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The Sneaker Refresh | SS26

The Best Spring/Summer Sneakers for Women (And How to Wear Them)

There’s something so reassuring about a great sneaker. Get it right and it's the workhorse of your wardrobe. 

Thankfully sneaker designs have come a long way since the 90s, with luxury leather details, super comfortable insoles and various silhouettes, it really is a style we can wear on repeat. 

I love discovering independent sneaker brands, there are some absolute gems out there from Italy and France, where quiet luxury cues harmoniously work to bring, can you believe it, a refined gorgeous pair of sneakers that you can even wear to the office.

As we head into Spring, a season where everything starts to feel brighter, lighter, the sneaker is a much loved go-to. The pavements aren't so wet, it's not so chilly around the ankles and we want to be out and about more and trainers make the ideal companion.

Not all trainers or sneakers are born equal, get the colour and style right for you and your wardrobe and you'll never look back.

 

A Shift Towards More Refined, Minimalist Sneakers

We’re seeing a move away from overly chunky, heavily branded trainers towards minimalist sneakers for women that feel elevated and easy to wear. For summer, we are loving this slimmer, lighter silhouette.

Think: Butter-soft leather sneakers that mould to your foot, subtle details not statement logos, colours beyond a classic white and silhouettes that feel grown up and timeless.

These slimmer silhouettes are here to stay because they slot effortlessly into your wardrobe, from casual cropped jeans to a tailored work trouser, they will bring an effortless refresh to your wardrobe.  (

Left to right: 0-105 Lina Cherry, 0-105 Nova Storm Blue, MRP Star (Incoming), 0-105 Nova pink and D.A.T.E Athleta)

How to Style Sneakers with Dresses, Tailoring and Denim

One of the most common questions we get asked is:


How do you style sneakers without looking too casual?

The answer lies in choosing the right silhouette - some styles will carry you across casual and smart-casual if you don't go too sporty. 

  • With dresses → the easiest way to make a feminine outfit more wearable
  • With tailoring → perfect for a smart casual office look
  • With denim → your everyday go-to
  • With wide-leg trousers → relaxed, modern proportions

The 0-105 Nova and D.A.T.E Hill Low trainers get this right, an everyday sneaker for women should work across all of these—without needing a second thought. (Left to right: 0-105 Timeless sneaker, 0-105 Lina Cherry, 0-105 Terry Tan sneaker)

Slim vs Chunky Sneakers: What Works Best?

Whilst Slim is back, I'm a firm believer in wearing what you love and works for your wardrobe. If you want to refresh your sneaker game I would explore colour first and foremost and outfits you'll be wearing when those sneakers will be worn the most.

Slim sneakers

  • More polished and versatile
  • We love these with cropped trousers, jeans and in summer, shorts too.
  • A timeless choice

Chunky and platform sneakers

  • Add more presence and height (I know for some of my customers this is non-negotiable)
  • Work well with relaxed or oversized styling, especially in winter months.
  • Still in style, but are taking on more refined materials.

(Left to right: D.A.T.E Fuga Taupe, D.A.T.E Court Platform)

Choosing sneakers wisely

If you’re choosing your next pair, colour matters.

The most versatile options:

  • White sneakers → the foundation of any wardrobe (a white pair can feel more casual, if you want it to work harder then opt for luxury leather mixes))
  • Beige and neutral sneakers → softer, more wearable (in suedes, this can often look more elevated and smarter)
  • Pale blues and pinks → perfect with denim and pretty with summer prints
  • Subtle metallics → add interest without overpowering (still a neutral, and often makes a great day to evening find) 

The Sneaker You’ll Wear on Repeat

The best sneakers aren’t the ones that shout the loudest.

They’re the ones that:

  • Work with everything in your wardrobe
  • Feel good from morning to evening
  • Have been intentionally designed to look good but feel good too

And once you find that pair, you won’t need to think twice.


 

 

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