Duchess Sophie just finessed the quickest shoe change – into £160 trainers

© PA Images via Getty Images

Elsewhere in her look, Sophie opted for slim-fit black trousers, a roll-neck jumper, a black blazer, and, upon arrival, a plaid scarf. She proved that trainers can be styled with more formal pieces to dress them down.

While you may not rock your kicks with a business suit every day, Gabrielle Mai, a global fashion stylist with seven years of experience in the industry, has shared her tips for using sporty shoes to make any look more casual - and more comfortable.

© Getty

1. "Keep the tailoring sharp. The contrast works because the suit remains clean-lined and structured; trainers look intentional when paired with precise tailoring rather than oversized or sloppy silhouettes.
2. Stick to a tight colour palette. Monochrome or near-monochrome outfits allow trainers to blend seamlessly rather than disrupt the look, keeping it polished instead of casual.
3. Choose refined trainers. Minimal, low-profile styles in neutral tones elevate the outfit and avoid tipping into athleisure territory.
4. Let one element relax the look. Here, trainers soften the formality while everything else stays classic; too many casual pieces dilute the effect.
5. Confidence is key. Dressing down tailoring works best when worn with ease; it should feel purposeful, not like a compromise."

Sophie's winter staple

Sophie's outing to England Hockey comes just days after she paid The Lighthouse, a community hub in Woking, a visit ahead of their relocation. For this outing, she wore not trainers but a pair of suede tan boots by Penelope Chilvers, which worked perfectly with her Isabel Marant 'Oskan Moon Shoulder Bag in Cognac' and belted jacket from Bally.

© Getty

Her winter boots are a staple of her 2026 wardrobe already, as she sported them while stepping out on 4 January 2025 with her husband, plus King Charles and Queen Camilla, for a Sunday church service at Sandringham.