If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, you’ll know that we love nothing more than analyzing the trainer trends that are shaping the zeitgeist. Any given moment. From the enduring appeal of the Adidas Samba and Gazelle to more fashion-forward silhouettes (think Vibram 5Finger or Gorpy-Salomon), we’ve got the trainer trends No Covers are few and far between.
As deep as we’ve looked, there’s one Frankenstein-esque shape left to properly uncover: the Mary Jane trainer. Sitting squarely in the hybrid trainer camp, this shoe that blends the timeless sophistication of a Mary Jane (it is French, after all!) with the endlessly cushioned comfort of a trainer has never been more popular.
From Dua Lipa taking her icy silver Puma Speedcat ballet flats to a Pilates class in Australia, to Iris Law pairing her range of shapes with everything from teal blue shorts and lace capris. After investing in a style myself (all of the satin Puma Speedcat ballet flats had my name on them!), I kept hitting a wall in figuring out how to style them.
To get the most out of your latest investment purchase, here’s what I did usually Here’s what I do when I’m in a fashion dilemma: Turn to the stylish dressers on my social media feeds for some outfit inspiration. And, as expected, they performed. Whether they’re creating easy coordination through matching colorways or adding a patterned pop of visual interest to loose, low-back denim styles, I was instantly inspired after feeling Mary Jane. Creating a style for trainers couldn’t be easier. After the popularity surge on Google this week (they are growing 200% week on week), I realized that you too may have recently invested and are facing the same problem as me, so it would be appropriate to bring the solution straight to you.
Scroll down and discover the three Mary Jane trainer outfit ideas below, and of course, some tips on how to make them look chic in spring 2026.
1. Mary Jane Trainers + Waisted Shirt + Jeans
Style Notes: If you’re trying to add a point of difference to your staples”Following the jeans-and-nice-top” formula, a pair of patterned Mary Jane trainers are an easy win. Infusing the look with a playful essence brings casual personality to even the most loose-fitting outfits.
Shop the look:
Rohe
gathered cotton t-shirt
The chic waist makes this tee work hard even without Mary Jane trainers.
H&M
wide high waist jeans
I like to wear loose jeans.
I’d swap out the cow print for this elevated taupe offering from UGG instead.
1. Mary Jane Ballet Trainers + Polka Dot Windbreaker + Bermuda
Style Notes: One for the eclectic dressers among us, and an easy way to style to lean into the matchy-matchy vibe popular at the moment. It’s casual to pair with a dark wash Bermuda: You can easily wear this look with satin trousers or a maxi skirt.
Shop the look:
Mango
Dots Bomber Jacket – Women
The smaller points always seem far more expensive to me.
Mango
mid-rise denim bermuda jorts
I challenge you to find me a good pair of denim Bermudas.
Adidas Originals
taekwondo mei ballet instructor
This couple has been all over my social media feed lately.
3. Mary Jane Trainer + Windbreaker + Capris
Style Notes: Combining two of spring’s biggest trends (a funnel neck technical jacket and a capri) Leggings), Ruby Lynn uses her Mary Jane trainers to breathe new life into her look. Ditching the detachable straps for a clean finish, the blue color adds a welcome hit of vibrancy, elevating the entire ensemble with minimal effort.
Shop the look:
whistle
Funnel Neck Parka Jacket
With all the functionality of a windbreaker, this tan jacket from Whistles crafted with an on-trend funnel-neck is primed to be your next spring jacket.
Lululemon
Align™ High-Rise Crop 17″ – Black
I have yet to find a comfortable, soft pair of capris!
Adidas
samba zen ballet instructor
I’d rather swap the rubies Adidas for this viral pair.
