16 Dresses to Style With Your Favorite Pair of Sneakers This Summer

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A casual dress with sneakers is one of those timeless combinations that goes together like peanut butter and jelly — especially during the summertime. Not only are summer dresses and comfortable walking shoes great on their own, but they've also proven to be even better together — working in harmony to create a sporty-chic ensemble that can take you from the airport and office to after-work cocktails and beyond, all while keeping you feeling effortless and looking cool while doing it.

The style versatility of pairing a dress with sneakers is truly endless. Plus, thanks to the pandemic, we've all seemed to develop an even greater affinity for more casual fashion — often opting to sport a pair of trainers on our weekly outings, rather than a steep set of heels. And let's be real: while life has returned mostly back to normal, it's still hard to give up on the cushioned comfort that's provided by a worn-in pair of flats. Fortunately, with the dress-and-sneaker combo, you don't have to.

With so many trendy fashion retailers like Free People, Zara, H&M, and Nordstrom, among others, it's easier than ever to find a staple set of sneakers to wear with dresses — and vice versa. From maxi dress styles to body-con slips, sleeveless frocks, and more, you can pair just about any casual dress with sneakers to create the perfect daytime, summer ensemble.

To inspire some new outfits this season, we searched for the best pieces to match with your favorite sneakers, like minis (and high-tops), midis (plus slip-ons), and maxis (with classic canvas). Regardless of your style preference (we're especially partial to pairing white sneakers with dressier looks for everyday wear), there's an outfit combo out there to inspire a summer look that's just perfect for you. So grab your favorite sneakers and check out our dress picks ahead.

— Additional reporting by Morgan Ashley Parker

Sleeveless Rib-Knit Minidress
oldnavy.gap.com

Sleeveless Rib-Knit Minidress

Old Navy Fitted Sleeveless Rib-Knit Mini Dress ($11-$15, originally $30)

Summer fashion is all about stocking up on lightweight and breathable styles — just like this dress. The body-hugging slip boasts a universally flattering fit. And with the right pair of sneakers and a baseball cap, it doubles as a super-sporty ensemble.

Ribbed T-Shirt Dress
www2.hm.com

Ribbed T-Shirt Dress

H&M Ribbed T-Shirt Dress ($15)

When it comes to creating a solid dress-and-sneaker outfit combo, we've found that the simpler, the better! What this lacks in design or detailing, it makes up for majorly in versatility — especially in this decadent ribbed finish. Throw on a pair of white sneakers and a bold, red lip for a cohesive (yet refreshingly sweet) outfit that will have you turning heads on your next brunch date.

Pinstripe Tiered Dress
amazon.com

Pinstripe Tiered Dress

Amazon Essentials Women's Fluid Twill Tiered Fit and Flare Dress ($22, originally $30)

Available in eight different colorways, this breezy tiered dress is figure flattering and easily transitions from day to night, should you want to style it with heeled sandals later on. The relaxed fit makes it a prime choice for taking on vacation or throwing on for brunch with friends in a pinch.

Printed Mesh Dress
nordstrom.com

Printed Mesh Dress

BP. Print Mesh Dress ($29, originally $39)

This is the mesh dress to wear everywhere and with everything — including a staple pair of white sneakers. The design is splashed in a vibrant collage print that features portraits, dolphins, and swirls, making for a standout number sure to turn heads.

Printed Minidress
amazon.com

Printed Minidress

Onzie Active Dress ($33)

What better way to tap into the dress-and-sneaker combo than with this minidress? The cropped style already boasts a stretchy, movable design that's meant to be worn on even your most high-intensity days. And the baby-blue leopard pattern completes the look with a more playful finish — perfect for daytime wear!

Denim Dress
zara.com

Denim Dress

Zara Z1975 Midi Denim Shirtdress ($80)

Maybe it's the '90s-fashion loyalist in us, but we're very committed to the denim trend these days. In the same way that sneakers can go perfectly with a great pair of denim jeans, your favorite trainers can also elevate this dress with a sporty touch. We especially love the silver button accents that are featured all down the front of this dress.

Racerback Midi Dress
nordstrom.com

Racerback Midi Dress

Sweaty Betty Ace Racerback Midi Dress ($118)

We're convinced that this dress was actually made to be worn with sneakers. It has an edgy and breathable flair that's elevated by a sleek, racerback design. Plus, the dress is available to shop in several fresh colorways, including black, navy blue, and tulip red.

Floral Midi Dress
freepeople.com

Floral Midi Dress

Free People Forget Me Not Midi Dress ($128)

This dress proves that even the most elegant, romantic styles can still benefit from having a staple pair of sneakers to match them. With its floral smocked design, this midi dress can be worn everywhere from date night to a late-night party and beyond.

Cutout Minidress
revolve.com

Cutout Minidress

Lovers and Friends Langley Mini Dress ($138, originally $148)

A peekaboo cutout plus sneakers turns this going-out-at-night dress into a chic option for a day date, too. The cropped style is fitted with a pull-on feature that gives it a universally great silhouette, regardless of your body type. And we can't help but love the sexy (yet subtle!) midriff-baring detail that's front and center of this frock.

Floral Babydoll Dress
nordstromrack.com

Floral Babydoll Dress

Alice + Olivia Melvina Floral Tie Front Stretch Silk & Cotton Babydoll Dress ($140, originally $350)

A sharp pair of sneakers can easily take this already-stylish dress from good to great. With its floral-centric pattern, the dress is so ideal for beachwear — especially if you enjoy long (cute) walks on the beach and need a style to pair with your cushioned tennis shoes.

Ruffled Peasant Maxi Dress
freepeople.com

Ruffled Peasant Maxi Dress

Free People Feeling Groovy Maxi Dress ($168)

While this romantic dress might at first come across as ultra bohemian, the style is versatile enough to wear with sneakers. The gown's ladylike ruffled collar and tiered skirt make it the ideal dress for a throw-on-and-go look. And its billowing chiffon fabrication makes the piece super breathable, too.

Tie-Belt Shirtdress
nordstrom.com

Tie-Belt Shirtdress

Polo Ralph Lauren Tie Belt Shirtdress ($198)

Contrary to popular belief, sneakers pair well with more than just minimalist dresses — just look at this tie-waist dress for further proof. The skater-style frock is fitted with a waist-cinching belt, such that a low-rise sneaker can match effortlessly with the look.

Open-Back Minidress
us.sirthelabel.com

Open-Back Minidress

SIR. The Label Vivi Open Back Mini Dress ($220, originally $380)

Styling this minidress with a pair of cream-colored sneakers is the perfect way to accent the polka-dot print and also add an element of ease to your look. In contrast to the exaggerated puff sleeves and feminine bow at the back, sneakers bring a sporty touch. Finish the outfit with a hands-free crossbody bag.

Smocked Maxi Dress
meandem.com

Smocked Maxi Dress

ME + EM Slub Jersey Smock Bodice Maxi Dress ($225)

While this dress — what with its flouncy, ruffled sleeves and long, elegant silhouette — could be dressed up, it's also perfect for a day of running errands when teamed with sneakers. Add a flash of jewelry in the form of an anklet when you choose low-tops to go with the look.

Button-Up Dress
revolve.com

Button-Up Dress

Frank & Eileen Mary Woven Button Up Dress ($328)

We're unapologetic about our love for breezy, casual fashion — which is probably why this dress is speaking to us in so many ways. It has a relaxed fit that resembles the look of an oversize button-up. And with a classic pair of white sneakers, you can easily dress the style down for an early-morning brunch or casual, outdoor excursion.

Knit Maxi Dress
ladoublej.com

Knit Maxi Dress

La Double J Eyes Up Here Knit Dress ($870)

This dress would be especially nice to wear on an airplane or just while on vacation. Statement sneakers are an essential when you're about to embark on long travel days. And with this breezy, front-slit dress, you can easily style your favorite pair of platform trainers with the dress for a cute (and sporty!) look.