Dresses and sneakers are one of those timeless combos that go together like peanut butter and jelly — especially during the summertime. Not only are the styles 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 post-work cocktails and beyond, all while keeping you comfortable and looking effortlessly 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 tennis. 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 bodycon 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 up 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 dress looks for everyday wear) there’s an outfit combo out there to inspire a summer ‘fit that’s just perfect for you. So, grab your favorite sneakers and check out our dress picks ahead.

— Additional reporting by Morgan Ashley Parker