This Is How Street Style Stars Pull Off the Dress-and-Sneakers Look

If you’re attached to your Converse or Air Force 1s more than any other footwear, then you already own the perfect sneakers to wear with dresses. You may also be well aware of their unmatched versatility – pairing well with everything from worn-in mom jeans to chic date-night minis, sneakers are a reliable footwear choice no matter the occasion. A sneaker-and-dress combo strikes a particular balance between casual and elevated.

New to this style of dressing? Start by matching your sneakers to the color or print of your mini, midi, or maxi dress for a subtle monochrome statement. If going matchy-matchy doesn’t suit your style, try mixing up the patterns and colors instead. Emphasize each piece by pairing a short printed dress with complementary high-top sneakers. Sporty, track-inspired shoes can be a strong contrast against dresses that expose a lot of skin, such as those with plunging necklines, open backs, thigh-high slits, cutouts, and short hemlines.

The sneaker-and-dress combo is ideal for long days of hopping from one activity to the next, especially if you’ll be on your feet for a majority of the time. Keep reading to find ways to incorporate the look into your wardrobe.

How to Wear a Dress With Sneakers

While both pieces look good on their own, they work well together when you want a chic but comfortable outfit. For example, style your go-to Keds sneakers with a floral-print midi dress. Alternatively, step out in a classic pair of Converse sneaks with a short miniskirt silhouette. The combinations are as limitless as your imagination, and this trusty duo will always be there when you need it, from the airport to the office and beyond.

How to Accessorize a Dress With Sneakers

Top-handle bags, totes, clutches, and shoulder bags are just some of the accessories you can wear with dress-and-sneakers outfits. Some other options we love? Baseball caps for a sportier touch or sun hats for a poolside-appropriate getup. Street style stars are well-versed in the art of teaming dresses with sneakers, especially during Fashion Week, when people typically hop from show to show.

Keep reading for a fresh dose of outfit inspiration.

– Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak