Jeans and trainers just look right paired together – we don’t make the rules. But there’s a fine line between styling them to look fabulous and styling them to look frumpy.
So, if you’re desperately wondering how to wear trainers with jeans and nail the athleisure look, we’ve got some tips and tricks, as well as sneaker style recommendations for every occasion.
How to Choose the Right Trainers for Jeans
Choosing the right trainers is important, especially if you own a few different pairs of jeans. Not every style will complement your choice of denim, and in the worst case scenario, you could unintentionally create a rather frumpy look (trust us, it’s possible). But there’s also an element of practicality that must be considered – and we definitely know a thing or two about that.
So, here are some tips for choosing trainers to wear with jeans:
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Consider the Sole Thickness
A thicker, more cushioned sole usually provides enhanced comfort when walking – an important factor for those who love spending time exploring the great outdoors. Making challenging terrain feel totally effortless, it’ll make all the difference whether taking the dog for a stroll around the block or exploring local woodland.
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Think About Practicality
Materials such as suede do not fare well in wet weather, meaning certain trainer styles are probably a no-go for winter styling. And if you often find yourself trudging through varying terrain, it’s probably best to choose a material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, like leather.
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Get the Colour Right
All too often, we’re tempted to buy a statement shoe in a vibrant colour. But if all they do is sit in your wardrobe collecting dust, they’re probably not a worthy investment, are they? In which case, neutral tones are likely best, as they’ll pair with almost any pair of jeans (as well as the rest of your outfit).
How to Choose the Right Jeans
Much like your trainer style, the cut of your jeans is pretty important. It needs to flatter your body shape, but also work well with the trainer design to create a pairing that just works.
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Consider the Cut
Unfortunately, it’s never as simple as just picking a pair you love when it comes to jeans, is it? Skinny jeans and trainers go together like tea and crumpets, but that’s not to say other styles don’t work. From bootcut to slim, wide leg and cropped, the cut can undoubtedly make or break your overall fit. But don’t just go for what’s trendy – pick a style you feel most confident in.
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Get the Length Right
We bet you never even considered this when pondering how to wear trainers with jeans, did you? But it’s definitely something you need to think about – especially if you’re keen to keep your look fashionable, and not frumpy. Chunkier trainers can usually be paired with both baggy and slim-fitting jeans, whereas a more slimline, low-cut shoe is usually best with a cropped pair.
But it’s not just about how flattering they are – a pair of jeans too long could completely cover your jeans, meaning you’ll never be able to show them off.
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Choose an Easy-to-Style Wash
Typically, some of the most stand-out jean washes (namely light wash) are also the hardest to style with the rest of your outfit. Whereas darker washes tend to work with just about anything – and any occasion, too. But most importantly, you should ask yourself – does the wash complement the tone of your trainers?
How to Style Trainers for Different Occasions
An outfit pairing as iconic and timeless as jeans and trainers doesn’t need to be over-the-top – keeping it super simple to let each piece do the talking is usually best. And luckily, we’ve got some outfit concepts that truly pack a punch, whether shooting for a casual, semi-casual, or semi-formal look.
Canvas and Crops
For milder temperatures, our Ella cropped jeans look beautifully sophisticated whilst allowing for airflow to keep you cool. Pair them with our canvas trainers for a simple yet stylish ensemble that works perfectly for everyday – just make sure the colours complement one another. As a general rule of thumb, light colours work together effortlessly, much like darks. But it’s not against the rules to make a bold, contrasting statement – have fun with it!
Hoodies for Hibernating
When the cooler weather creeps in, a t-shirt or blouse is no longer enough to keep you snug. Instead, layer up with a hoodie to lock in warmth around your neck. And to keep the outfit comfy but still put-together, a looser-fitting pair of jeans is usually a sound choice.
“Jeans and a Nice Top”
You just can’t go wrong, can you? Whether heading for a coffee with friends, venturing into the city, or indulging in a cosy pub meal, jeans and a nice top always looks great. And as the trainer is now seen as a much more fashionable item – rather than an athletic shoe – it pairs perfectly with this iconic outfit base. In fact, if you’re wondering how to wear trainers with jeans for (literally) any occasion, this is it.
Boujee Blazers
If you’re going for that quintessential British look, layering up with a blazer is one of our favourite ways to style jeans with trainers. With a sophisticated selection of tweed blazers at Rydale, we’d couple a darker pair of jeans finishing around the ankle to complement the looser fit of the jacket with a contrasting pair of white trainers. A white blouse completes the semi-formal look, perfect for smarter occasions.
Choosing the Right Trainers for Your Jeans
Roxby
You simply cannot go wrong with a hard-wearing canvas trainer, can you? A brilliantly lightweight choice for warmer months, the Roxby brings a laid-back yet perfectly put-together look to your outfit. Available in varying sole thicknesses, you can switch up your look depending on the terrain, too, giving you a shoe style that’s as versatile as it is timeless.
Rievaulx
Bringing city-chic style to your country wardrobe, our Rievaulx trainer is the ultimate sneaker for semi-formal occasions. With a super soft full-grain leather outer and brilliant gold hardware, the no-fuss finish leans into an undeniably sophisticated style, ready to upscale any ensemble.
Prefer the velvety finish of suede trainers? Our Helmsley style is constructed with an identical silhouette to the Rievaulx with a soft and luxurious fully suede outer.
Allerton
Our newest sneaker style, the Allerton takes all confusion out of how to wear trainers with jeans. Pairing effortlessly with every jean style – from wide leg to bootcut and ankle-length skinnies – they’ll definitely be your most-reached-for footwear. With a chunky sole and suede leather cuts on the upper, they’re bang on trend, too – perfect for the most fashion-conscious country ladies.
FAQs: Trainers and Jeans
Can trainers be business casual?
Of course! Casual office settings are perfect for a clean leather trainer and dark wash jeans, especially when paired with a shirt and blazer for a smart edge.
What colour jeans go best with white trainers?
When styling white trainers, it’s nice to have a contrast – a dark wash or black pair of jeans works well for this.
Are trainers good for nights out?
Absolutely – comfort is key, right? Pair with skinny jeans and a loose-fitting top to balance the look.
Keen to browse Rydale Country Clothing’s full collection of athleisure favourites? Shop our ladies trainers and ladies jeans today!