Fashion

11 Effortlessly Stylish Ways to Wear Dresses with Sneakers

Published by
Caitlin Monesmith
Shop the Look: Majorly Adorable Ivory Floral Eyelet Embroidered Mini Dress, Grandslam 88 White and Pearl Pink Lace Up Sneakers, Mejia Beige Woven Knotted Handbag; Image via @marr.wwa

These days, comfy and cute is the style rule we live by, and nothing says effortlessly chic quite like wearing a dress with sneakers. The pairing officially cemented its place as a no-fail outfit formula: From running errands to brunching to heading out on a casual date, dresses and sneakers work for virtually everything. 

It’s easy to see why fashion babes have gone gaga for this combo. Swapping heels or sandals for sporty sneaks makes any outfit look instantly cooler and more laid-back–and, of course, there’s also the comfort factor (a huge plus). Ahead, check out a few of our favorite ways to wear a dress with tennis shoes or sneakers–whatever you call them–and prepare to make this your new go-to look.

1. Sequin Bodycon and High Tops

Shop the Look: Madina Black Sequin One-Shoulder Bodycon Mini Dress, (similar) Riri Grey Suede Studded High Top Distressed Sneakers;Image via Melanie S.

Create a playful pairing with the elegant look of sequins and the sporty vibe of high-top sneaks. It’s the perfect outfit for a homecoming dancefun and flirty all at once!

2. Floral Print Mini Dress + Sporty Sneakers

Shop the Look: Garden Explorer Mustard Yellow Floral Print Mini Dress, (similar) Orchid White Platform Lace-Up Sneakers; Image via Amberlyn C.

The rule of opposites never fails! A sunny floral print dress with spotless white sneakers is an ideal outfit for a day date or even a laid-back bridal shower or casual occasion. Don’t forget the sporty socks.

3. Tulle Dress + High Tops

Shop the Look Tulle Intentions White Strapless Tiered Tulle Mini Dress, (similar) White Flatform Sneakers; Image via Ploynapat C.

Look glamorous with a tulle dress and pearly white sneakers! Wearing white with white kicks makes for a dreamy modern bridal look that has just the right touch of whimsy. This is a great look for prom or HOCO, too! 

4. Denim Mini Dress + Chunky Sneakers

Shop the Look: Ready to Charm Medium Wash Denim Mini Dress, (similar) Possession Bone Chunky Sneakers; Image via Ran B.

Denim goes with everything, right? A button-front denim mini dress with chunky sneakers looks polished and sporty at the same time.

5. Floral Print Ruffle Midi Dress + White Shoes

Shop the Look: Garden Date Red Orange Floral Print Ruffle Midi Dress, (similar) Kenley White Platform Sneakers; Image via @alexamorelli

A colorful print midi dress with chic sneakers is an easy, breezy outfit that’s perfect for brunch or a bridal shower. White shoes go with everything, so pick your favorite colorful print and don’t worry about a thing.

6. Sequin Fringe Bodycon Dress + High Top Sneakers

Shop the Look: Get in the Groove White Sequin Fringe Bodycon Dress, (similar) Roxanne Bone Lizard Metallic High Top Suede Distressed Sneakers; Image via Rachel L.

Sneakers are great for dancing the night away at a concert–just slip on a pair of metallic high tops to add edge to a sparkly fringe dress. This look is also a great choice for a wedding reception if you want heels for your outfit, you can wear them for a few pictures, then swap your heels for dancing shoes, aka sneaks!

7. Sequin Mini Dress and Flatform Sneakers

Shop the Look: Force of Fashion Black Backless Sequin Mini Dress, (similar) Triple Kick White Flatform Sneakers; Image Via Jesica H.

An adorable outfit for HOCO or a date night, a strappy lace-up mini dress is fancy without being overdressed. Platform sneakers are super comfy for dancing, walking around, or anything else the evening might throw at you!

8. Ribbed Knit Ruched Bodycon + Platform Sneakers

Shop the Look: Over and Over Light Grey Ribbed Drawstring Ruched Bodycon Dress, (similar) Triple Up White Leather Platform Sneakers; Image via @chicmeowt

Platform sneakers look perfect with mini dresses. Pair yours with a ruched knit bodycon dress for a date that’s just a little more than casual or a fun, easy party look.

9. Maxi Dress and Sneakers

Shop the Look: Easy on the Eyes Cream Floral Print Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress, (similar) Campo White Multi Suede Color Block Sneakers; Image via @iri_sunshine

A comfy look for a picnic, date, or daytime event, colorful, chunky sneakers and a colorful maxi dress go together like peanut butter and bananas. If this combo is “wrong shoe theory,” well I don’t want to be right.

10. Metallic Skater Dress + Glittery Sneakers

Shop the Look: Smokeshow Teal Metallic Mini Dress; Image via Macy M.

For a semi-formal, HOCO, or other festive occasion, don’t be afraid to shine–literally. A shimmery skater dress and sparkly sneakers make for the ultimate laid-back but luxe outfit.

We want to see how you wear dresses and sneakers! Show us on Instagram and TikTok @Lulus using #LoveLulus–and shop more fun frocks to wear from our Dress Shop!

This post was originally published in August 2020 and has been updated with new content.

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