The Gist
You no longer have to sacrifice comfort for fashion when it comes to footwear, thanks to the rising popularity of stylish sneakers.
From Converse, Nike, to Adidas and more, there are a plethora of sneakers you can pair with anything in your closet—especially dresses.
Continue reading for 10 sneaker options that pair perfectly with dresses, suitable for any season.
Gone are the days of sacrificing comfort in the name of style. Fashion icons of the early aughts—like Carrie Bradshaw and Hilary Banks—seldom sported sneakers, and especially not with dresses. However, it’s no longer the early aughts, and people know that wearing a dress with sneakers can look as fly as it would with strappy sandals or stilettos. Sneakers are so back, and people are wearing them to concerts, clubs, and even in their work outfits.
In truth, sneakers have always been fashionable. They’ve long been go-tos for celebs to run errands, and there are various staples that remain. In this list, you’ll find classics like Converse, Nike, and Adidas, but you’ll also glean more avant-garde options like chunky and platform sneakers. There are ways to elevate your dress-and-sneakers outfits, and the outfits in this list prove it.
If you’re ready to swap out your heels and give your feet some much-needed TLC, keep reading for 10 sneaker options you can wear with dresses regardless of the season.
Multicolored Sneakers
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Guest at Copenhagen Fashion Week in August 2023.
Whether you love high tops, low tops, or edgy statement sneakers, there’s a pair of Nikes out there that’ll suit your aesthetic and look great with a dress. Since Nike delivers sneakers in so many vibrant shades, color-blocking is an easy hack for pairing a dress with these sneakers—especially if you’re going to work.
White Sneakers
Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images
Lois Opoku at Copenhagen Fashion Week.
White sneakers are a classic wardrobe staple for a reason: they go with everything. When it comes to styling white sneakers with dresses, you can’t go wrong with an all-white or timeless black-and-white color palette. If you’re not a fan of minimalism, try pairing white sneakers with your favorite floral dress for a breezy, bohemian vibe.
Dad Sneakers
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Sonia Lyson in Berlin.
The dad sneaker doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. So lean in by taking an elevated approach to styling these celeb-loved sneakers. When worn with a chic wrap dress or linen maxi, dad sneakers become deliciously subversive. They’re equally on point when given a ’90s-styling treatment via a slip dress worn over a T-shirt.
Tips
To add some personality to your look, consider pairing your dress and sneakers with trendy crew socks. But if you’re looking to adapt your dress to colder temps, knee-highs and tights will also do.
Chunky Sneakers
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Gabriella Berdugo in Paris.
Chunky sneakers, such as the editor-loved Hoka Bondi 9s, tend to have a bit of bulge in their silhouettes, making them supremely comfortable statement shoes. Wearing these shoes with dresses featuring thigh-high slits, elegant draping, or airy fabrics with slip and movement such as chiffon, silk, or satin, is a great way to balance out their bulkiness.
Platform Sneakers
Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
Kozue Akimoto at Paris Fashion Week.
A close cousin to the chunky sneaker, platform sneakers have a touch less edge—quite literally—and are generally found in sleeker silhouettes than their more abstractly shaped chunky counterparts. While there’s no wrong way to wear platform sneakers with dresses, it’s smart to put those extra inches to work and wear platform sneakers with long maxidresses.
Puffer Sneakers
Deepixel/GC Images
Priyanka Chopra in Rome in May 2024.
Priyanka Chopra has had some great fashion moments, and this laid-back look is one of them. Since the colors are all neutral, it’s a sartorial exercise in groundedness. To give the ‘fit some more flair and dimension, Chopra sports puffer sneakers in a deep brown. These elements all work together to create an outfit that’s comfortable, stylish, and no-nonsense.
Tips
In case you were wondering: Chunky sneakers usually have a larger sole that can be abstract in shape. Platform sneakers have a higher sole that’s even all around. And puffer sneakers may have a large sole, but the material itself is what’s larger.
Vibrant Sneakers
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Susanna Lau at Paris Fashion Week in February 2024.
Street style is all about catching the eye and nothing pops on concrete quite like a colorful sneaker. Create a dopamine-inducing ‘fit by wearing sneakers and accessories in the same vibrant shade and a dress in a contrasting color. Alternatively, check your closet for dresses featuring colorful prints or patterns, then choose a pair of sneakers in a similar color family for a cohesive, more subtle look.
Suede Sneakers
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Passerby seen in New York in September 2024.
Another celebrity favorite, Adidas sneakers are among the most streamlined styles in this roundup. While the brand does deliver some stellar color combinations, its classic Samba and tennis shoe styles in black and white are especially great options to wear with dresses. For instance, you can amp up these sneakers’ timeless vibe by wearing them with an equally timeless midi dress in a jewel tone or elevated print.
High Top Sneakers
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Maria Barteczko in Duesseldorf, Germany, in February 2025.
Wearing dresses isn’t exclusively a warm-weather activity. For the cooler months, opt for a long-sleeved dress to protect yourself from the elements. And as far as footwear goes, you can add even more warmth by choosing a high-top shoe, like the classic black Converse pictured here. If you’re looking for an edgier or more street style look, swap out the Chucks for a pair of Nike Dunks.
Slip-Ons
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Maria Rosaria Rizzo in Paris.
A spaghetti maxi dress is synonymous with summer and warm weather in general. This light and breezy blue number is elegant and airy, and the colorful slip-on sneakers add a touch of playfulness. While checkered Vans are among the most popular picks for slip-ons, you can also consider Keds or Converse for similar options.
Read the original article on InStyle
