Dresses are great and sneakers are even better, but combining the two might seem a little tricky. (You’re not trying to look like an extra in Working Girl, after all.) That’s why we searched the internet for incredibly chic suggestions for pairing your freshest kicks with an array of dress styles. Not only are sneakers a cute and casual way to elevate a dress, but they’re the more practical option, especially when you have plans to be out and about through the day. Whether you prefer a bodycon sweater dress or a flowy maxi, the key is finding the right pair of sneakers that go with your dress, and ideally, a pair that’s versatile enough to go with many different dress styles.
fashion
16 Dresses to Wear with Sneakers, Starting at Just $40
Your feet will thank you
Published Apr 4, 2023
How to Style Sneakers with a Dress
The key to successfully wearing sneakers with a dress is that whatever your pairing may be, it looks intentional, and not like you ran out of the house in a rush without looking in the mirror.
If you’re on the petite side, you can opt for a mini dress with platform sneakers or a maxi with wedge sneakers if you’re looking for a little bit of height. (Heads up that a midi with sneakers might have a shortening effect.)
It’s also important to think about proportions and balance. For example, we like the idea of going for a bold, textured dress with more plain, streamlined sneakers or a basic dress with statement kicks. Pairing a bold dress with bold sneakers can be a little too much, whereas a simple dress with simple sneakers can feel a bit snoozy.
The Best Dresses to Wear with Sneakers at a Glance
- Cutest Pleated Dress: Mare Mare Pleated Maxi Dress
- Best Spaghetti Strap Dress: Lulus Party in Paris Midi Dress
- Top Linen Floral Dress: & Other Stories Linen Midi Dress
- Most Functional Workout Dress: YPB sculptLUX Mini Dress
- Cutest Ombre Dress: Raquel Allegra Slip Dress
- Sweetest Flutter-Sleeve Dress: Madewell Flutter-Sleeve Dress
- Prettiest Slip Dress: Everlane The Satin Square-Neck Slip Dress
- Cutest Petite Dress: J.Crew A-Line Linen Dress
- Most Versatile Cotton Dress: Quince Tencel Rib Sleeveless Dress
- Comfiest Ribbed Dress: Free People One Natasha Sleeveless Midi
- Most Sophisticated Shirt Dress: Maeve The Soren Dress
- Top Activewear Dress: Playground Active Sunday Dress
- Prettiest Print: Mango Printed Dress
- Cutest Denim Dress: Reformation Cecil Denim Dress
- Breeziest Linen-Blend Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Mini Dress
- Why We Love It: pleats, crochet top
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Asics Japan S Platform Sneakers
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, standard, petite and plus
We’re big fans of the pleated skirt attached to the knit top for a cute spring look. Since this dress has a lot going on, we recommend pairing it with simple platform sneakers to complete your look and keep it casual. This dress is available in standard, petite and plus sizes and reviewers mention it runs quite big. “If you are not pregnant, absolutely order a size down because this fits me at seven months pregnant in my normal size. I also have a large bust and it's not constricting at all,” reports one customer.
- Why We Love It: high slit, tie spaghetti straps
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Adidas Stan Smiths
- Size Range: XS to XL
This sweet midi is a great example of a dress that looks fancier but can be easily dressed down with the right pair of sneakers. Our perfect pick? A pair of Adidas Stan Smiths. These classic shoes will add a sleek yet casual element to ensemble.
- Why We Love It: linen material, side slit
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Veja Campo Leather Sneakers
- Size Range: 0 to 12
A floral dress is our love language. This adorable style has puff sleeves and a side slit to add some more movement and dimension. The linen material will be great for warm days since it’s so breathable. Throw on a chic pair of leather sneakers and you’ll stay comfortable and chic all summer long.
- Why We Love It: side slit, built-in shorts
- Best Sneaker Pairing: On Cloudswift Sneakers
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
Whether you’re hitting the tennis court or going on a hot girl walk with some friends, this adorable activewear dress is made for movement. “[The] stretchy material makes it comfortable, and the slit is a great detail,” says one customer. “I will say, it’s more form-fitting than other athletic dresses (which I like) so if that is not your speed you might want to size up.” We recommend a cute pair of athletic sneakers to keep your feet supported while you sweat.
- Why We Love It: pink and yellow hues, adjustable straps
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Superga Platform Sneakers
- Size Range: 00 to 3
We can already see ourselves walking along the beach in this cute summery dress. When you hit the boardwalk, make sure to throw on a pair of platform sneakers to give you some height—go for a sleek, simple silhouette so you don’t take away from the breezy look. The dress is lightweight and reviewers say it’s very breathable.
- Why We Love It: side tie, midi length
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Veja V-12 Sneakers
- Size Range: XS to XL
This office-appropriate dress is begging to be paired with a set of Veja V-12s. It has a feminine pattern and a tie-waist to accentuate your shape, plus a halfway button-down opening that stops at the waist and button sleeves, too.
- Why We Love It: flowy skirt, frilly sleeves
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
Looking for a go-to dress option you can wear on repeat all summer long? Here she is. This frilly dress has flutter sleeves and flowy skirt, comes in black and golden yellow hues and is made of 100 percent cotton. Throw on some low tops with this dress, like these casual Converse.
- Why We Love It: lightweight fabric, square neckline
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Puma Mayze Sneakers
- Size Range: 00 to 16
We’re loving the clean-cut square neckline on this satin midi. It comes in three colors and has a button closure on the back. We would keep it cool and throw on a pair of chunky platforms with this dress (hint hint: these Pumas).
- Why We Love It: A-line, stretchy linen
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Crown Vintage Gamina Platform Sneakers
- Size Range: 00 to 12, classic, petite, tall
A linen dress is a must-have in the spring and summer. This classic silhouette has darted cups and an empire waist. It comes in white, coastal sunset and black and is available in classic, petite and tall sizes. One self-described petite reviewer mentions the straps are a bit long on her, so you may need to have them altered if you’re on the shorter side. We’d wear platform sneakers with this dress, perhaps these from Crown Vintage.
- Why We Love It: stretchy, five colors
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Nike Court Vision Alta Platform Sneakers
- Size Range: XS to XXL
We love a basic knit dress like this one because it’s easy for layering and is super comfortable. It’s made of a soft Tencel fabric (hello, eco-friendly) and has a ribbed texture. There’s a short slit in the back of the dress for some movement, which means a pair of pink platforms will add some flair to this look.
- Why We Love It: mock neck, ribbed material
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Vans SK8-Hi Tapered Shoe
- Size Range: XS to XL
A unique dress like this deserves to be the star of the show, and we love how the model is styled with a cute pair of high-tops. From the mock neckline to the ribbed, worn-in looking fabric to the cinched waist, this maxi is a great pick for casual outings, and comes in five colors. “This dress is beautiful and [is] high-quality material. It is very forgiving. I am a size 10/36DD and the large fit perfectly and not too tight. I bought it in the aquamarine color and it will be perfect for spring,” says one reviewer.
- Why We Love It: midi length, button-down
- Best Sneaker Pairing: New Balance 327 Sneakers
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, standard, petite, plus
Which way’s the beach? We can’t wait to wear this on the coast with a pair of bold sneakers, for a fun pop of color. The dress buttons all the way to the bottom, comes in seven color options and is made of cotton.
- Why We Love It: color blocking, lightweight
- Best Sneaker Pairing: On CloudUltra Sneakers
- Size Range: XS to XL
The summery shades of this color blocked dress have us excited for outdoor workouts when it warms up outside. This dress has a lightweight, cotton-like material according to one reviewer. “The fit is a little longer and very true to size—such a great dress for spring and summer! Also, love that buying it supports a local biz owner,” she says. Wear yours with your favorite workout sneakers or a sleek pair of white tennis shoes.
- Why We Love It: floral print, midi length
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Sam Edelman Poppy Sneakers
- Size Range: 0 to 20
This casual dress will look great with simple platform sneakers like these from Sam Edelman. The high slit adds a bit of sexiness to this basic silhouette and the black floral print is great if you like florals but don’t want it to look too feminine.
- Why We Love It: flowy silhouette, fitted bust
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Puma Cali Dream Sneakers
- Size Range: 0 to 12
Want something a little more unique? Go for a denim babydoll dress. This darling option has an empire waist, a pleated skirt and a back zipper closure. A set of chunky platforms will be the cherry on top of this cute look.
- Why We Love It: square neckline, linen blend
- Best Sneaker Pairing: Fila Disruptor II Sneakers
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
The breathability of this linen dress will have you wanting to wear it from now until fall. Juxtapose the sleek vibes with a comfy dad shoe and you’re ready for brunch, sightseeing and everything in between.
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