I Study Scandi Style for Sport—7 Chic Autumn Outfits They Always Wear with Trainers

Try as I might to mix things up, I have come to accept that there’s one shoe I’ll always wear more than the rest: trainers. Living in London, spending a lot of time on your feet commuting from place to place is a given and, thankfully, these days, trainers are suitable for almost any scenario, from the office to the date-night drinks. It all comes down to how you style them. But a consequence of their universality is that trainer-based outfits can start to feel a bit… dull. I know I’ve maxed out the ways in which to wear mine!

Now, with autumn on the horizon, I’m determined to seek out fresh inspiration. And where better to look than to the Scandi fashion set and their irresistibly chic trainer outfits?

From my research, the Scandi lot fall into two camps when it comes to styling trainers for autumn. The first is sleek minimalism, where trainers are given an effortless, “I-just-threw-this-on” vibe to balance out the more polished aesthetic of contemporary tailoring and sleek separates. The second is more irreverent, where fashionable faces, such as content creator Amaka Hamelijnck, pair trainers with a more playful mix of pieces: Think double denim coupled with brightly-coloured kicks.

However you define your personal style, you’re sure to find a Scandi look that inspires you. Here, see my pick of six trainer outfits curated by our favourite Scandi tastemakers that I’ll be copying this autumn.

7 Scandi-Girl Trainer Outfits to Recreate This Autumn

1. Jeans + Leather Trench + Sambas

Style Notes: This is the kind of effortlessly chic look I could only hope to aspire to re-create. The best part is, it’s made up of so many wardrobe staples that you can mix and match throughout the season to create a plethora of looks.

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2. Double Denim + Colourful Trainers

Style Notes: This outfit is a brilliant way to inject a little colour into autumn dressing without going full maximalist. Double denim is a look that will never go out of style, and I love how Hamelijnck breaks up the blue with her vibrant green trainers.

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3. Striped Top + Tailored Trousers + Trench + Running Shoes

Style Notes: Proving that trainers can be a part of a more polished ensemble, Nnenna’s look is a brilliant example of how to wear trainers for a more professional scenario. The chunky running shoe silhouette is a great way to make these tailored styles feel more contemporary.

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4. Shearling Jacket + Black Jeans + Converse

Style Notes: For those autumn days when all you want is an outfit that is cosy and easy, an all-black look topped up with a warm shearling jacket is an unbeatably good idea. The perfect shoe for this look? The classic Converse, of course.

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5. Oversized Shirt + Tailored Trousers + Beige Trainers

Style Notes: As much as I’m a fan of an all-black ensemble, I’ve noticed that its the influencers who play with different neutrals and warm tones who really look like autumn dressing pros. I love the understated simplicity of Anouk’s outfit, and the way the tonal trainers hit the perfect note of sophisticated and relaxed.

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6. Jeans + Work Jacket + Bandana + Running Trainers

Style Notes: While I love the Scandi minimalist aesthetic, I’m equally obsessed with their mastery of layering, and how they use classic pieces to create more playful, unique ensembles. Emili’s outfit is a perfect example, balancing simple jeans, trainers and knitwear with nostalgic pieces like a gingham shirt and bandana.

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7. Mini Skirt + Blazer + Sambas

Style Notes: It’s not all about jeans and trousers—Scandi girls are big fans of mini skirts, and these high hemlines are made to be paired with trainers. Add an oversized blazer and some sleek sunglasses, and you’re set.

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