The Easy Summer Outfit Combo You Really Need to Try

If I had to choose the piece in my closet that gets the least amount of love, I'd have to go with the maxi dress. My collection of long flowy dresses tend to see the light of day when I have a wedding to attend, and that's about it. For someone who doesn't wear heels a whole lot, I used to feel like this meant long dresses were out too. 

But as sneakers have become the de facto footwear choice for the fashion crowd, styling your sophisticated dress with a pair of fashion-forward trainers has become an unexpectedly cool choice. The sporty shoes balance out feminine dresses without looking too casual. To prove it, we turned to a handful of our favourite style stars who have made the combination work for them.

Read on for major inspiration, and to shop the stylish combo.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871803

(Image credit: Vanessa Jackman)

Balance out a feminine floral dress with a pair of sporty sneakers.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871804

(Image credit: Vanessa Jackman)

A dress with a busy graphic print is ideal for styling with a simple pair of white trainers.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871805

(Image credit: The Fashion Guitar)

Take advantage of a dress with a high-low hemline and show off a pair of fancy kicks.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871806

(Image credit: Vanessa Jackman)

With a simple pair of lace-ups, all eyes are on this statement dress.

Related: 11 Minimalistic Looks That Will Keep You Cool in the Summer Heat

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871807

(Image credit: We Wore What)

A classic pair of sneakers, like Converse, can easily be styled with any dress, from feminine to sporty.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871808

(Image credit: A Love Is Blind)

A fitted slip dress becomes daytime-appropriate with the simple addition of oversized statement sneakers.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871809

(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Don't be afraid to play with colours when deciding what to wear.

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871810

(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Bohemian, flowing dresses are perfectly paired with sleek, low-key sneakers.

Related: 16 Summer-Ready Miniskirts to Show Off Your Legs

the-summer-outfit-combo-you-havent-tried-yet-but-should-1871811

Related: The One Outfit That Always Looks Polished for Work—Even During a Heatwave

Related: Summer Is Back! 16 Chic Dresses That You Can Wear Now And Well Into Autumn

Aemilia Madden
Contributor