12 Sneakers to Wear with Dresses for a Foolproof Spring and Summer Outfit
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I wear dresses almost daily when summer rolls around. And when it comes to pairing my dresses with shoes, whether I'm sightseeing in a new city or just want to wear something casual for running errands around town, a pair of sneakers is a comfy and cute alternative to sandals or heels. Below, the 12 best sneakers to wear with dresses, plus expert advice for styling this chic and easy combination.
The Best Sneakers to wear With Dresses at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Claire Asher is a the fashion product director at Boohoo, a fashion website known for affordable, trendy styles including clothing, accessories, shoes and more.
How I Chose the Best Sneakers to Wear with a Dress
To narrow down the best sneakers to wear with dresses, I tapped PureWow editors to get their top shoe picks. I also referred to brands PureWow readers know and love to round out the list.
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1. Cariuma Salvas
A low profile white sneaker is a staple for wearing with dresses to make your look more casual. This set is available in leather or mixed materials as well as a variety of colors. Assistant Commerce Fashion Editor Stephanie Meraz has given these sneakers a spin and loves how they make her feel nostalgic for her skater shoes days. She writes in her review of the sustainable sneakers, "When I first laid eyes on the smooth Salvas, I thought to myself, now here’s a shoe with some nostalgia behind it. It brought me back to my childhood, people. Gone may be the days of becoming a pro skateboarder, but viva la shoe!" For an added eco-friendly bonus, the brand uses sustainably sourced leather and plants two trees for each pair sold.
2. Veja Wata II Sneakers
The style of these sneakers combines retro sensibilities and minimalism for a versatile shoe that can be worn for basically any occasion. "I’ve worn them with everything from jeans to dresses for the past five years," says Rachel Bowie, senior director of special projects and royals, in her review. "Also, around the world. One of my favorite pics ever is a blurry one snapped of me on a Madrid playground with my then 1-year-old in which I’m wearing a floral dress and my Veja sneaks." Some reviewers note the rubber sole makes these low profile sneakers a tad heavy, but the cotton upper is very lightweight and breathable.
3. New Balance 574+ Platform Sneakers
New Balance sneakers are a favorite of mine because they have a signature sporty look that is unmistakable. I don't have these sneakers exactly, but the ones I do own from New Balance are incredibly comfortable and supportive for my narrow, bunioned feet. I'm a sucker for a good platform sneaker so these are a definite yes for styling with a dress. The platform is one inch and the insole is removable.
4. Adidas Grand Court Sneakers
These classic sneakers are well-known for their three-stripe design and court side silhouette, and I wear them constantly throughout the summer because they’re incredibly comfortable and go with all of my day dresses. The shoes have the brand’s Cloudfoam cushioning for added support and comfort, so they’re a solid pick if you’re going to be walking all day long. Plus, if the black and white colorway isn’t your favorite, you can choose from the eight other colors and patterns that are available including a taupe-metallic duo.
5. M.Gemi The Palestra Due
The leather on these shoes is made for flexibility and comfort and doesn’t crease as badly as a lot of other leather sneakers. Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth wears these constantly through the streets of Manhattan. “I love how they look with dresses because they sit fairly low on my ankles, so they don’t obscure the shape or length of my legs, but the sole is also substantial enough that I don’t feel like I’m wearing slippers,” she says. Hepworth also mentions that the clean look is also a great option to keep on hand if you like to wear prints and colors.
6. Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers
AF1s are a go-to for many people—myself included. The sole has a thick, almost platform-like height, and while that can feel a bit heavy for some, it isn’t bothersome for walking around. In my experience, these shoes are super versatile because of the fact that they're so minimalist, but can also elevate them from basic sneaker to sleek cool-girl shoes. Associate Commerce Strategist Jael Rucker adds, "I love Air Force 1s and replace them whenever they are no longer 'super white. They also have a padded midsole (the Zoom midsole I believe), and I was able to wear them to a day-long convention without my feet hurting."
7. Allbirds Couriers
A sustainably made shoe that’s also cute and comfy is a win-win in our books. Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera has been loving these since the weather’s warmed up. “They're super comfortable and I like that the color is off-white but goes with absolutely everything—plus they're made with a plastic-free vegan material,” she says. The sole is cushioned without feeling too heavy or bulky, so they’re light on your feet, too. “I just wish they came in half sizes because a tiny bit of extra space would be nice,” LaBarbera adds.
8. Comme Des Garçons Play x Converse Chuck Taylor Hidden Heart High Tops
Looking for a vintage set of sneakers that will never go out of style? Converse is the way to go. Instead of getting one of their standard designs, opt for this Comme Des Garçons Play collaboration instead for something more unique. “I was hesitant at first about pairing high-tops with dresses, from a leg-flattering standpoint, but I just love the casual-cool vibe these add to minis, midis and everything in between,” says Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater. Note: If you’re someone who has a high instep or you have bunions, you might not want to wear Converse sneakers for too long because they're quite flat and narrow.
9. Superga 2790 Platform Sneaker
Canvas sneakers are a great option for summertime. This brand has been seen on Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Middleton many times, and we can attest that they are a must-have. "They don’t require any break-in time and match virtually any style dress but I tend to wear them most with midis," says Rachel Gulmi, operations director of branded content. "I have both the platform style and the classic but I’m partial to the OG because the platforms run bigger and don’t fit me as well (my ankle pops up a bit)." The canvas upper sits pretty low on the ankle and the platform bottom adds about 1.5 inches of height.
10. Tory Burch Howell Court Sneaker
Crisp white sneakers are a fan favorite, and I must say, I have my fair share of them in my closet (though they don’t look so white anymore). If there’s ever a pair of white shoes to refresh your collection, it’s these bad boys. Not only are they made for comfort and support, the white leather cleans easily, especially if they’re protected. Our favorite part of these shoes? They have the iconic Tory Burch logo in a gold metal medallion on the heel for a sleek touch.
11. Boohoo Chunky Panel Sneakers
Chunky sneakers are a fabulous choice to wear with mini dresses to elongate your legs and give you a little extra height, too. This crisp, monochromatic white style will definitely pop against your summer glow and pair nicely with pretty much anything in your closet. Because these sneakers are made with synthetic materials, they likely won’t hold up as well as a lot of the others on this list, but we’re OK with that since they’re only $32.
12. Vionic Upside Sneakers
Vionic is known for its highly supportive footwear, and since these sneakers have a podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed, I'm ready to add multiple pairs to my cart. The arch support is great if your feet need a little extra TLC and the rubber toe cap is going to extend the longevity of your shoes so you can wear them for years to come.
How to Style Sneakers with Dresses
If you haven’t worn sneakers with dresses before or you just don’t know how to style the duo, I've got you. This popular pairing is a great option for summer—especially if you're aiming to give off more of a casual cool girl style. I love a simple T-shirt dress or a mini dress for a super comfy pick, and Asher agrees, telling me, “[T-shirt dresses] go well with low and high-top sneakers and offer a comfortable and breezy option for those hot sunny days. Alternatively, she says sneakers are also a great option to dress down a midi or maxi dress. “Pairing these dressier designs with sneakers is the easiest way to work your longer dresses or skirts into your everyday wardrobe,” she continues.
Another thing to consider is the fabric of your dresses, especially as the temps warm up. “Breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk are the best materials for summer dresses as they keep you cool on hot days and they’re easy to layer over in the evenings,” says Asher.
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Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
