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Word

Wearing a dress with trainers isn’t just acceptable in the UK—it’s stylish, practical, and bang on trend. Whether you’re commuting, shopping, brunching, or date-nighting, the right dress and the right trainers can take you there comfortably and confidently. Just don’t guess your size—get it right with Tellar.co.uk.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”