Bye-Bye, Ballet Flats—This Spring, I'm Wearing All My Chicest Outfits With Trainers Instead
Easy, wearable and endlessly versatile—these fresh spring outfits prove that trainers are the ultimate footwear choice for the season ahead.
As soon as the days start to feel a little lighter, I find myself reaching for trainers more than any other shoe. They’re practical, comfortable and just plain versatile, which is why they will always have a place in my spring wardrobe. Whether it's classic white trainers that work with almost anything, or chunky trainers that add a modern edge, this is the season when sneakers really come into their own.
Trainers are great at softening sharper tailoring, balancing floaty dresses, and making transitional layers feel more relaxed, which is ideal when spring weather can change from one hour to the next. I also love how they bring a fresh energy to simple looks — think lightweight knits, easy trousers and those reliable spring outfits with jeans that never fail.
But what I love most is how seamlessly trainers slot into everyday outfits without sacrificing style. They manage to make even the simplest combinations feel intentional — without requiring much thought at all.
Below, I’ve rounded up five outfit formulas with trainers I’ll be relying on this spring, along with an edit of the best pieces to shop now should you feel inspired to recreate the looks for yourself. And if anything else, let this serve as a reminder that warmer days are coming, and coming soon.
5 Spring Outfits With Trainers To Try This Season:
1. Striped Shirt + Long Shorts
Style Notes: Long shorts instantly signal the move towards warmer weather, and trainers are the perfect way to balance out the tailored feel of a striped shirt. The result is a fresh, city-ready spring outfit that feels effortless.
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2. Oversized Tee + Trousers
Style Notes: An oversized tee always keeps things relaxed, making trainers feel like a natural extension of the outfit. As temperatures begin to shift, this combination feels breezy and uncomplicated — ideal for early spring days when layering is key.
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3. Thin Sweater + Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Lightweight knits and straight-leg denim are spring staples, and what better way to tie everywith together with a pair of trainers. It’s a simple formula that works for everyday plans when you want to feel comfortable, but put-together.
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4. Knitted Neutral Dress + Bright Trainers
Style Notes: A soft knitted dress brings warmth on cooler spring days, but adding bright trainers puts the look firmly into spring territory. I'm loving the contrast between cosy textures and playful footwear.
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5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Tee + Trench Coat
Style Notes: This is the kind of effortless spring layering that trainers were made for. The classic trench feels polished, while simple trainers keep the look grounded and practical for unpredictable in-between weather.
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Katie is a freelance contributor for Who What Wear UK. She has been writing freelance since early 2022, after completing her Master's in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. Her main focus so far has been writing for interior design titles, most notably Ideal Home. She started out writing ecommerce content for a number of interiors titles, including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, and Gardeningetc., before moving on to become a regular contributor to Ideal Home's digital news team. She also writes for woman&home. More recently, Katie has started writing around different topics including health and wellness, fashion and beauty. She loves consuming fashion and beauty content most of all, and is always on the hunt for ways to elevate her style. She has a particular passion for skincare, and is always up for trying new products that might help her skin glow. Katie lives in Leeds with her partner, and when she's not reading (and writing) fashion and beauty content, she's probably out for a long walk with a flat white in hand.