No longer the preserve for fitness fanatics, trainers have become a wardrobe staple – being paired with jeans, dress, skirts, you name it.
The perfect way to dress down an outfit or to add some comfort to your look, every woman needs a pair in their wardrobe that aren’t just for running.
Even members of the royal family are wearing them, with Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton stepping out in a pair of trendy Superga shoes and a beautiful green maxi dress from Boden.
But, as the shoes grow in popularity, British stylist Susie Hasler, of StyledBySusie, suggests certain styles should be warn to create the illusion of a desired body shape.
She said lightweight trainers are perfect for rectangle body shapes like the Duchess, whereas hourglasses like Meghan Markle suit chunkier trainers. So which trainers are best for you?
Dainty trainers
Perfect for: Rectangle or strawberry body shape
Brands: Superga and Converse
Even members of the royal family are wearing them, with Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, 38, stepping out in a pair of trendy Superga shoes and a beautiful green maxi dress from Boden
Converse are perfect for adding shape to a leg. Pictured, Kaia Gerber in June last year
Superga trainers (left) and high-top Converse (right) are great for rectangles and strawberries looking to add curves to their shape as they add length to the legs
Susie says those with a rectangle or a strawberry body shape should opt for dainty footwear that will balance out their shape.
‘Rectangles are slender with a lack of waist definition – think Duchess of Cambridge, Fearne Cotton, Jennifer Aniston.
‘While strawberries – such as Cindy Crawford, Salma Hayek, Billie Faiers – are typically broader on the top than the bottom, with narrow hips.’
The award-winning personal stylist says Kate Middleton is a rectangle with slender legs and ankles and is therefore more suited to daintier, more feminine, footwear as ‘a chunky shoe would overwhelm her silhouette’.
Susie adds: ‘Rectangles and apples would need to avoid Fila or Puma Calis, for example, because they are too bulky.
‘White Supergas are dainty enough to flatter very slender frames – their design is timeless and they’re understated because they’re not covered in lairy logos either.
‘They are basic enough that they look great with dresses as well as tailored trousers and culottes.’
For rectangles and strawberries looking to add curves to their shape, she advises they opt for Converse high top which she says add length to the legs.
To make slender legs look more shapely, people should choose trainers with thinner soles or one with a pattern or that are darker in colour.
Chunky trainers
Perfect for: Pear, Hourglass, Apple
Brands: Puma Cali, Adidas Superstars, Adidas Stan Smiths
Chunky trainers balance out curves and dainty trainers would be too understated for and not have the same impact. Pictured, Kim Kardashian in trainers in June last year
Chunkier shoes are recommended for pear, hourglass and apple shapes, especially those who have narrow shoulders and hips and carry most of their weight on their bust and stomach
If you’re not used to wearing chunky trainers or even any type of trainer with dresses, it can take a while to get your head around.
It is likely your feet will look enormous when you look down but when looking in the mirror it is possible the see just how much they benefit certain bodyshape silhouettes.
For apple shapes, who have narrow shoulders and hips and carry most weight around their bust and stomach, chunky trainers are ideal.
The stylist says celebrities such as Catherine Zeta Jones, Pink and Jennifer Hudson would perfectly suit a chunkier trainer.
‘The same goes for hourglass figures, perfectly balanced and in proportion, such as Holly Willoughby and Meghan Markle, or pears, with narrow shoulders, broad hips and small waists – think Emma Willis, Kimberley Walsh, Kim Kardashian,’ Susie says.
Chunky trainers balance out curves and dainty trainers would be too understated for and not have the same impact.
Susie add: ‘Chunkier, thicker-soled styles are great for making the legs and ankles look slimmer. They’re also great if you want to balance out a big tummy.’