How can you wear trainers in a stylish way?

Style tips on how to balance trainers with smart pieces and basics, whilst creating a modern and sophisticated look.

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Certain iconic models perfectly illustrate this shift of trainers into everyday wardrobes. The Nike TN, with their recognisable design and technical inspiration, can thus be incorporated into urban looks comprising much more minimalist pieces. The appeal lies less in layering and more in the ability to let the trainers become the focal point of the outfit.

Long associated with sports pitches and streetwear looks, chunky trainers now occupy a central place in the contemporary wardrobe. Their bold silhouette and technical aesthetic can transform a simple outfit, provided you strike the right balance between casual and sophisticated. When paired well, they become a genuine style statement rather than merely a sports accessory.

Opt for understated pieces

When a pair of trainers has a bold silhouette or particularly eye-catching details, they naturally draw attention. The rest of the outfit can then embrace simplicity to create a balanced look. Neutral colours such as black, grey, off-white or beige are particularly effective at showcasing the trainers without creating excessive contrast.

Playing with contrasts

One of the most interesting ways to wear chunky trainers is to move away from their traditional sporty look. When paired with more formal clothing, they create a contrast that adds character to your look.

• For a men’s outfit, straight-leg or slightly loose-fitting pleated trousers can be worn with a thick cotton T-shirt and a blazer with structured shoulders. The precision of the tailoring then counterbalances the bulk of the trainers.
• For a women’s look, a pair of technical trainers can be worn with a long knitted dress, a flowing trench coat or even straight-cut raw denim jeans.

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This blend of styles allows classic pieces to be given a modern twist without losing their elegance. The trainer thus becomes a way of adding a touch of edge to an outfit, rather than being reserved exclusively for casual looks.

Choosing the right fit for your trousers

Trousers also play a key role in balancing an outfit featuring chunky sneakers. A fit that’s too tight can over-emphasise the bulk of the trainer, whilst a style that’s too long risks making it disappear beneath the fabric. Straight, relaxed or slightly cropped fits generally offer more freedom. They allow the trousers to fall naturally over the sneakers whilst maintaining their proportions.

Unwashed jeans with a hem, structured cargo trousers or loose-fitting styles can also work, provided they retain a certain fluidity around the ankle. The aim isn’t to reveal the trainers entirely, but to leave them enough space so that their bulk blends naturally into the silhouette.

Maintaining a sense of harmony

It isn’t essential to incorporate every colour from your trainers into the rest of your outfit. On the contrary, matching colours too precisely can give the impression that your look has been planned down to the last detail. A few subtle references are enough. A cap, a bag, a pair of socks or another accessory can pick up on a shade found on the trainers, whilst the main items of clothing remain more understated.

This approach creates visual continuity without drawing attention away from the trainers. Bold trainers are thus gradually becoming part of the modern wardrobe. Their volume becomes a strength when paired with balanced silhouettes, carefully chosen colours and pieces that create a subtle contrast.