How to Wear Trainers with Tailoring
6 outfits in action.
Last week, I went to London for some press events and meetings. It was a busy few days of heading to different spots around the city, coffees and lunches, many Tube lines - and meeting a few deadlines in between. This meant comfort and ease, while still looking put together, were the main focus of my outfits. I’m a big fan of those unrestrictive, comfortable ‘I made an effort’ outfits and wearing trainers (or “sneakers” to my US pals) with tailored pieces is one of my go-to formulas on these occasions.
As I was packing my small case for the few days I was there, I realised that was what all of these outfits had in common. I had some smart pieces but my shoe of choice for each day was a pair of trainers. I’m a freelance fashion and lifestyle writer by trade so I don’t exactly need to look corporate when I’m meeting with clients or other people who work in my industry but I still like to look good, and as though I’ve put a bit of thought into how I present myself.
I also realised that this trainers with tailoring look is something I reach for quite often outside of work too, particularly for dinner or drinks when the occasion calls for something smart/casual.
Four points to consider when building your outfit
Loose tailoring looks great with trainers, as it creates a more laid-back silhouette than super-structured items.
Making your trainers a focal point of the outfit looks like a style choice, rather than an afterthought. I do this by wearing them with cropped trousers or choosing a pair in a contrasting colour to my outfit.
Having one casual item of clothing in your outfit helps break up the tailoring, and will complement your trainers. This could be a T-shirt, chore jacket or oversized trench coat, as below.
Wearing tailored pieces with non-traditional silhouettes, such as curved seams or oversized fits, suits trainers as they appear less ‘stuffy’.
Here’s all that in action…
Look 1
I wore this look to a baby shower a couple of weeks ago with low heels, and I loved the combination of colours so much that I’ve been wearing it more casually with trainers since. The top and trousers are my ‘tailored’ pieces in this look. They’re both silk and I instantly feel elevated in them without feeling overdressed - they’re from a mid-90s Max Mara collection, so they have minimalist simplicity that was prevalent in this decade. The coat is oversized and unstructured and it straddles the line between tailored and casual perfectly. I’ve added trainers in a similar colour palette to the rest of my outfit so it still feels pulled together and thought through, rather than looking like I’ve forgotten to an extra pair of shoes to change into after the gym.