Spring in the UK is a difficult season to dress for. We all seem to be constantly asking ourselves, "Do I need a jacket or will a cardigan suffice?" and, "At what point is it acceptable to wear sandals?" Assembling an arsenal of versatile transitional pieces is the key to gliding through spring in style—think throw-on cotton shirting and light-wash denim. When it comes to footwear, we suggest making a pair of trainers your first purchase.
Kicks, sneakers, treads—whatever you call them, this casual shoe has proven time and time again to be an easy win. Not only are trainers typically comfier than other options, but they're also the obvious choice if you want your outfit to feel relaxed and effortless. It's no surprise then, that celebrities and influencers step out in them on a near-daily basis. Trainers are also perfect for this time of year; until we can let our toes show, they're a lightweight and breathable replacement for the heavy boots we've been living in since November.
Hopefully, I've convinced you that trainers are the season's hero shoe, so the next step is to slot your pairs into some chic spring looks. Below, we've plucked five trainer outfits from Instagram to inspire your everyday ensembles, ready to wear on repeat starting tomorrow.
1. Red Cardigan + Baggy Jeans + Red Trainers
Style Notes: Red is still holding strong, so why not double up on this vibrant hue? Francesca Saffari's red-on-red look (above) feels wearable thanks to the mid-wash denim breaking up the trending colour.
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The perfect spirit-lifting shade to welcome brighter days.
The fit of these jeans makes them so versatile.
A great size for everyday use.
Snap up these Gazelles before they sell out again.
2. Tailored Set + Chunky Trainers
Style Notes: Pinstripe tailoring is firmly on our radar right now. Though typically quite corporate, you can easily dress the look down with a pair of chunky trainers.
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I love the longer length of this waistcoat.
Come summer, wear these with a simple white tank top.
The soft grey shade makes these kicks feel elevated.
A staple as we enter the sunnier months.
3. Cream Jumper + Wide-Leg Trousers + Brown Trainers
Style Notes: I'm a firm believer in keeping my knitwear on hand year-round. Choose a light-coloured jumper and team it with brown trainers—avoiding black is a smart way to make your outfits more spring-appropriate.
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You can't go wrong with an ultra-chunky cable knit.
I've spotted this on so many influencers.
Style with trainers during the day before switching to slingback heels after dark.
Brown sneakers are having a bit of a moment.
4. Striped Button-Down + Denim Skirt + White Trainers
Style Notes: If you're going to invest in one pair of trainers, make it a white pair. This classic button-down and denim skirt look from Nnenna Echem is just one of the many outfits they work with.
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An easy-breezy button-down you'll wear all spring and summer long.
COS knows how to take a trend and make it even better.
Wear-everywhere kicks.
5. Check Blazer + Miniskirt + Retro Trainers
Style Notes: Tights, be gone! Celebrate warmer weather with a cute miniskirt and trainer combination, finished with a blazer to smarten things up a touch.
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Wear to the office, at the weekend and beyond.
I'm not sure how this skirt hasn't sold out yet.
An influencer favourite for good reason.
The pop of blue is perfect for this time of year.
