May 21st 2024.
As the weather begins to warm up in London, my go-to attire is a combination of dresses and trainers. Not only does it give off a fun and feminine vibe, but it also allows me to navigate the bustling city without any painful blisters. Plus, it's versatile enough to wear to work without compromising on comfort. But recently, the trend has been receiving some backlash. Anna Murphy, the fashion director for The Times, declared that the classic pairing of a floral midi dress and white trainers is outdated in her piece on summer fashion faux pas. Even Lisa Armstrong, the head of fashion for The Telegraph, advised against the dress and trainer combo, calling it "stale."
At first, I brushed off these articles with an eye roll, but then the criticism hit closer to home. My in-laws, after watching a news presenter sporting trainers with a dress, questioned the trend and thought it "ruined" the look. I couldn't help but take it personally, as I happened to be wearing the same outfit at the time. Now, I understand that not every dress goes well with trainers, but when paired correctly, it exudes both chicness and comfort. Seeking reassurance, I turned to the internet to see what others had to say, and the response was overwhelmingly positive, putting my mind at ease.
As it turns out, millennials are not ready to let go of their trainers and dresses combo. Comedian Vix Leyton proudly declared, "You will pull my fancy little girl trainers from my cold, dead feet." Others, like radio host @talk_susan, received compliments for their summery smart look while rocking a pencil skirt and trainers. The consensus seemed to be that comfort plays a significant role in fashion, with the added benefit of boosting one's mood. As public speaker Lisa Manyard-Atem put it, "Comfort should always be stylish because it enables you to enjoy life to the full."
But it's not just about comfort. Some pointed out the bigger issues surrounding the trend, such as ableism in fashion and the negative effects of fast fashion. Dr. Sarah Murphy reminded us to think about others, stating that for disabled individuals who rely on trainers, dismissing the trend as "stale" is ableist. Meanwhile, @newgreenheart urged us to shift away from trends and celebrate the clothes and shoes we already love, to reduce waste.
However, there were also those who were ready for the trainers and dress combo to be over. User @whatisay1 admitted that they found it tacky and preferred pairing dresses with heels. Fashion consultant Elizabeth Stiles was on the fence about the trend, arguing that the slim-fitting floral dress and white trainer combo is tired and outdated. But she also acknowledged the trend's popularity and suggested updating it with new silhouettes and shoe choices.
Personal stylist Charlotte Broadbent agrees that there are other shoe options besides trainers that work well with dresses. She suggests pairing co-ords or relaxed suits with Mary Janes, sliders, or loafers as flat footwear options. And while she believes that the floral dress and white trainer look is on its way out, fashion consultant Elizabeth Stiles believes there is still room for the trend, with a modern twist. She recommends pairing a flowy maxi dress with bold or chunky trainers for a more contemporary look.
Ultimately, fashion is about self-expression, and it's up to each individual to decide what makes them feel confident and happy. So whether you choose to rock the dress and trainers combo or opt for a different shoe option, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your own style. And as the saying goes, "millennials don't care" about whether a trend is in or out, as long as it allows them to rebel against uncomfortable high heels and express their femininity and comfort. After all, comfort is unkillable.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
