When my associates ask why I’m carrying to a particular occasion, I’ll by no means know for sure till simply earlier than I go away the home, however I at all times inform them it is going to be some model of my tried and examined anti-trainer outfits. You see, I am not the most important fan of them.
Until I’m understanding, your probabilities of catching me in trainers are slim. After I do go for a sportier silhouette, it’ll at all times be one thing from a designer collaboration like Cecilie Bahnsen x Asics, Sandy Liang x Salomon or Wales Bonner x Adidas. However, strive as I’ll, carrying trainers with something aside from leggings feels just like the footwear equal of carrying an Apple Watch with formalwear—gauche, infantile and makes me appear to be I’ve simply stepped out of Spy Children.
Whereas I do know there are many modern girls who’ve made them part of their road model uniform, and I absolutely admire that trainers are a significant shoe choice for a lot of, I simply haven’t discovered a method that fits me and the objects that make up my wardrobe. For orthopaedic functions, this choice is one thing which will come again to chew me, particularly after I’m clocking over 10,000 steps in sneakers that aren’t particularly designed for sole assist. (I did be taught that lesson the arduous method after I walked round Rome in these attractive however blister-inducing suede sandals within the peak summer season warmth.)
A picture of Who What Put on UK search engine marketing Author Ava Gilchrist in an anti-trainer outfit, carrying a gown by Rue Sophie and sandals from A.EMERY.
Nonetheless, this option to forgo athletic sneakers in favour of a extra elegant flat model has at all times served me properly, particularly amid the rise of stylish heelless iterations like ballet flats, boots and loafers.
You may be questioning how I do my metropolis commute, run errands and survive nights out with out the consolation trainers provide. It’s really very simple—I’ve strategically engineered a capsule wardrobe that basically wouldn’t serve and swimsuit the addition of trainers, and on days after I do want further cushioning, I’ll attain for a hybrid like ballet trainers.
My go-to rotation at the moment includes pairing objects like tailor-made trousers with child pink satin slippers and mini attire with boat sneakers. On my informal days, I’ll attain for a block-heeled mary jane and relaxed strides earlier than topping all of it off with an enormous coat.
All this to say, there are a lot of subtle options on the market and (maybe even double the quantity of) trendy girls proving that anti-trainer outfits are simply as current-looking.
Because the adage goes, it’s a marathon, not a dash, and I’ll fortunately stroll miles in any of those kinds. In the event you, too, are but to search out your sneaker match or are simply curious to understand how individuals are at the moment styling flat and low-heeled sneakers, hold scrolling forward for a complete information of the most effective seems to put on with out trainers.
11 Refined Anti-Trouser Outfits To Encourage Your Subsequent Flat Shoe Look
1. Blazer + Tailor-made Trousers + Suede Loafers
Fashion Notes: There’s nothing extra luxurious than tender and pure materials like cashmere, which makes it really feel antithetical to carrying trainers. Right here, the woollen jacket and tailor-made trouser leans into the magnificence of the suede loafers will nonetheless feeling relaxed.
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InWear
Tilla Wool Mix Jacket, French Nougat
The attractive wool and lightweight almond color makes this the right spring jacket.
MANGO
Straight Lyocell Swimsuit Trousers
These trousers fall at simply the fitting size.
Suede loafers provide some distinction and texture to reliable seems.
2. Outsized Coat + Matching Set + Kitten Heels
Fashion Notes: I’ve by no means discovered trainers a shoe model that I might gown up. Kitten heels, alternatively, present limitless prospects. I like Prada sneakers for that actual purpose. These are dainty but whimsical, are provided in so many vibrant colors and have surprising accents on the toe, however you additionally might simply purchase any saturated micro heel and pair with a one-and-done coat to realize that impact at a extra inexpensive value level.
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A playful prime can accomplish that a lot for primary bottoms like denims.
PRADA
Mushy Padded Leather-based Slingback Heels
These low heels are immediately recognisable.
3. Coat + Mini Skirt + Using Boots
Fashion Notes: Using boots had been initially supposed to be worn with trousers like stirrup leggings, which makes the sneakers really feel all of the extra equestrian-inspired, however I discover that they make a welcome addition to seems with shorter hemlines. Mixed with the elegant cape and you have a ’60s look of goals.
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If the 2000s had the poncho, the 2020s have the tasteful cape. Speak about levelling up.
COS
Wool-Jacquard Mini Skirt
Pair this mini with Mary Janes and you’ve got the final word French-girl errands run apparel.
This leather-based model is available in sizes 36 to 42.
4. White Button-Down + Pleated Trousers + Kitten-Heel Boots
Fashion Notes: One other boot model you’ll be able to attain for is kitten heels. Regardless of being raised from the bottom, this form continues to be fairly comfy whereas actually and proverbially elevating your look—even essentially the most elementary silhouettes like black trousers and a white button-down.
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MANGO
Common Cotton Lyocell-Mix Shirt
A bit you’ll be able to at all times depend on.
M&S Assortment
Broad Leg Trousers
You may love these for years to return.
AEYDE
Sofie Suede Ankle Boots
Aeyde’s boots are amongst a number of the greatest in the marketplace—and this model comes editor-approved.
5. Trench Coat + Denims + Slip-On Flats
Fashion Notes: Any anti-trainer outfit can profit from carrying parts that additionally double as loungewear. Such is the case for these slippers from The Row. The addition of a metallic brooch makes this straightforward look seem way more thought-about and considerate than it really is. Strive including this surprising twist to overcompensate to your ultra-comfortable shoe of selection.
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COS
Outsized Double-Breasted Wool Coat
The proper clean canvas for lapel equipment.
From Kendrick Lamar to Meghan Markle, everybody agrees that flares are again in vogue.
THE ROW
Fairy Grosgrain and Suede-Trimmed Cashmere Slippers
These two-toned sneakers are made in Italy from supple cashmere and trimmed with black grosgrain and suede.
6. Mini Costume + Slingback Micro Heels
Fashion Notes: Lily Allen and Emily Ratajkowski are poster women for the dress-and-trainer pattern, however I might contend that slingback heels with a one-and-done garment are the classier model of this look. This look can serve any event too—an particularly advantageous high quality they’ve over trainers.
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MANGO
Quick Knitted Turtleneck Costume
This knit gown is offered in sizes 4 by way of 26.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Ingrid Silver Earrings
Silver hoops are extra underrated than their gold counterparts, however there’s one thing so timeless about this steel that is price investing in.
Miu Miu
Brushed Leather-based Slingback Pumps 55
Miu Miu has pioneered a number of the greatest flat shoe traits of the last decade, so it is a no brainer to succeed in for these slingbacks to finish your on-the-go look.
7. Cashmere Sweater + Denim Skirt + Pointed Flats
Fashion Notes: Pointed flats have loved a comeback not but prolonged to different Y2K kinds—and for good purpose. These have transcended the pattern cycle and grow to be a trademark within the wardrobes of It women all over the world. With endorsements from Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung and so many iterations possible—studded! mesh! satin!—there’s by no means been a greater time to put money into the shoe model.
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Like ballet flats, a cashmere crew-neck sweater won’t ever exit of favor.
M&S Assortment
Denim Break up Entrance Maxi Skirt
I might by no means consider pairing Manolo Blahnik’s with a denim skirt—in actual fact, I discover these midis one of many hardest objects to model—however belief Parisienne Sylvie Mus to persuade me in any other case.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Hangisi Crystal-Embellished Satin Level-Toe Flats
You may cling onto these without end.
8. Graphic T-Shirt + Denims + Sandals
Fashion Notes: Trainers would possibly deliver a extra lived-in part to your seems, however I consider that sandals can have the identical impact. Maybe that is partly resulting from their affiliation with heat climate, however strappy footwear brings a balmy temperament to your silhouettes that makes any look really feel extra put collectively and “finished”. Within the colder months, model with thick woollen socks.
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Realisation Par
The Moon Prime
Take cues from Camille Rowe and Devon Lee Carlson with this model from beloved label, Realisation Par.
Reformation
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Denims
A pair of 90s model, straight-leg denims is about as trusty of a wardrobe staple as you can discover.
A.EMERY
Mantei Ruched Suede and Leather-based Sandals
I am unable to put my finger on it, however I’ve at all times discovered carrying sandals in metropolis environments to be barely rebellious and, subsequently, all of the extra covetable.
9. Sweater Vest + Denims + Mary Janes
Fashion Notes: You would possibly anticipate this look to be styled with trainers to steadiness the formality of the tailor-made sweater vest and longline denims. However that’s what makes the Mary Janes work on this context. Taking part in with distinction and juxtaposition—or on this case, lack there of—is one among my favorite issues about anti-trainer outfits and this mixture of a really structured sweater vest with a ladylike shoe feels extraordinarily polished.
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New Look
Burgundy Knitted Vest
Harry Kinds and Emma Chamberlain each personal comparable kinds to this piece.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean
Abercrombie & Fitch presents a number of the most numerous sized denims in the marketplace. These might be purchased in a 23 all over to a 37 and in 5 completely different size choices.
Mary Janes do not come extra elegant than this.
10. Light-weight Jacket + Midi Skirt + Biker Boots
Fashion Notes: Biker boots fell again into vogue’s favour in 2022 after Miu Miu included them in its autumn/winter assortment. Years have handed since then however they’re nonetheless a mainstream flat shoe selection. Not like the opposite streamlined shapes on this checklist, these boots provide the chunkiness and construction you would possibly like in some trainers.
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MANGO
Cotton Parka With Gathered Hem
Not sure if it is the truth that Oasis is about to embark on their reunion tour or the truth that Alexa Chung is pioneering their return, however I’ve had this camel-coloured Mango parka on my wishlist since its launch.
Chopova Lowena
Blue & Purple Ethel Knee Carabiner Midi Skirt
If a tartan skirt is your model, put money into one designed by Chopova Lowena.
Jeffrey Campbell
Katrina Pull-On Tall Boots
11. Denim Jacket + Mini Skirt + Cowboy Boots
Fashion Notes: One other footwear pattern that has loved an increase in reputation of late is cowboy boots. Ganni has popularised distinction sew variations, and Bella Hadid has ensured we’re all conscious of the plethora of styling prospects this Western-inspired shoe.
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M&S
Cotton Wealthy Denim Jacket With Stretch
They could really feel like a very outdated ’80s vogue selection, however denim jackets are proving to be extra widespread than ever.
ZARA
Belted Mini Denim Skirt
This wash of denim feels straight off of Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci runway.
GANNI
Black Mid Shaft Embroidered Western Boots
I like styling these with floaty white attire in summer season.
