by Whether pleated, flounced, high-waisted, low-waisted, or micro-length, we can’t skirt around the fact that this year belongs to the mini. During the miniskirt’s original heyday in the early 2000s, sharply pointed pumps in saturated colors (think Regina George in Mean Girls) were one of the only acceptable styles. Now, however, a vast array of aesthetics like balletcore, dark academia, and normcore have ended the shortage of footwear that you can mix with a mini skirt.
Preppy penny loafers (and their heeled sisters), as well as ballet slippers, vintage-inspired sneakers, over-the-knee boots, and more, are all fair game when choosing what to wear with your miniskirt nowadays. Of course, formality never goes out of style, as evidenced by fashion week street style moments where attendees paired theirs with high heels in both vibrant and versatile hues.
Ahead, check out 12 shoe styles you can incorporate into your next miniskirt outfit no matter the temperature.
Flip Flops
Flip flops are fashionable again. What was once considered basic has become every It girl’s go-to shoe choice this summer, popping up everywhere from sandy beaches to the front row at Copenhagen Fashion Week. While black rubber flip flops are always a trusty option, wearing a brighter colored pair will spice things up with printed or embellished miniskirts.
Stark Neutral Heels
Classic pointed-toe pumps never go out of style, though they’re getting remixed in new ways with today’s wave of miniskirts. One popular technique is contrasting the tones of a miniskirt and a heel. For example, a stark white pump with a dark chocolate-brown ensemble, or smooth black-leather heels that will elevate a cream or pale beige look. Chic and nonchalant, this trick also masters the art of putting wardrobe basics to work for any occasion.
Cowboy Boots
If you’re looking to balance out the high hems of a miniskirt then a pair of tall cowboy boots are a smart styling pick. The boots lend a rustic touch to the daintiness of a miniskirt that makes for an elongated look. If you don’t want to veer too much into Western territory, then go for pieces that have a more streamlined design.
Retro Trainers
For a dash of sporty inspiration, lace up some low-top sneakers with your next miniskirt outfit. Retro-inspired pairs like Adidas’ viral Samba sneakers are a popular choice thanks to their paneled uppers and gum-rubber soles. Consider the style an athletic counterpart to the equally practical — and trendy — ballet flat.
Chunky Clogs
Blame it on the boho-renaissance but clogs are back in a big way this season. This chunky shoe style now comes in sleek, modern designs that lend an unexpected visual twist to miniskirt outfits. Look for pairs in rich textiles like leather or suede for an elevated appeal and as for your miniskirts we’d recommend either leaning into the boho-vibe or going for a minimalist vibe.
Mary Jane Flats
Within the ballet-flats trend that’s taken the 2020s by storm, Mary Janes have emerged as a sweet option that pairs well with the equally preppy and feminine colored or black miniskirt. Strap into a single- or double-buckled style with a tonal color or subtle print for a dash of individual flair at your next outing.
Sleek Platform Sandals
For a dynamic height boost, elevate your mini skirt with a soaring pair of platform sandals. Tall block heels with thick soles will provide the starkest complement while ensuring you’re balanced as you reach new heights.
Candy-Colored Pumps
To run with the current red trend that’s sweeping fashion, why not slip on a colorful pair of pumps? Smooth styles are available in a wide array of colors and heel heights, though warmer tones like reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows will make the boldest statement. Streamline yours with a matching set of tights that will surely make a statement with every step.
Loafer Heels
Heeled loafers are continuing to make bold steps, carrying a dash of prep-school cool to any miniskirt-based outfit. A penny-strapped version with minimal hardware will embrace the shoe’s preppy roots while remaining dynamic and sharp in its own right.
Ridged Booties
You’ll find a practical miniskirt base in lug-soled boots. Round and narrow-toed styles with thick, ridged rubber soles will bring you traction while navigating any terrain, plus an edgy height boost. Ankle- or calf-high styles work by themselves or with tights.
Metal-Accented Pumps
Revamp your shoe rotation with a heavy-metal heel for the modern age. As we saw during New York Fashion Week, your shoes will be on full display wherever you go, even when you’re bundled up. If you’re craving grunge, slip on a neutral leather style in any height that’s accented with baubles like studs, chains, or pierced rings.
Penny Loafers
The timeless penny loafer has been one of the defining shoes of the 2020s, and it’s a perfect match for the equally academic miniskirt. Pairs with flat soles or low heels can be dressed up and mixed with any style of socks or tights thanks to a wide array of colors on the market. Go bold with a bright color or two-toned texture, or opt for subtle details through accents like quilting, paneling, and hidden-coin charms.
Ballet flats, while easy to wear and style, are notoriously terrible for your feet and joints. I wore flats almost exclusively in the early aughts (so much so that I think it’s the cause of the knee issues that I have now). All of that is to explain why I am not just on board with, but I am fully driving the bus toward, the footwear trend that some have called the “Marmite shoe trend” of the 2020s. Just like Marmite, blue cheese or even cilantro, people either love — or really, really hate — sneakerinas, those ballet flat-inspired sneakers you’ve been seeing everywhere.
It’s pretty obvious why this trend has taken off so quickly in the first place. Fashion houses have been embracing softer, everyday styles since the beginning of the pandemic, moving away from what I call “hard clothes” (heels, suits, occasional wear) to “soft clothes” (athleisure, functional clothing, balletcore). The ballet sneaker trend is just another wave in that trend of taking a hard style and making it soft.
As the proud owner of a few pairs of ballet sneakers, it’s a trend that I, personally, really love. They combine playfulness with functionality, merging the femininity of ballet flats with the comfort and sportiness of a sneaker. Think: satin ribbon laces and grippy tread, roomy toe boxes and ankle-wrap straps, arch support and removable insoles. I’m all in on shoes that aren’t just cute and are easy to style, but are functional, comfortable and are easy to slip on.
