At the moment I only own 1 pair of footwear that requires extra effort to put on. It’s these wedge espadrilles that I have worn so much this summer. The rest of my shoes are slip on or slide on. Well, besides my athletic shoes that I wear to the gym.
I keep my outfits simple and easy, and the same rings true for my footwear.
I love wearing dresses because they are so comfortable…and honestly nothing is more uncomfortable than sticking to a surface while sitting in shorts. I feel free, I can move and still play with my kids in dresses, and my favorite way to style them down is to slide on some sneakers.
I didn’t think I could pull off this trend, and actually mentioned that earlier this summer, but after a trunk club appointment with my stylist Ari, she made me wear this outfit so I could see how it looked put together. And I loved it!
So if you want to give this style a shot, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- The easiest way to pull this off without looking like you are trying too hard is with a casual dress and very simple jewelry. Think v-neck cotton t-shirt dress, like I’m wearing in these photos, or a simple tank dress. In the fall, look for a sweatshirt dress and throw on some sneakers. I think it’s easier to style a casual dress with sneakers than a floral dress but that can definitely look great as well (I wouldn’t have put this outfit together on my own but I followed the advice of a pro 🙂 )
- Don’t wear the same shoes you wear to the gym. Get some slip on’s, like these (budget option), or keep a pair of sneakers in nice shape for these outfits.
- Style your hair! Since the outfit conveys a sort of careless and easy vibe, don’t take that to mean you can skip everything else. I mean, you CAN, but I don’t think you’ll get the look you are going for.
For another look wearing the same dress, I threw on a lightweight green jacket (similar) with some older new balance sneakers (similar) I’ve had for a few years.
As far as socks go, I don’t wear them in any of my slip on sneakers. And when I wear my new balance sneakers, I’ll just wear no show socks.
What do you think? Are you a fan of the sneakers + dress style?
Photos shot by Jordan Maunder at The Stockroom at 230.
comments
Yes! I just purchased an easy tank top style sporty shift by Champion. I love its stretchy comfort & wear it with my Sketchers Go Walks (super comfy.) I plan on throwing on a vest or jacket over it with the cooler Fall weather here in Wisconsin. Love my dresses too!
Such a cute minimal outfit! I personally love wearing dresses with sneakers, much more than more “girly” types of shoes. Instantly ups the casual factor, plus it’s a lot more comfortable!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I really like this trend! I’ve been meaning to get some more casual New Balance sneakers to try this out.
Silly question! Shorts or no shorts under the dress?? I love this trend and have bought several t-shirt dress but I feel naked and terrified of bending over lol… struggling with this!
Not silly! I was wondering the same. I have two young boys (5 & 2) and can’t imagine being able to play with them in a dress and keeping modest.
Slip-shorts!!!! They’re the best invention ever! They’re usually with the shapewear in the lingerie section in the store. Super lightweight and comfy.
I think sneakers and dresses/skirts is soooooo cute. I have an issue, though. I have big feet. Size 11. I feel like when I try to wear sneakers with anything but boot-cut jeans my feet just look awkwardly gigantic. Anyone else?
Yep…size 10 here and I feel like Sasquatch! I actually have some slip-ons just like Kate is wearing and WOW it’s even worse lol. But they are super comfy and maybe no one notices but me..? Maybe? 😋
This combination is always such a winner – it’s so comfortable and when you get it right it looks great too. I love the second outfit with the New Balance – and your hair looks lovely as always! x
Sophie | Sophar So Good
This is a beautiful, easy weekend look! I definitely agree you need to do your hair to keep it looking intentional instead of sloppy. Love your posts!
Love all the tips and options you gave us. I love the look of wearing a dress with sneakers. It’s so cute and it’s a style I will always wear, even if it isn’t on ‘trend’!
I’m dying to ask your weight/height, but that’s rude. ;-P Love seeing someone else with the same build I have, and rocking it!!
What are your favorite brand of no show socks? I can’t find any I like. They all tend to slip down off my heel and it drives me crazy. Help!
Hue brand at Belk. $7 a pair but so worth it. I wash by hand in the sink to make sure they keep their shape!
Hi Kate 🙂
I have a question- In the photo with something tied around you waste, is that a jacket or a long sleeve denim shirt?
long sleeve denim shirt!
Thank you for helping me make a decision on the runners I will pack to wear with my jumper while travelling abroad. Very cool!
I love this! Especially the New Balance — nice look! Thanks for sharing … And I’m thrilled I discovered this blog!
Hailey
I LOVE THIS POST! I am transitioning to wearing shoes for comfort rather than focusing on style. I am reading about the barefoot walking shoe movement and have trouble shoes that can optimize on both style and comfort! Plus I want to be able to wear these in my business casual work environment – where I wear lots of dresses. So this is perfect for me!!!
I have been doing this all this year and love it!!