6 chic ways to style tennis sneakers with dresses and skirts
When I think about how to wear sneakers with dresses and skirts to look elegant, the image that comes to mind is the Spice Girls in Paris in the ’90s—their looks? A mix of sporty, minimalist, and irreverent; however, it was their sneakers that really caught everyone’s attention. We also can’t forget Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet in a tailored pantsuit, tank top, and adidas sneakers, or the dad sneakers that Britney Spears wore back in the day. This nostalgic moment is simply a reminder that this footwear has been around for decades and today forms part of memorable outfits when paired with dresses and skirts.
Whether in the past or the present, sneakers are the style secret of those in the know; they’re an element that adds purpose and personality. Just take a look at the Spring-Summer 2026 runways to see how they transform elegant looks, as seen at Loewe, Boss, and Bottega Veneta; clearly, they were also paired with casual and sporty outfits, as showcased by Lacoste and Fendi. Whatever the approach, sneakers are there to define an outfit.
The most appealing thing about sneakers is that they’ve gone from being a simple, comfortable accessory to a wardrobe essential. Plus, today they create such interesting looks that they’ve become incredibly elegant—exactly what we’ll achieve with this guide. We’ll explore combinations of sneakers with dresses and skirts that exude sophistication and versatility.
Brown sneakers with plaid dresses
Trendy brown sneakers have gone from being a rising trend to becoming a must-have for fashion experts. They’ve even replaced traditional black and white sneakers, creating outfits with greater depth. This season, we’ll lean toward both deep browns and lighter shades, and to show them off, pair them with a midi dress that creates movement. If you’re looking for more balance, the dress and shoes can be in the same colour family.
Red sneakers with asymmetrical skirts
