The sneaker-dress combo is a look that feels just right. Women wonder if they’ll ever abandon comfy slippers and sneakers at home to go back to painful heels. Even brides are turning up in sneakers for casual wedding vibes. Eunice Kennedy Shriver married in October wearing her grandmother’s Dior wedding dress but switched to a mini skirt paired with untied sneakers for her after-party. It’s an increasingly popular street style that high-fashion designers, such as Givenchy and Miu Miu, incorporated into their recent collections.
The matchup of sneakers and skirts can be a tricky balancing act that can quickly look out of place. Not to worry: there are practical ways to pull off a look that mixes tomboy and ladylike elements with flair.
Combine contrasting elements
Think about combining different references for an effortlessly cool opposites-attract mashup. A romantic midi-skirt contrasts nicely with Vans Sk8-Hi Slims skate shoes, while New Balances add a sporty twist to a pencil skirt.
Go simple and sporty
Keep it short and sweet by wearing your mini dress with sleek sneaks. Low top sneakers worn with short, flowy dresses extend leg length. Complete the look with statement earrings, small specs, and belt bags.
Slip into a blazer
A blazer over a slip dress makes sense for work if you’re headed out to happy hour after the office. If the jacket silhouette is a bit oversized, a sneaker with a chunky sole works perfectly.
Tone down a formal look
You can get more use out of the fanciest skirts and dresses in your wardrobe by pairing them with sneakers for a toned-down look. Leave the spiky stilettos in your closet and don metallic track shoes with that glittering evening skirt for date night. Dark sneakers look dressier than bright white ones for an evening affair. Add a clutch and statement hoops to complete the look.
Layer up
Transition from warmer fall to cooler winter by layering a skirt over pants. Pull off this look by avoiding extreme skirt lengths—neither too long nor short-short—go with mid-length styles over joggers or relaxed-fit pants.
Combine leather skirt and T-shirt
A leather mini and graphic tee add up to an easy but edgy combo paired with sneakers. A minimal sneaker that doesn’t have too many embellishments or details will make the effect polished.
Skirt the issue
When you don’t want the hassle of worrying whether your outfit matches, look to a skirt suit for the office. You’ll look confident and put together. If the suit is a solid color, pair it with very on-trend printed sneakers.
Dress for success
Sneakers are made for skirts, whether mini or midi or any length in between. Try a trendy logo top or a blouse in animal print or denim to nail the look.
Steer clear of full-length hems
Avoid floor-length dresses altogether. Your sneakers need a bit of breathing room to look cool, so show a little leg!
Make it monochrome
If you are still dubious about pairing skirts and sneakers, choose one shade for your whole look. Monochrome won’t set a sneaker-shod foot wrong.