I'm convinced midi skirts are the answer to almost every style emergency SOS. Don't like getting your legs out? Ditch that mini in favour of a mid-length number. Feel suffocated in that button and fly waistband? Shimmy out of those jeans and slip on an easy, breezy A-line skirt. Consider them the Goldilocks equivalent of the fashion world, they are always ‘just right.’
If you disagree, you likely haven't found the midi skirt for you. But, given how many variations there are – knee-length, ankle-grazers, pleated, fitted, embellished, cargo, the list is endless – we promise, it does exist. So, once you've found your perfect midi, how are you going to style it?
If you thought the styles of midi skirts were endless, so are the possible shoe pairings. Yet another reason we love them so! To help you get the most out of your midi, we've rounded up our favourite skirt and shoe outfit formulas, from classic combos like a midi skirt and trainers to trending looks such as a midi skirt and heeled flip flop. Below, all the midi skirt outfit inspiration you need to see you through to the end of summer.
A midi skirt + ballet flats
On those summer days when you don't want to get your toes out, you can't go wrong with a simple pair of ballet flats. Try a chocolate brown colourway with a white midi skirt for an elegant and slightly softer take than your black pumps.
A midi skirt + strappy sandals
Take advantage of the skirt's mid-length hemline and go for a pair of ankle-tie sandals that can wrap all the way up your calves.
A midi skirt + loafers
Smarten up your denim midi skirt with a pair of loafers – socks optional. Wear with a button-down shirt and you can add this look to your summer workwear rotation.
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A midi skirt + heeled flip flops
Have we mentioned that heeled flip flops are well on their way to becoming the shoe of the summer? The reason why is that they work with just about every summer outfit – midi dresses, jorts, linen trousers, and of course, a midi skirt.
A midi skirt + Mary Janes
Mary Janes, with their signature strap detailing, can be dressed up or down. We love the idea of making them the focal point of your look by opting for an eye-catching, colourful pair. Style with a basket bag and beaded jewellery for an extra injection of summer.
A midi skirt + boat shoes
A pleated midi skirt worn with boat shoes gives a preppy twist. If sugary sweet pastel hues aren't for you, a neutral colour palette will tap into the dark academia aesthetic to tick off two trends in one outfit.
A midi skirt + kitten heels
Here's a stylist's top tip – the secret to whether an outfit looks casual or smart comes down to what shoes you're wearing. So, if you need an ensemble that leans a little more formal but you want to wear a rugby shirt and crochet midi skirt, simply add a pair of kitten heels. Chic AF.
A midi skirt + mesh ballet flats
After dominating last summer, mesh flats aren't going anywhere in 2025. We'll be recreating this outfit ASAP, pairing ours with a see-through lace midi skirt for a seriously sheer mesh moment.
A midi skirt + trainers
Toughen up a floaty bubble hem midi with a pair of chunky fashion trainers. Whether you opt for ankle or mid-calf socks comes down to personal preference – we're not taking sides in the millennial vs. Gen Z culture war.
A midi skirt + pointed-toe pumps
Want to look elegant in your midi skirt? You need a pair of pointed-toe pumps. Plus, they help give the illusion of longer-looking legs, which can only be a good thing.
A midi skirt + biker boots
For days when the sun forgets it's summer (this is the UK we're talking about, and rain is always on the cards), there's no need to turn to your jeans. Biker boots worn with your midi skirt will provide adequate weather protection while keeping a seasonally appropriate vibe.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
