Not sure what trainers to wear in summer? Kate Middleton's proved this comfy canvas pair look elegant with shorts

Sandals aren't for everyone but white trainers are so timeless and the Princess's wardrobe wouldn't be the same without her Supergas

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends Chelsea Flower Show on May 20, 2019
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

When it's boiling hot the last thing you want is for your shoes to rub and I find sandals can be terrible for this so I often reach for white trainers instead. They might not scream summer in the same way but they're a versatile footwear option that can easily be worn with seasonal outfits.

The Princess of Wales's favourite pair are her Superga Cotu classics and she's styled them multiple times with shorts. Perhaps the chicest way we've seen her wear them was with her white linen-blend shorts for a visit to Plymouth in 2022.

Kate's Supergas are far more streamlined than sports trainers, with a plimsoll-esque design and breathable canvas uppers. There's minimal branding on them and this helps increase their wearability.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales is seen during her visit to the 1851 Trust and the Great Britain SailGP Team on July 31, 2022

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Plain white trainers aren't as fun as bright colours or patterns but they go with a whole lot more and this makes them such a great piece for your summer capsule wardrobe. They've made their way into woman&home Fashion Writer Molly Smith's collection and in her Superga Cotu Classics review she explains they're brilliant for all-day wear.

"They may not be super cushioned but they're reliable, and definitely suitable for all-day wear," she says. "They are supportive without being chunky, and fitted but not too tight because of the canvas material, making them my new go-to staple."

If you want a pair that feels more elegant than athletic then something like the Princess of Wales's Supergas would work so well as they're sleek rather than chunky and cushioned for high impact sport.

Catherine, Princess of Wales during The Bahamas Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta at Montagu Bay on March 25, 2022

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This means they're not too much of a style contrast if you're wearing a flowy dress or skirt with them. Alternatively you can copy the Princess of Wales's approach and pair your canvas plimsoll trainers with shorts.

Linen and cotton are perfect materials to wear in the heat and Kate's Holland Cooper shorts are linen-blend and high-rise, with glimmering gold buttons. The crisp, structured shape of tailored designs makes them an elevated alternative to denim and white shorts, like white trainers, go with pretty much anything.

Coordinating your shoes to your outfit is a failsafe way to add a level of cohesion to an outfit too, though the future Queen has also worn her Supergas with green chino shorts in The Bahamas.

Kate Middleton waves before she gets into a car at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

(Image credit: Photo by Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)

We've also seen her choose them for a day at Chelsea Flower Show in 2019. On this occasion Kate paired them with camel culottes, a Broderie Anglaise blouse and her Monica Vinader green onyx drop earrings. This outing called for a slightly smarter look than she wore for sailing, yet the white trainers still complemented her chic clothing.

Cotton canvas uppers are brilliant for warm weather and this might be why the Princess of Wales reaches for these particular trainers a lot in spring/summer when she wants to be comfortable but not overly casual.

Emma is a Royal Editor with nine years of experience in publishing. She specialises in writing about the British Royal Family, covering everything from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her extensive royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!

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