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Complete Guide How To Wear Dresses With Sneakers

If you’re looking for a new style this spring or summer then why not try matching two seemingly unrelated items: sneakers and a dress.

Today we’ll provide the go-to guide for marching these items across a wide range of different styles and outfits so you’ll never run out of ideas.

We know that trying something new can be nerve-wracking, and this goes doubly for fashion, as we attach what we wear as part of our identity.

But stepping out of our comfort zone and expanding our horizons can lead to some truly amazing experiences.

So let’s take a look at how you can feel amazing and create an entirely new look with items of clothing you probably already have.

1. Slip Dress

We start off our list with something that doesn’t take a lot of effort to put together and is versatile for many different occasions.

Going with a slip dress means you can transition from daytime to evening wear without breaking a sweat, which is always a good move for those that travel a lot, and need something for their upcoming vacation to Tijuana.

We recommend keeping things as simple as possible by going with an all-black slip dress and pairing them with a pair of crisp white sneakers.

Consider this an entry-level option for those that want to dip their feet and try it out before taking the plunge.

To change up this outfit, there are a few extra steps you can take. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more classy, you can buy an oversized blazer paired with a fitted belt.

Or you can simply go with a fitted blazer. We recommend black, dark gray, or charcoal gray colors.

2. Midi Dress With Pastel Sneakers

Midi frocks are just as fun as a slip dress, and what makes this a super choice is they are just as versatile with most types of footwear.

But we find that pastel sneakers work the best with this outfit. So much so that you’ll start to appreciate how comfortable they are compared to heels (though don’t get us wrong; we still love a sexy heel and dress combo!)

To add an interesting twist to your midi dress, why not go with an asymmetrical look and don’t be afraid to show some flesh on one of your legs. This gives the outfit a more summery feel whilst feeling more flattering.

A black polka dot dress with a pair of pastel Vans works well. Or going with a flowing white midi and gray pair of Adidas is another killer combination.

The main principle is to keep the colors as simple as you can without overdoing them for a modest look. 

If you go for a darker base color like a khaki, you can rock a darker pair of sneakers, like a gray or black as these will go really well together.

3. Sundress

Time to mix things up, and go with a sundress. There are many different styles of sundress, and some of the most common patterns are floral and polka dot.

But you can also get a plain colored dress of varying lengths and styles so there are countless options to go with.

What works amazingly well with a sundress and sneaker combination is that you can use whatever color takes your fancy, and as you’re likely to be wearing this outfit in the summer (hence the name!), you might want to pick a warmer color like a bright yellow, or light pink.

If you are going for this warmer shade, then try and match them with a pair of sneakers that aren’t too dark. White or gray sneakers work well with these colors.

Add a bag that matches your dress with some sunglasses for a complete look.

You can also add layers to this particular outfit that will slightly change the dynamic of the outfit to fit certain situations, making this such a versatile choice for the summer.

Say that you wanted to go straight from a barbecue to a night out on the town. Simply add a leather jacket on top, but make sure that you pair this with a darker tone, such as a navy blue polka dot dress.

You can also add functionality if you get caught short and need a warm layer for when the weather gets cooler.

Taking our barbecue date as an example, instead of going out you decide to stay, and so adding a knit sweater will keep you warm even if you want to chill outside all night.

A gray or cream top goes well with our polka dot or black dress, which also pairs well with a neutral-colored sneaker.

4. Bohemian Peasant Frock

If vibrancy is one of your favorite outfit styles, you should definitely try out a bohemian style frock with sneakers.

This type of dress is a great choice for those that want lots of breathability in their fabric, and going with a lightweight is a killer look this summer.

You can pair a yellow or white frock with some slip-on sneakers, sunglasses, and an oversized hat for that Bridget Jones moment!

5. Red Maxi Dress

Who doesn’t love a woman in red? Going with a red maxi dress there are plenty of ways to dress this outfit, other than with a pair of sneakers.

Add a hat, add a bag, and even add an oversized belt if you want to draw some fabric into the midline.

There are a couple of options for a red maxi dress, but we like having plenty of fabric towards the legs, and often a slit will work best which works well in hot temperatures.

6. Patterned Kimono And Body-Con Dress

Nothing says comfort and fashion sense more than a kimono. Pair this with a body con dress and you’ve got a sexy number that would look good walking around a foreign town on vacation or lying by the pool as the sunsets. 

You can choose a number of different colors of kimono, as they come in all shapes and sizes. A bright orange dress with all-white sneakers works well as a base, so if you choose these colors, a light pink or mauve kimono is a great option.

7. Gingham Dress

Are you looking for a tighter fit option that can double as a going-out dress? Gingham dresses come in a variety of colors and patterns, and in particular, we like a patterned yellow choice. You can easily add layers to this as well.

In terms of footwear, you can try some bolder colors, such as teal or yellow, or find a sneaker that has more than one color.

But we do recommend that you try and pick a sneaker that features some of the accent colors, i.e. some yellow with a yellow dress.

8. White Bardot Shirt Dress

A white shirt dress can be worn for a variety of occasions, and let’s face it: white looks good on everyone!

As this is going to be a more sophisticated look we would opt for a fancier pair of sneakers, so don’t be afraid to break out the designer pair as these will go really well with a well-fitted shirt dress.

Although it would be best to avoid an all-white sneaker as this makes the outfit look quite boring. 

If you can find a sneaker with a small ribbon of color around the ankle and over the side, this will help break up the white.

Final Thoughts

With our outfit ideas above, you should have plenty of ideas and inspiration to rock a pretty little dress with sneakers without worrying you’ve committed a fashion crime.

If you’re unsure where to start, go with the first few options, and as you become more confident you can expand your horizons.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Types Of Sneakers Should I Wear With A Dress?

We recommend going with a sneaker that is low cut and has a slim shape. These tend to be the most flattering sneakers regardless of the style of dress.

The problem with wider shoes is that they ruin your body’s proportions and make for a shorter and flatter look on your legs.

We would also recommend a sneaker that cuts below the ankle, as high-tops can draw too much attention to the outfit.

Can You Wear Black Sneakers With A Navy Dress?

Yes, this combination will work, and to add to this look why not add black sunglasses and a black handbag.

Jenna Reign
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