long skirts
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Long skirts are a summer staple — breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly chic. But what about footwear? Choosing the right shoes can elevate your maxi or midi skirt look from poolside casual to Parisian je ne sais quoi.

We’re diving into the hottest shoe trends to perfectly complement your long skirts this summer!

Sneaker Chic: Effortless Cool

Who says long skirts can’t be dressed down? Sneakers are all the rage for creating a laid-back yet stylish look. Classic white canvas sneakers, like the ever-popular Keds Champion, are a match made in heaven for denim skirts or floral maxis. For a sportier vibe, chunky dad sneakers add an unexpected edge to a flowing maxi skirt.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 18: Emily Ratajkowski walks her dog, Colombo, on June 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Pro Tip: Channel your inner off-duty model by pairing a graphic tee, a midi skirt with a side slit, and chunky white sneakers. Instant street style cred, achieved!

Slide into Summer: Sandals that Sizzle

Summer is synonymous with sandals, and long skirts provide the perfect canvas for all sorts of strappy goodness. For a touch of whimsy, consider espadrilles. Hermès’ Elda Espadrille offers a comfy wedge heel that elevates your look without sacrificing comfort. Dress it up with a flowy maxi skirt in a bold print or keep it casual with a denim midi skirt and a cute tank top.

long skirts
BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 22: Victoria Scheu is seen wearing white bag Bottega Veneta, yellow maxi dress – munthe, white sandals, sunglasses on June 22, 2021 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to play with color! Match your sandals to your accessories or a pop of color in your skirt for a pulled-together look.

Boot Up: Transitional Footwear for Fall Flair

Yes, boots and long skirts can totally work for summer! Ankle boots are a great way to transition your favorite maxi skirts into fall. Chelsea boots or booties with a pointed toe add a touch of edge, while cowboy boots like Paris Texas’ Leather Cowboy Boots are a playful nod to western-inspired trends.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – AUGUST 10: A guest wears green sunglasses, gold earrings, a silver large chain with beige teddy bear pendant necklace, a pale pink wool cardigan pullover, a black silk with embroidered green and pink flower pattern long slit / split midi skirt, white shiny leather with black print pattern pointed / block heels knees boots , outside Rotate, during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 on August 10, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Pro Tip: Want to wear your favorite long boots well into summer? Look for styles that are also trendy, such as cowboy boots, in lighter colors or breathable materials.

Soirée Style: The Timeless Magic of Heels

Summer nights call for flirty dresses and glamorous evenings. Long skirts are a perfect choice, and the right heels can take your look from daytime chic to date-night drama. High heels like Manolo Blahnik’s Carolyne 70 Leather Slingback Pumps add instant leg-lengthening power, while platforms offer a more comfortable and on-trend option. Don’t be afraid to experiment with metallics, bold colors, or statement heels with fun details like bows or jewels.

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 17: Emilie Joseph wears sunglasses, a blue cropped denim shirt, a neon pink oversized blazer jacket, a black gathered shiny leather midi skirt, pointed shoes, during a street style fashion photo session, on July 17, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Pro Tip: Feeling indecisive? A classic black pump never goes out of style and pairs perfectly with any long skirt, day or night.

Ballet Flat Fashion: Embrace the Comfort Factor

Let’s be real, summer is all about feeling good in what you wear. And when it comes to shoes, comfort is key. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking, prioritize flats or sandals with good arch support. But don’t sacrifice style for comfort! & Other Stories’ Mary Jane Leather Ballerina Flats are a cult favorite for a reason — they’re chic, soft, and fold up for easy portability in your bag for your summer travels.

PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 29: Fashion Week Guest is seen wearing black transparent sandals, a long blue skirt, a black leather jacket and a brown braided bottega veneta andiamo bag before the Off White Fashion Show during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Pro Tip: Feeling flirty? Fishnet flats are a trendy twist on the classic ballet flat. The peek-a-boo effect adds a touch of playfulness to your look, while still maintaining a polished vibe. They work particularly well with solid-colored skirts, allowing the fishnet detail to be the star of the show.