I’m Officially Ditching My Heels for Trainers This Party Season—Here Are 3 Chic Ways to Style Them

Party season is almost upon us, and with my diary already filled with work events, festive dinners and Christmas parties, planning my outfits is my top priority.
I already own most of the core items that will make up my partywear wardrobe; from boxy tuxedo blazers to statement handbags, I feel confident I have the pieces I need to see me through to New Year’s Eve. Instead, footwear is my focus, and I want to find the perfect balance between chic and comfortable. Although I love the look of heels, sore feet at the end of a long night just isn't an option for me. Boots, ballet flats and loafers are all viable choices but if I can get away with it, I'll choose trainers every time.
It might seem like an odd choice, but trainers are surprisingly easy to dress up for the festive season. With the right styling tricks you can make your trainer outfits look super polished without compromising on comfort. Pair your trainers with dressier items such as lace skirts, sequin bags and silky separates to keep your outfit from looking too casual.
If you’re still not convinced, keep scrolling to discover three party-season outfit ideas with trainers and shop the looks.
How to Style Trainers for Party Season 2024
1. Silk Top + Silk Trousers + Statement Bag
Style Notes: A pair of silk trousers is the easiest item to throw on for a festive event. Both elegant and comfortable, they’ll make your trainers look way more sophisticated for more formal occasions. Pair them with a top in the same fabric and a complementary or contrasting shade for a relaxed yet elevated look.
Shop the Look:
New Balance trainers will never date.
2. Cashmere Knit + Lace Skirt + Metallic Bag
Style Notes: When the cold sets in we all want to wrap up in our cosiest knits, and with the right styling, you can wear one for any party you go to this winter. Simply add a lace skirt and a pair of metallic trainers to make your jumper look party-ready.
Shop the Look:
COS has some of the best cashmere on the high street.
3. Velvet Suit + Velvet Bag + Sparkly Socks
Style Notes: Does anything scream "Christmas party" more than velvet? We certainly don’t think so, and done right, the sumptuous fabric strikes the perfect balance between festive and chic without looking tacky. Add a pair of sparkly socks to give your trainers a glitzy makeover for party season.
Shop the Look:
These are arguably the most talked-about sneaker style of 2024.

As WWW UK’s editorial assistant, Brittany focuses on creating compelling fashion and beauty content for site. She supports the fashion team on shoots and with styling, and works closely with the Managing Editor on recurring columns and franchises. With a particular passion for fragrance—and a personal collection to match—she has a passion for all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle related.
Prior to Who What Wear, Brittany worked as the Shopping Assistant at Reach Plc and across a number publications, including OK!, Notebook, S Mag and The Mirror. In this role, she was responsible for creating on-site beauty and fashion content, compiling shopping grids and campaigns for the print magazine as well as filmed and edited weekly video content for the brand’s social media account.
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