5 Trends to Wear With Sneakers This Summer
Number three is my favorite.
Gone are the days where sneakers were solely reserved for long walks and trips to the gym. Now, tennis shoes are a fashion statement, with designers like Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Loewe offering chic silhouettes made for the runway. However, knowing how to style sneakers this season without looking dated can be a tricky task.
The secret is embracing unexpected summer sneaker outfits. Yoga pants, simple tees, and jeans are obvious tennis shoes matches, but surprising silhouettes like slip dresses and mini skirts create a true fashion moment. It's about leaning into the wrong shoe theory, adding an intentional and modern styling choice that does the work for you.
Bermuda shorts, boat totes, and lightweight pullovers fall into the same category, offering a preppy nod to otherwise sporty, casual kicks. But again, it feels perfectly curated, signaling you're a fashion person who knows exactly what they're doing.
If you're ready to try the top summer trends to wear with sneakers in 2026, then keep reading for the best styling options perfect for a city day to weekend getaway. From refined coastal accessories to one-and-done frocks, these five looks prove sneakers are no longer just practical—they're the core of a warm-weather wardrobe.
Slip Dresses
Whether you're wearing chunky New Balance kicks or slim Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, a slip dress is the answer. It offers the perfect contrast, delivering movement and ease.
Bermuda Shorts
Shorts and summer go hand-in-hand—but a trendy thigh-grazing twist keeps things modern and fresh. The classic Americana aesthetic was made for sneakers, delivering a relaxed and practical look.
Boat Bags
There's a reason canvas tote bags are year-round staples; they're coastal, timeless, and Ivy League–coded. Better yet, the off-duty silhouette brings effortless polish to any pair of tennis shoes.
Mini Skirts
While kitten heels and flats are more obvious choices for mini skirts, sneakers take the look up a notch. They add an unfussy edge, creating a more casual, carefree approach to dressing.
Lightweight Pullovers
Balance proportions with a lightweight pullover. Not only does it deliver a modern, minimalist look, but it's perfect for breezy evenings and late-night patio dinners.

Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.