When my friends ask why 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 will be some version of my tried and tested anti-trainer outfits. You see, I’m not the biggest fan of them.
Unless I’m working out, your chances of catching me in trainers are slim. When I do opt for a sportier silhouette, it will 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 like the footwear equivalent of wearing an Apple Watch with formalwear—gauche, childish and makes me look like I’ve just stepped out of Spy Kids.
While I know there are plenty of fashionable women who have made them a part of their street style uniform, and I fully appreciate that trainers are a vital shoe option for many, I just haven’t found a style that suits me and the items that make up my wardrobe. For orthopaedic purposes, this decision 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 did learn that lesson the hard way when I walked around Rome in these gorgeous but blister-inducing suede sandals in the peak summer heat.)
An image of Who What Wear UK SEO Writer Ava Gilchrist in an anti-trainer outfit, wearing a dress by Rue Sophie and sandals from A.EMERY.
Nevertheless, this choice to forgo athletic shoes in favour of a more elegant flat style has always served me well, especially amid the rise of chic heelless iterations like ballet flats, 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 serve and suit the addition of trainers, and on days when I do need extra cushioning, I’ll reach for a hybrid like ballet trainers.
My go-to rotation currently involves pairing items like tailored trousers with baby pink satin slippers and mini dresses with boat shoes. On my casual days, I’ll reach for a block-heeled mary jane and relaxed strides before topping it all off with a big coat.
All this to say, there are many sophisticated alternatives out there and (perhaps even double the amount of) stylish women proving that anti-trainer outfits are just as current-looking.
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 people are currently styling flat and low-heeled shoes, keep scrolling ahead for a comprehensive guide of the best looks to wear without trainers.
11 Sophisticated Anti-Trouser Outfits To Inspire Your Next Flat Shoe Look
1. Blazer + Tailored Trousers + Suede Loafers
Style Notes: There’s nothing more luxurious than soft and natural fabrics like cashmere, which makes it feel antithetical to wearing trainers. Here, the woollen jacket and tailored trouser leans into the elegance of the suede loafers will still feeling relaxed.
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InWear
Tilla Wool Blend Jacket, French Nougat
The gorgeous wool and light almond colour makes this the perfect spring jacket.
MANGO
Straight Lyocell Suit Trousers
These trousers fall at 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 that exact reason. These are dainty yet whimsical, are offered in so many bright colours and feature unexpected accents on the toe, but you also could just buy any saturated micro heel and pair with a one-and-done coat to achieve that effect at a more affordable price point.
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A playful top can do so much for basic bottoms like jeans.
PRADA
Soft Padded Leather Slingback Heels
These low heels are instantly recognisable.
3. Coat + Mini Skirt + Riding Boots
Style Notes: Riding boots were originally intended to be worn with trousers like stirrup leggings, which makes the shoes feel all the more equestrian-inspired, but I find that they make a welcome addition to looks with shorter hemlines. Combined with the elegant cape and you’ve got a ’60s look of dreams.
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If the 2000s had the poncho, the 2020s have the tasteful cape. Talk about levelling up.
COS
Wool-Jacquard Mini Skirt
Pair this mini with Mary Janes and you have the ultimate French-girl errands run attire.
This leather style comes in sizes 36 to 42.
4. White Button-Down + Pleated Trousers + Kitten-Heel Boots
Style Notes: Another boot style you can reach for is kitten heels. Despite being raised from the ground, this shape is still quite comfortable while literally and proverbially elevating your look—even the most fundamental silhouettes like black trousers and a white button-down.
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MANGO
Regular Cotton Lyocell-Blend Shirt
A piece you can always rely on.
M&S Collection
Wide Leg Trousers
You’ll love these for years to come.
AEYDE
Sofie Suede Ankle Boots
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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COS
Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat
The perfect blank canvas for lapel accessories.
From Kendrick Lamar to Meghan Markle, everyone agrees that flares are back in fashion.
THE ROW
Fairy Grosgrain and Suede-Trimmed Cashmere Slippers
These two-toned shoes are made in Italy from supple cashmere and trimmed with black grosgrain and suede.
6. Mini Dress + 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 one-and-done garment are the classier version of this look. This look can serve any occasion too—an especially advantageous quality they have over trainers.
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MANGO
Short Knitted Turtleneck Dress
This knit dress is available in sizes 4 through 26.
LIÉ STUDIO
The Ingrid Silver Earrings
Silver hoops are more underrated than their gold counterparts, but there’s something so timeless about this metal that’s worth investing in.
Miu Miu
Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps 55
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 not yet extended to 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 imaginable—studded! mesh! satin!—there’s never been a better time to invest in the shoe style.
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Like ballet flats, a cashmere crew-neck sweater will never go out of style.
M&S Collection
Denim Split Front Maxi Skirt
I’d never think of pairing Manolo Blahnik’s with a denim skirt—in fact, I find these midis one of the hardest items to style—but trust Parisienne Sylvie Mus to convince me otherwise.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Hangisi Crystal-Embellished Satin Point-Toe Flats
You’ll hang onto 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 and “done”. In the colder months, style with thick woollen socks.
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Realisation Par
The Moon Top
Take cues from Camille Rowe and Devon Lee Carlson with this style from beloved label, Realisation Par.
Reformation
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
A pair of 90s style, straight-leg jeans is about as trusty of a wardrobe staple as you’ll be able to find.
A.EMERY
Mantei Ruched Suede and Leather Sandals
I can’t put my finger on it, but I’ve always found wearing sandals in city environments to be slightly rebellious and, therefore, all the more covetable.
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 longline jeans. But that is what makes the Mary Janes work in this context. Playing with contrast and juxtaposition—or in this case, lack there of—is one of my favourite things about anti-trainer outfits and this combination of a very structured sweater vest with a ladylike shoe feels extremely polished.
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New Look
Burgundy Knitted Vest
Harry Styles and Emma Chamberlain both own similar styles to this piece.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean
Abercrombie & Fitch offers some of the most diverse sized jeans on the market. These can be bought in a 23 all the way through 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 then but they’re still a mainstream flat shoe choice. Unlike the other streamlined shapes on this list, these boots offer the chunkiness and structure you might like in some trainers.
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MANGO
Cotton Parka With Gathered Hem
Unsure if it’s the fact that Oasis is about to embark on their reunion tour or the fact that Alexa Chung is pioneering their return, but I’ve had this camel-coloured Mango parka on my wishlist since its release.
Chopova Lowena
Blue & Red Ethel Knee Carabiner Midi Skirt
If a tartan skirt is your style, invest in one designed by Chopova Lowena.
Jeffrey Campbell
Katrina Pull-On Tall Boots
11. Denim Jacket + Mini Skirt + Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: Another footwear trend that has enjoyed a rise in popularity of late is cowboy boots. Ganni has popularised contrast stitch versions, and Bella Hadid has ensured we’re all aware of the plethora of styling possibilities this Western-inspired shoe.
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M&S
Cotton Rich Denim Jacket With Stretch
They might feel like a totally outdated ’80s fashion choice, but denim jackets are proving to be more popular 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 love styling these with floaty white dresses in summer.
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