When my friends ask what I’m wearing to a specific event, I’ll never know for certain until just before I leave the house, but I always tell them it'll be some version of my tried-and-tested anti-trainer outfits. You see, I'm not the biggest fan of trainers.
Unless I’m working out, your chances of catching me in them are slim. When I do opt for a sportier silhouette, it'll always be something from a designer collaboration like Cecilie Bahnsen X Asics, Sandy Liang X Salomon or Wales Bonner X Adidas. But, try as I may, wearing trainers with anything other than leggings feels for me like the footwear equivalent of wearing an Apple Watch with eveningwear—a little childish and like I’ve just stepped out of Spy Kids.
Whilst I know there are plenty of fashionable women who have made trainers part of their street style uniform, I just haven’t found a style that suits me and the items that make up my wardrobe. For orthopaedic purposes, this is something that may come back to bite me, especially when I’m clocking over 10,000 steps in shoes that aren’t specifically designed for sole support. (I already learnt this lesson the hard way by struggling around Rome in my gorgeous but blister-inducing A.Emery suede sandals in peak-summer heat.)
Nevertheless, this choice to forgo athletic shoes in favour of more elegant flats has always served me well, especially amidst the rise of chic iterations like ballet flats, flat boots and loafers. You might be wondering how I do my city commute, run errands and survive nights out without the comfort trainers supply. It’s actually very easy—I’ve strategically engineered a capsule wardrobe that really wouldn’t benefit from the addition of trainers, and on days when I need extra cushioning, I’ll reach for a hybrid like ballet trainers.
What do I wear instead? My go-to rotation currently involves pairing items like tailored trousers with baby pink satin slippers and minidresses with boat shoes. On more casual days, I’ll reach for a pair of block-heel Mary Janes and relaxed bottoms before topping it off with a big coat. All this to say, there are many fashion-forward alternatives to trainers out there and plenty of stylish women proving that anti-trainer outfits are just as current.
As the adage goes, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and I’ll happily walk miles in any of these styles. If you, too, are yet to find your sneaker match or are just curious to know how stylish people are currently styling flat and low-heel shoes, keep scrolling for some of the best looks I found that don't include trainers.
11 Sophisticated Anti-Trainer Outfits
1. Blazer + Tailored Trousers + Suede Loafers
Style Notes: There's nothing more luxurious than soft natural fabrics like cashmere, and it feels antithetical to wear it with trainers. Here, the woollen jacket and tailored trousers lean into the elegance of the suede loafers whilst still feeling relaxed.
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The supple wool and light-almond colour make this the perfect spring jacket.
These trousers fall to just the right length.
Suede loafers offer some contrast and texture to dependable looks.
2. Oversized Coat + Matching Set + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: I've never found trainers a shoe style that I could dress up. Kitten heels, on the other hand, provide endless possibilities. I love Prada shoes for this exact reason. The pair below are dainty yet whimsical, coming in so many bright colours and featuring unexpected accents on the toe. If they're out of your budget, wear any brightly coloured kitten heels with a one-and-done coat to achieve the effect at a more affordable price point.
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Add some drama to your party outifts with an oversized coat.
A playful top can do so much for basic bottoms like jeans.
These low heels are instantly recognisable.
3. Coat + Miniskirt + Riding Boots
Style Notes: Riding boots were originally intended to be worn with bottoms like stirrup leggings, which makes them feel all the more equestrian, but I find that they work well with shorter hemlines too. Combined with an elegant cape, you've got a '60s-inspired look of dreams.
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If the 2000s had the poncho, the 2020s have the tasteful cape. Talk about levelling up.
Pair this mini with Mary Janes for the ultimate French-girl errand-running attire.
This leather style comes in sizes 36 42.
4. White Button-Down + Pleated Trousers + Kitten-Heel Boots
Style Notes: A kitten-heel boot is still quite comfortable whilst literally and proverbially elevating your look—even the most fundamental pairings like black trousers and a white button-down can benefit.
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A piece you can always rely on.
You'll get so much wear out of these.
Aeyde's boots are amongst some of the best on the market—and this style comes editor-approved.
5. Trench Coat + Jeans + Slip-On Flats
Style Notes: Any anti-trainer outfit can benefit from wearing elements that also double as loungewear. Such is the case for these slippers from The Row. The addition of a metallic brooch makes this simple look appear far more considered and thoughtful than it actually is. Try adding this unexpected twist to overcompensate for your ultra-comfortable shoe of choice.
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The perfect blank canvas for lapel accessories.
From Kendrick Lamar to Meghan Markle, everyone agrees that flares are back.
These two-toned shoes are made in Italy from supple cashmere and trimmed with black grosgrain and suede.
6. Minidress + Slingback Micro Heels
Style Notes: Lily Allen and Emily Ratajkowski are poster girls for the dress-and-trainer trend, but I'd contend that slingback heels with a relaxed minidress is the classier version of this look. This look can serve any occasion—an especially advantageous quality they have over trainers.
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This knitted dress is super versatile.
Silver hoops are underrated compared to their gold counterparts, but there's something so minimalist about this metal that makes it worth investing in.
Miu Miu has pioneered some of the biggest flat-shoe trends of the decade, so it's a no-brainer to reach for these slingbacks to complete your on-the-go look.
7. Cashmere Sweater + Denim Skirt + Pointed Flats
Style Notes: Pointed flats have enjoyed a comeback yet to be experienced by other Y2K styles, and for good reason. These have transcended the trend cycle and become a hallmark in the wardrobes of It girls around the world. With endorsements from Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, and so many iterations available—studded! mesh! satin!—there's never been a better time to invest in the shoe style.
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A cashmere crew-neck sweater will never go out of style.
I'd never think of pairing Manolo Blahniks with a denim skirt—in fact, I find these midis one of the hardest items to style—but trust Parisienne Sylvie Mus (pictured above) to convince me otherwise.
You'll keep these forever.
8. Graphic T-Shirt + Jeans + Sandals
Style Notes: Trainers might bring a more lived-in component to your looks, but I believe that sandals can have the same effect. Perhaps this is partly due to their association with warm weather, but strappy footwear brings a balmy temperament to your silhouettes that makes any look feel more put-together. In the colder months, style with thick woollen socks.
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Take cues from Camille Rowe and Devon Lee Carlson with this style from insider-loved label Realisation Par.
'90s-style straight-leg jeans are about as trusty a wardrobe staple as you'll ever find.
I can't put my finger on exactly why, but I've always found wearing sandals in city environments to be slightly rebellious and, therefore, all the more tempting.
9. Sweater Vest + Jeans + Mary Janes
Style Notes: You might expect this look to be styled with trainers to balance the formality of the tailored sweater vest and jeans, but that's what makes the Mary Janes work in this context. Playing with contrast and juxtaposition is one of my favourite things about anti-trainer outfits, and this combination of a very structured sweater vest with a typically "ladylike" shoe feels extremely polished.
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Harry Styles and Emma Chamberlain both wear similar styles.
Abercrombie Fitch offers some of the most diverse jeans sizing on the market. These come in a 23 all the way to a 37 and in five different length options.
Mary Janes don't come more elegant than this.
10. Lightweight Jacket + Midi Skirt + Biker Boots
Style Notes: Biker boots fell back into fashion's favour in 2022 after Miu Miu included them in its autumn/winter collection. Years have passed since, but they're still a reliable flat-shoe choice. Unlike the other streamlined silhouettes on this list, these boots offer the chunkiness and structure you might be drawn to in some trainers.
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I'm unsure if it's the Oasis comeback or that Alexa Chung is pioneering its return, but I've had this camel-coloured Mango parka on my wish list since its release.
If a tartan skirt is your style, invest in one designed by Chopova Lowena.
Glastonbury calling!
11. Denim Jacket + Miniskirt + Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: Another footwear trend that has enjoyed a rise in popularity of late is cowboy boots. Ganni popularised contrast-stitch versions, and Bella Hadid has ensured we're all aware of the plethora of styling possibilities of this Western-inspired boot.
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They might feel like a totally outdated '80s fashion choice, but denim jackets are due for a resurgence.
This wash of denim feels straight off Sabato De Sarno's Gucci runway.
I love styling these with floaty white dresses in summer.
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