I Live in Trainers—6 Chic Outfits I’ve Saved for When I Need Fresh Inspiration

From hitting the gym to your off-duty endeavours (or those of you trying to stuff your "commute sneakers” into your work bag - yes, we see you), it goes without saying, that we simply can’t live without trainers in our wardrobes.

We’ve seen the trainer trends come and go, from the chunky "dad” styles to office casual Vejas and now the multiple Adidas iterations that have been flooding our IG feeds. Athleisure has taken the world by storm in recent years, from the once self-declared heel connoisseurs to, now, a new wave of sneakerheads. Welcoming in the world of competitive, exclusive drops and high resale prices, all at the cost of getting your hands on some of the most-talked about trainers. 

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(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Danielle wears Wales Bonner X Adidas samba trainers with a gathered skirt and leather jacket.

A true footwear staple, the activewear silhouettes are a champion at making comfort a priority. Loved for their endless styling opportunities, from bringing the casual element to tailored officewear to the failproof jeans and jumper pairing, the world is your oyster with these closet classics.

We all need fresh style inspiration sometimes so keep scrolling as we’ve curated a list of 6 elevated outfits to wear with your go-to sneakers.

1. Wide-Leg Trousers + Trench Coat 

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(Image credit: @modestmira)

Style Notes: A trench coat and Converse is about as autumnal an outfit as you can get. Style with a high-neck jumper, wide-leg trousers and a handy cross-body, just like Mira, and you've championed the cold British weather. 

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2. Jumper + Tailored Trousers

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(Image credit: @emswells)

Style Notes: I always look to Emily for outfit inspiration and somehow she still makes trainers look chic! Pair a sporty-style sneaker with tailored trousers and a crew-neck jumper for that practical yet timeless (and office-ready) look. 

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3. Hooded Sweatshirt + Blazer + Jeans 

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(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: Comfort and layer are at the forefront in this blistery weather. Liv lets the shoes do the talking in her off-duty ensemble with her sculpted sneaker silhouette, styled alongside a graphic hoodie and tailored blazer. Smart-casual outfit, tick!

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4. Leggings + Half-Zip Sweatshirt + Wool Coat

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(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

Style Notes: I'm a sucker for an off-duty athleisure look, just like Kim's here. A chunky trainer pairs effortlessly with seamless leggings, relaxed-fit sweatshirts and a long wool coat - extra points for completing the outfit with a cap.

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5. Wide-Leg Jeans + Roll-Neck Jumper 

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(Image credit: @kingharriett52 )

Style Notes: The classic jumper and jeans combination works every. single. time. Harriet's failproof outfit boasts a pair of faded wide-leg jeans and a cosy roll-neck knit, before accessorising with a ribbed beanie, cat-eye sunnies, and go-to mini bag. 

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6. White T-Shirt + Relaxed-Fit Leather Jacket 

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(Image credit: @borislavasekova)

Style Notes: Borislava shows us that Adidas Campus 00's are still in, as she styles her emerald iteration with a staple white tee and a faded leather jacket. 

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Next Up: 6 "Old" Winter Shoe Trends That London Fashion People Will Revive This Year. 

Opening Image: @borislavasekova

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Freelance Fashion Editor

Sennen Prickett is a freelance fashion contributor for Who What Wear UK, and has been since 2023. Compiling shopping stories that cover the latest fashion trends and viral sell-out styles, Sennen shares the best on-trend buys for any occasion, season, or everyday living. Whilst studying for her degree in Fashion and Beauty Journalism, she interned as a Lifestyle Writer at HuffPost UK, and acted as a Junior Fashion and Beauty Writer at FROW Magazine. During her time at university, Sennen focused on producing fashion news, detailing runway trends, and showcasing up-and-coming designers. Highlighting the need for inclusivity and diversity within fashion, Sennen also created her own interactive digital magazine detailing the areas of change needed within the industry. Since graduating in 2022, Sennen was offered the role as a Junior Digital Editor at FROW Magazine, before delving into her freelance career - returning to HuffPost UK with a position as Freelance Shopping Writer, and also working as a Studio Assistant at Harvey Nichols. Sennen works remotely from her home in the Midlands.