Having recently refreshed my summer wardrobe, I realised one piece had quietly begun to gather dust in the back of my closet—my trainers. As a Gen Z fashion editor, that fact almost feels unthinkable; not too long ago, a stylish pair of trainers were the focal point of every outfit I created, but in recent months, my enthusiasm has begun to wane.
At University, it was either a beaten-up pair of Nike Air Force 1’s or Comme des Garçons Converse that typically were my poison. Whether styled with a pretty broderie anglaise dress or a pair of straight-leg jeans, barely a day would pass when I wasn’t sporting one of the two. Fast forward today, and I simply couldn’t tell you the last time I slipped on a sneaker, and this simply has to change.
What I’ve always loved about trainers is their innate ability to bridge the gap between function and style. For years, the idea that “beauty is pain” was one women everywhere subscribed to (razor stilettos, anyone?). But the meteoric rise of trainers changed all of that, and looking stylish no longer meant sacrificing on comfort. In need of some fresh inspo (it had been a while since I took my pairs for a spin), I looked to the chicest dressers amongst us—:the celebrities on my social media feeds.
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With money, stylists, and an insider’s look at upcoming trends at their disposal, these formidable fashion forces know how to make any and everything look chic. So whether they’re styling trainers with vintage athleisure or a French cuffed jean, there’s a few tips and tricks they’re doing to keep trainers feeling fresh and current in summer 2026. Having scrolled through reams of enviable outfit inspiration, I’ve uncovered five you simply must see. Scroll to see my picks below.
1. Alexa Chung
Style Notes: Is there anyone as stylish as Alexa Chung? Using her Balenciaga trainers to add a gritty edge to her whimsical lace-trim midi skirt and loose white T-shirt, the unconventional pairing is exactly the ‘It girl’ styling she’s known for. I especially love how she’s tied a jumper over her shoulder just incase the weather takes a turn.
Shop the Look:
Whilst Alexa’s pretty pink is sold out for now, Doen still has a full size range of this peach iteration online.
M&S
5 Pack Supersoft Ribbed Quarter Socks
Uniqlo
Seamless Crew Neck Volume Sleeve Jumper
Opt for a fineknit jumper this summer in opposed to Alexa’s thicker one.
Balenciaga
Hamptons Worn-Out Trainers
Shop Alexa’s exact trainers.
2. Iris Law
Style Notes: I’m yet to find a trend Iris Law can’t convince me on, and her recent summer outfit has just sold me on retro-style trainers for the interim. Using her footwear to sprinkle a touch of personality (and colour) into her look, her graphic tee and distressed mini skirt look far more fashion-forward when offset by the eye-catching hues of her Nike Air Forces.
Shop her Look:
Maison Rapito
Good Grammar Baby Tee – S
I love a tongue-in-cheek slogan tee.
Free People
Lainey Low-Rise Mini Skirt
Distressed mini skirts have been all over my social media feed this summer.
Balenciaga
Rodeo Handbag Medium
Nike x Lil Yachty
Air Force 1 Low
These have just jumped to the top of my wishlist.
The White Company
Fine Ribbed Wool Socks | the White Company
Seems like everyones loving a grey sock this summer.
3. Tracee Ellis Ross
Style Notes: Stop scrolling! Tracee Ellis Ross’ summer wardrobe is worthy of your full attention. Surprisingly, trainers feature heavily in her most worn pieces, and using a pair of ASICS GEL-1130 sneakers to ground an otherwise simple look, she proves that practicality and polish can go hand in hand. Adding a pair of casually cuffed jeans and a classic white T-shirt is just a stroke of genius.
Shop the Look:
Size up for a more relaxed fit.
Agolde
Fran Mid-Rise Straight Jeans in Black
I’ve yet to find a pair of Agolde jeans I don’t adore.
Free People
Gel-Kayano 14 Trainers
Shop Tracee’s exact trainers.
Mint Velvet
Statement Raffia Hoop Earrings
She loves a statement hoop.
RESELFRIDGES
Gucci Gg Marmont Flap Leather Shoulder Bag
A white bag to go with all your summer outfits this year.
4. Elsa Hosk
Style Notes: Aside from convincing me that butter-yellow is a neutral, Elsa Hosk’s recent trainer look is one I’m pinning for a casual day. Styling a sumptuously soft cashmere jumper and short set with low-profile suede trainers is the perfect finish touch. And as the age-old saying goes, if it’s good enough for a supermodel, it’s good enough for me.
Shop the Look:
Alo Yoga
Ribbed Noble Crewneck Sweater
Style with jeans and loafers on a cooler day.
Alo Yoga
Ribbed Noble Short
Shop Elsa’s exact shorts.
Miu Miu
Plume Suede Sneakers in Beige
DeMellier
Stockholm Shoulder Bag
Whilst her The Row Terrasse Bag might be sold out, DeMellier’s Stockholm tote is the next best thing.
5. Bella Hadid
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: When she’s not being bucked around at a rodeo or dominating the runway, model Bella Hadid is proving just how stylish a trainer can be come summer. As a connoisseur of vintage fashion, her athletic look purposely feels straight from the Prada Sport s/s ’99 catwalk (where her set debuted). Finishing the look with a slick back and a metallic pair of Puma Speedcats, it’s every bit the It girl fit she deserves.
Shop the Look:
For a slightly more polished look ,opt for this buttoned waistcoat instead.
These look almost identical to Bella’s own.
PUMA
Speedcat Og Leather Trainers
Shop Bella’s exact trainers.
Prada
Route Large Canvas Bag
Alexa Chung also loves this Prada bag.
Oakley
Eye Jacket™ Redux
These sunnies scream “go sports!” in the very best way.