FT NEWS

If there’s one look that feels of the moment, it’s the sneaker-dress combo. During the most recent collections, Miu Miu gave knee-length shift dresses an athletic twist with metallic lace-ups, Givenchy upped the ante by pairing body-hugging gowns with platform slip-on sneakers, and Loewe anchored voluminous frocks with classic trainers.

The trend toward utility certainly speaks to the fact that most of us have spent more time than ever at home wearing comfortable slippers, if any shoes at all. And it makes us wonder, when the time comes to get dressed up again, would we really reach for a pair of high heels?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who was married in October in Miami, offered a case study in bridal-meets-casual. For her after party, she opted for a laid-back pair of untied sneakers instead of the traditional sky-high stilettos.

Forget the frills of lace and sequins and take a cue from the clean lines of Khaite's designs. Brandon Maxwell's classic dress also makes for a smart choice, especially when paired with Loewe's timeless trainers.

A touch of whimsy is a welcome twist to a civil ceremony. No one does playful comfort better than Batsheva. Finish off the look with high-top sneakers for added cool-girl comfort.

Who needs a bouquet and pumps when you have a romantic floral dress and a kitten-heel-tennis-shoe hybrid? In Miu Miu’s latest collection, the unexpected pairing became a spunky alternative to formal footwear. Recreate the look with an embroidered mini by Ganni and a pair of patchwork Marni shoes.

Let Christopher John Rogers’s playful dresses inspire your wedding day look. Play up the contrast with a sweet pair of black sneakers from Cecilie Bahnsen.

Cecilie Bahnsen creates effortlessly chic dresses, too. Anchor a similar Khaite dress with classic Samba sneakers by Adidas for an instantly cool twist.