How To Style Sneakerinas Without Looking Confused

If you’re tuned into fashion trends, chances are you’ve noticed the rise of sneakerinas — the oddly charming hybrid that fuses sporty energy with ballerina elegance.

This unexpected shoe combines the padded rubber sole of a sneaker with the soft, rounded satin vamp of a ballet flat, often finished off with delicate ribbon laces that sometimes wrap all the way up to the ankle. It’s a little weird, a little wonderful, and totally divisive — but also totally wearable, if you know how.

Sneakerinas made their quiet debut in the early noughties, right in the heart of the Y2K fashion era. Now they’re tiptoeing back into the spotlight — likely thanks to a wave of nostalgia that’s fuelling modern reinterpretations of the past.

One designer who nailed the revival? Ireland’s own Simone Rocha, who reimagined the style in her Spring/Summer 2021 collection. Think glossy ribbon laces, low-top satin and leather sneakers, all sitting delicately atop a ballerina pump silhouette. Soon after, other major names followed suit — Loewe, Louis Vuitton — each offering their own spin on the sneakerina moment.

Off the runway, sneakerinas have been making steady appearances on the feet of celebrities. Rihanna and Dua Lipa have long been fans of Puma’s Speedcat trainers, a style that evolved into full-blown sneakerinas. More recently, Chloë Sevigny effortlessly worked eco-friendly ballerina flats into her eclectic wardrobe.

And then there’s Amelia Gray, turning heads in bubblegum-pink sneakerinas with a matching pink suit, knee-high white socks, and lace gloves — a look that felt both vintage and completely now.

So Why Aren’t We All Wearing Sneakerinas?

While celebrities rock sneakerinas regularly (and usually with a stylist’s help), spotting them in everyday life is still rare. And honestly, why is that?

They’re comfortable, versatile, and way more interesting than your average sneaker. But for most people, their hybrid design feels intimidating — they live in a strange in-between space, and it’s hard to know where to place them in your wardrobe.

If you’ve ever thought, “They’re cool, but how would I even style them?” — you’re not alone. Most of us don’t have a personal stylist on speed dial. So to crack the code, we turned to Tatiana Kovalova, designer and personal stylist, for real-world advice on how to make sneakerinas work for you.

 

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Who Can Wear Them — and Where?

According to Tatiana, sneakerinas sit in that sweet spot between niche trend and wearable staple. They’re not just practical — they also pull a look together and add an unexpected twist.

“I believe these shoes can suit literally everyone,” she says. “And there aren’t any specific occasions you need to save them for. You can wear them to the theater or just for a casual walk with your friends. All you have to do is to find the right pair of sneakerinas for you.”

How to Pick the Right Pair for Your Body?

This is where Tatiana drops her most important piece of advice — and it’s a total game-changer:

“If you want to pick the right pair of sneakerinas for yourself,” she says. “You need to consider your body’s structure, so everything looks proportional.”

Basically, if you’re petite, choose chunkier or platform sneakerinas — they’ll give you height and balance out your frame. She also recommends to avoid flat styles and ribbon laces tied around the ankle, as they can visually shorten the legs.

If you’re average height or taller, flat sneakerinas will work beautifully. They won’t break up your leg line and offer that effortlessly chic ballerina edge.

So, once you’ve found your perfect pair, it’s time to style them. To show just how versatile they are, Tatiana helped us create three outfits for everyday life.

 

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Romantic Evening or Night Out with Friends

Tatiana shares another clever tip for styling sneakerinas: “you can always take inspiration from real ballerina aesthetics—look at what they wear with their shoes. That way, you can spot similar pieces or come up with fresh alternatives that make your sneakers feel like a natural part of the outfit, not just an afterthought.”

For example, she suggests picking a long chiffon skirt and an asymmetrical top — something off-the-shoulder, perhaps — and topping it off with a baggy, textured blazer for contrast and structure.

Tatiana also recommends to go a step further with a classic trench coat, layered over a flowy, summery dress, and finishing the look with a handkerchief draped over the shoulders or tied at the waist. It’s dreamy, a little dramatic, and perfectly grounded by sneakerinas.

Casual Day Out

Running errands or meeting a friend for coffee? Sneakerinas can do casual too. Pair them with cycling shorts or slim-fit chino knee-length shorts, and top it with a slim-waisted blazer. If you’re feeling bold, go for a padded blazer to add structure and a playful twist.

“If you want more freedom during the day,” Tatiana suggests, “Don’t button up the blazer. Just drape it over a pretty silk tank with lace.” Add a belt or a leather bum bag at the waist to define the silhouette and finish the look.

 

Office Day

Yes — sneakerinas can go to work. Just pick a pair with a platform or something resembling Mary Janes to keep things polished. Style them with a pleated midi skirt and a waist-defining blazer for a classic, sharp ensemble.

Tatiana’s bonus tip? Check out Kappa for sporty yet elegant skirts that pair perfectly with sneakerinas. Add plain white socks with frills for a subtle nod to femininity.

Feeling experimental? Go for a baggy blazer and palazzo or straight-leg trousers,
And lace your sneakerinas around your ankles — over the trousers — for an artsy touch.

With these styling tips, Tatiana proves that sneakerinas aren’t actually that hard to pull off — as long as you follow two key rules: balance your body’s proportions, and blend sporty and classic elements in harmony. Get that right, and you’ll unlock a look that’s effortlessly graceful, modern, and uniquely yours.

Words by Dana Shmyha