13 Must-Have Skirt Styles and the Shoes to Wear With Them

The Gist

• When it comes to wardrobe staples, it’s hard to top the style and versatility of a skirt.

• From the quiet elegance of a silk slip to the directional edge of a denim midi there’s an array of styles to suit every occasion.

• Shoes are the final touch to any skirt out—here’s our favorite pairings.

The trend cycle might still be spinning, but lately, its grip is starting to loosen up. Rather than chasing every fleeting moment, there’s been a noticeable shift toward pieces with longevity. People are now prioritizing looks rooted in their personal style and choosing pieces that anchor a wardrobe rather than just the look of the season. The elusive skirt, however, remains a perennial staple that continues to evolve without ever fading from relevance.

From the quiet elegance of a silk slip to the directional edge of a denim midi or barely-there micro mini, this season’s skirts span decades of influence and aesthetic extremes. The variety makes for a more precise approach to styling—and your shoes can define the entire look. The wrong pair can disrupt proportions or feel sloppy, but the right ones give your outfit the final magical touch.

Ahead, a curated look at the most current skirt silhouettes, and the footwear that makes them feel runway-ready.

Floral Midi

Wear with: Mules, ballet flats, pumps, sleek sneakers

Florals are the kind of bold print that does the heavy lifting on its own. A neutral shoe, whether it’s a sleek mule or a classic ballet flat, won’t compete with the print and gives it a grounded, polished finish. It’s a simple way to keep the outfit feeling intentional without stealing focus from the skirt itself. The contrast also makes the florals pop even more.

Skirt Over Pants

Wear with: Flip-flops, sandals, mules

This season, we’re seeing skirts styled over pants more and more. The versatile combo has made it naturally a bit edgier and fun, so your shoes don’t have to be complicated to make your outfit a hit. Instead, go for a breezy pair of thong sandals or mules that will create an effortless finish.

Sheer Skirt

Wear with: Ballet flats, sandals, kitten heels

Anytime you wear a sheer skirt, it adds an instant level of feminine energy and playfulness. To balance the statement skirt, opt for a sleek shoe pairing that will ground your skirt, such as ballet flats or kitten heels, for when you want something more elevated.

Denim Midi

Wear with: Cap toe pumps, pointed toe flats, knee-high boots, or strappy flat sandals

The long denim skirt is a closet staple that can be worn in any season. Like a good pair of jeans, the denim maxi is a versatile item that can adapt to any mood or occasion. It can be dressed up with knee-high boots, block heels, or cap-toe pumps, or kept cool with ballet flats or low-profile sneakers like the Adidas Sambas.

Satin Slip

Wear with: Open toe mule heels, open-toe flat sandals, ballet flats

The slip skirt entered the group chat a few seasons ago, and it’s here to stay. In fact, we now consider this a must-have item in everyone’s closet, as it’s one of those items that can be worn all year around and styled in different ways. Since it tends to be a longer skirt style, the best shoes to wear with it are dainty styles like flat sandals, mules, and ballet flats.

Pleated Tea-Length

Wear with: Mary Jane ballet flats

There’s something incredibly charming about the high-waisted, voluminous midi skirt. Play up the femininity of a full skirt with another comeback kid: the Mary Jane ballet flat. Modernize the look with a multi strap or metallic version for a fun twist on an old classic.

Tips

If ballet flats feel too formal for your own personal style, pair a pleated tea skirt with chunky platform sneakers for an unexpected juxtaposition.

Bubble Skirt

Wear with: Ballet flats, tall boots

The voluminous silhouette of a bubble skirt is playful, flirty, and dressy all at once. To let this skirt be the focal point of your look, it’s best to keep things fairly simple when it comes to footwear. Knee-high boots and ballet flats or Mary Janes complement the mini hemline.

Micro Mini

Wear with: Tall boots

Tiny skirts are for the fashion risk-takers that are unafraid to show a little skin. The mini moment on the bottom balances nicely with a tall chunky boot, almost as if it makes up for the missing leg coverage up top. Plus, a mini skirt and knee high boot combo effortlessly takes you from day to night.

Heavy Pleated Midi

Wear with: Chunky brogues, slouched boots

This isn’t your mom’s pleated satin midi. It’s a heavyweight, edgier version that serves as a healthy mix of school girl and punk. Play into the look with any pair of chunky brogues or vintage-inspired boots.

Cargo Midi

Wear with: High top sneakers

This sporty style is a fun twist on the ever-popular cargo pants trend. It feels fresh and modern and is a favorite among those who prioritize comfort. Stick with comfortability when it comes to shoes, too, opting for a chunky, sporty high top—you can’t go wrong with Converse.

Leather Skirt

Wear with: Ankle strap sandals, pumps, tall boots

Something about a leather skirt just illustrates instant confidence and effortless edge. Whether it’s a mini leather skirt or a maxi style, it’s best to keep the shoes simple. An ankle strap sandal is a great option, a tall boot with a high heel looks nice, especially in the fall or winter, and a pointy toe pump instantly dresses up the look.

Trouser Skirt

Wear with: Classic sandals, pumps

The skirt version of your favorite khakis are a great place to start if you don’t usually opt for pants. Pair a trouser-inspired skirt with equally classic shoes: It works well with a simple pair of flat sandals to dress it down or pointy toe pumps to dress it up. The entire pairing screams effortless.

Pencil Skirt

Wear with: Loafers, pumps, flat sandals

A pencil skirt is another closet staple and works just as great in an office setting as it does as part of a matching set. For a more casual look, go with a low-key flat sandal in leather; to dress it up, stick with a classic pump. Add a fun purse and you have an easy, polished outfit that works day or night.

Read the original article on InStyle