Having worked in fashion for years, I’ve developed an understanding of which trainer trends work with jeans—and which don’t. Whilst some combinations feel easy and chic, others can fall flat, with loose denim pooling awkwardly over chunky trainers and diminishing the appeal of both pieces. Because of this, I’ve built up a mental catalogue of jean-and-trainer pairings that never fail, and this week, Cara Delevingne stepped out in one of my all-time favourites.

Starting with a sleek denim foundation, Cara opted for a pair of high-waisted straight-leg jeans. Neither skin-tight nor overly baggy, the subtly slouchy silhouette lent an ease to her off-duty look.

Had she reached for a predictable pair of Sambas, the outfit would have felt immediately tied to this particular fashion moment. As popular as they remain, Sambas have become so ubiquitous that they now carry a distinctly time-stamped quality. Plus, their gum soles add a certain heft that, in my opinion, never looks quite right peeking out from beneath stovepipe jeans.

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Instead, Cara chose a trainer style that feels to me, genuinely timeless. Swapping Sambas for classic Converse, she grounded her look with a pair of black high-tops that complemented the relaxed shape of her jeans. Rather than bunching heavily at the ankle, the denim draped neatly over the trainers’ slim profile, creating a cleaner, more streamlined finish. The dark black colourway also added depth and polish, giving the entire outfit a more elevated feel.