8 Types of Shoes to Wear On Rotation With a Short Black Skirt

The Gist

• Skirts are a style staple that you’ll actually wear on repeat.

• The only tricky part about black skirts is deciding what shoes to wear with them.

• Here are our picks for the shoes to wear with short black skirts.

When it comes to building out your wardrobe, it’s all about starting with the pieces you’ll actually reach for on repeat. In the warmer months, that might mean an easy sundress or the tank top you practically live in. Then there are the staples that work across seasons, like your favorite white tee or the pair of jeans that somehow goes with everything. They can be mixed, matched, and reimagined in countless fun new ways. And topping the list of summer-to-fall essentials? A black short skirt.

“A short black skirt tops the closet must-have list,” says Coco Schiffer, a New York-based celebrity stylist. And for good reason: a simple black skirt pretty much goes with everything. “There are very few pieces that are essentials and I would argue this is one of them,” according to Schiffer. When something is as multi-functional as a black mini skirt, the styling possibilities are endless. “It’s versatile given the fact it can play the starring role of a look, or blend into the background, depending on the styling,” says Schiffer.

So, we’ve established that a black skirt is a must-have piece, the only tricky part? Deciding on shoes. After all, once you’ve built a great outfit, nothing kills the momentum like staring at your shoe rack, unsure of what to do next. Footwear is often the last piece you put on, and picking the right pair can depend on everything from the weather to the occasion. That’s why we tapped Schiffer to break it all down.

Whether you’re styling a black pleated, bubble, or pencil skirt, we’ll have your feet covered. Below is your guide to the eight kinds of shoes to wear with your favorite short black skirts. 

Sleek Loafers

When it comes to the ideal shoe and mini skirt combination, Schiffer says: “The goal is to elongate.” That’s why a sleek loafer is a no-brainer to go with any black mini skirt. You can opt for a shorter hemline like this pleated one that further plays into the illusion of proportions and height.

With Knee High Boots

One of my personal favorite kinds of black skirts is a pleated mini. Ever since Miu Miu’s viral spring/summer 2022 micro mini skirt runway debut, pleated, Y2K style skirts have been back on the scene in a major way. And since we’re already a few years past the point of it just being a trend, it’s safe to say that pleats are here to stay. To go with the flowy-er style, Schiffer recommends wearing knee-high boots during the colder months. “I would do something with a heel,” she says. An ivory pointed-toe boot will contrast the rest of your look in all the right ways.

With Pointed Slingbacks

Schiffer remarked that pointed slingbacks, one of her favorite styles, are “so chic and elevate the short black skirt look.” A slingback pair is a solid investment that you will wear again and again. You can wear them with so many other outfits too. They are absolutely a must!

With Pointed Stilettos

You could go so many different ways when it comes to dressing up in a black pencil-style mini skirt. One thing that remains true for footwear—no matter what you wear on top—is to keep sleekness in mind. “For example, if you have a pencil skirt, you won’t want to pair it with a chunky sneaker or loafer because proportionally, that would look off,” Schiffer says. Instead, she recommends wearing a pair of pointed stilettos. In this case, since red and black are the main colors of the overall outfit, keeping shoes minimal in white or black would be ideal.

With Sandals

The fabric in which a black short skirt is designed can change the vibe entirely. A leather A-line short skirt is no different. And simply because it comes in a heavier weight fabric like leather, doesn’t mean you can’t wear it with sandals. In fact, if the weather allows it, I’d prefer a strappy leather sandal (rather than a boot or loafer) to soften the look.

Thong Sandals

Headed somewhere beachy soon? Thong flip-flops can help take the edge off a short black skirt, and they make the outfit feel way more casual. Since they’re super minimal, they make your legs look longer and don’t compete with the skirt. Showing a bit of foot kind of mirrors the short hemline, so it all feels balanced. Plus, the laid-back vibe of flip-flops keeps a black skirt from feeling like you’re headed out for the night.

Ballet Flats

A black mini skirt paired with suede ballet flats is an unexpected yet effortlessly put-together combination. The softness of suede balances the sharpness of a mini skirt, giving the outfit a little warmth and texture. Ballet flats’ comfy nature also makes the short hem feel more wearable for daytime. Because they’re low to the ground, they give that “French girl” effortless vibe.

With High Heels

While I’d like to say I’ve never met a high heel I didn’t like, the truth is far from it. However, I’d be mistaken not to respect the way it can instantly elevate an outfit, especially one with a black skirt. We all know that heels make your legs look a mile long, and it works perfectly with the short hem. Depending on the shoe, it can feel flirty, sleek, or a little edgy.

Read the original article on InStyle