5 WAYS TO WEAR: Trainers

FASHION: Finishing Touches

Why, you wonder, have we chosen this subject when all the papers are bellowing that `the trainer is dead'? Because they're talking about the nasty, flashy `look at me' sort, that's why; we are interested in shoes that blend in, that suit any outfit and, what's more, have a degree of elegance. Now that's something you never thought we'd say about a pair of plimsolls

Clockwise from top left: black jacket, pounds 85, and trousers, pounds 70, from French Connection, branches nationwide (enq: 0171 399 7200); shirt, pounds 125, by Daryl K, from Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, SW3 (enq: 0171 584 0011); silver trainers, pounds 59.99, by New Balance, from Offspring, 60 Neal St, WC2 (enq: 0192 582 1162). White linen vest, pounds 25, from Warehouse, branches nationwide (enq: 0171 278 3491); pleated skirt, pounds 80, from French Connection, as before; aquasocks, pounds 65, by Nike, from Browns Focus, 38 South Molton St, W1 (enq: 0171 629 0666). Denim skirt, pounds 120, by Evisu, from Autograph, 9 Ethel St, Birmingham (enq: 0121 633 3540); white and grey vests, pounds 12 for three, by Muji, 26 Gt Marlborough St, W1 (enq: 0171 323 2208); hat, pounds 23, by Pervert, from Mash, Oxford St, W1 (enq: 0171 739 1055); leather trainers, pounds 39.99, by Converse, from Browns Focus, as before. Black skirt, pounds 45, by French Connection, as before; vest, as before; perforated suede jacket, pounds 330, by YMC, from Liberty, Regent St, W1 (enq: 0171 734 1234); white trainers, pounds 82, by Camper, 28 Old Bond St, W1 (enq: 0171 584 5439). Check shirt-dress, pounds 80, by YMC, from Koh Samui, 65 Monmouth St, WC2 (enq: 0171 251 8861); Adidas trainers, pounds 49.99, from Offspring, as before