HOW NOT TO WEAR TRAINERS WITH EVERYTHING
Controversial conversation coming.
Are ‘trainers with everything’ becoming a lazy style default?
I think yes.
This week I attended the Bath Life summer party at The Royal Crescent Hotel with fab friend Fiona. Prior to the event we discussed outfits ‘are you wearing dress + heels?’ ‘Yes’ - she replied ‘my trainers are too scruffy to wear!’ I was pleased. I planned to rewear my Roksanda/Jigsaw dress which styles perfectly with cream heeled ankle boots. For a garden party do I would always opt for a smarter shoe rather than a trainer to complete my look.
We swanned into the five star luxury hotel and waltzed into the garden. The evening sun was shining, wine was flowing and a buzz of conversation. The speeches began so I took a moment to scan the garden, surveying the glory of outfits. It was clear that a conscious effort was made to wear a favourite frock, jumpsuit or statement suit. My eyes then turned to floor….
Trainers with everything! I whispered to Fiona ‘everyone is wearing trainers!’
Veja, Hoff, New Balance, Gazelle, Paul Smith, Nike: the entire Office store trainer collection were presented before me. Wow! people are wearing trainers with everything. With everything! I witnessed a glorious bright green tulle skirt, a green sequin pencil skirt, a lime green relaxed trouser suit, a Laura Ashely 80s vintage styled dress and a large selection of floral midi dresses, all styled with trainers.
I get it. Bath has cobbled streets. People were in ‘after work’ mode but, do we really think ‘trainers with everything’ is the only answer to dress for a summer garden party? I hope not.
In our post covid comfortable life we have become cosy with this sporty style alternative. Eek! I felt like I was in a 2024 version of an American style disaster. Great outfits with trainers - it was like they were all about to run for the subway! It reminded me of the ‘skinny jeans and a dressy top’ era. The going out default when we weren’t going out and add a slinky stiletto!
I am not suggesting we should all be tottering about in high heels - in fact a very high heel can look incredibly dated. What I am suggesting is that we seek alternatives (as there are alternatives out there)! As a Stylist who regularly rummages through clients wardrobes, I know you all own alternatives.
This week, I was styling a clients summer looks, we used a vast collection of all her shoes. Block heeled mules, brightly coloured heels, wedged espadrilles, statement pointed courts. Yes there were trainers in the mix but not every outfit. We dusted down some excellent summer shoes.
Check out the inspired summer outfits from celebs at Wimbledon this week - only four were in trainers - (Sporty Spice is allowed) the rest of the style set left the trainers to the Tennis pros and revealed a variety of fabulous shoes to complete the variety of creative outfits.
So what are the alternatives? Here are some shoes I love that ARE NOT trainers that would look incredible with your summer outfits.
The Mary Jane
A firm favourite to style with straight cut trousers, cropped culottes, a silky bias cut dress or cotton A line skirt. They give you a lift but add a feminine style to your outfit. I love these leopard print ones as they will work now and into the autumn with tights or statement ankle socks.
The Pointed Mule
The perfect paring with the linen trousers suit you bought last season, city shorts or the gingham dress you bought three years ago. The pointed mule adds edge. It has a kick arse personality.
Block Leather Mule
Edgy, strong. The summer biker boot alternative. Just add a lace dress and leather jacket.
The Raffia Wooden Platform
An excellent shoe to style with that very colourful character skirt (think Farm Rio, Kemi Telford style print). It’s bold, blocky and adds character and height. Great holiday shoe too!
Red stroppy flat sandal
Add a punch of colour to your outfit. I will always encourage clients to choose the bright alternative shoe - it will add omph and character to denim - these sandals would also work with a relaxed linen suit.
Russell & Bromley £95 (sale)
The 70s clog
I love these! they also come in beige and fuchsia pink. I have some red clog sandals and they elevate denim, old printed jumpsuits and vintage dresses.
The gold leather flat Espadrille
As comfortable as a pair of trainers (ok you can’t wear in the rain) but optimism always. Gorgeous with a soft neutral coloured dress, or cream suit. Add a belt in the same tone of metallic and you’ve achieved an easy casual glam.
Flat pointed ballerina
A strong stylish way to style a ballerina. These are excellent alternatives to styling your summer work trousers. You can take this into a board meeting look modern and a lot more professional than if you were wearing a trainer. I also love this shoe with long silk skirt or with smart denim.
Metallic Ballet Pump
Perfect styled with a tulle skirt, cropped trousers or delicately printed maxi.
The Wedged Espadrille
I love all Penelope Chilvers shoes and these are the perfect garden party, summer wedding alternative to stilletoes. The colour combination is divine too and I love the ribbon. These would add a feminine touch to all summer styles.
Summer suede Cowboy Boot
Great for cooler days styled with bare legs, dresses and skirts. A soft suede boot will be a laid back style to switch to.
THE COLOURFUL LOAFER
Goodness me! these are joyful and fun and the perfect upgrade to your tired navy loafers - they come in lots of colours but these just make me smile!
I hope that has left you inspired to expand your summer shoe collection and of course I’m here to help if you find creative alternatives to style your clothes through virtual and in person appointments!