If there was one major fashion trend that we didn’t see coming this year, it would undoubtedly have to be the return of the denim skirt. While designers tried to distract us with low slung, supersized jeans on the runways, and the high street still sang the virtues of the classic straight leg, influencers and insiders were quietly adding denim skirts to their wardrobes, and once we spotted it, it was impossible to miss it.
Now you can pop into any store, both designer and high-street, and find an array of denim skirts just in time for warm-weather season, and the more we think about it, the more we wonder why we weren’t all wearing them before. We know denim goes with everything, and we know that skirts and dresses are the first thing we reach for to keep cool when the temperatures rise, so what could make more sense than a chic hybrid of the two that manages to be casual and dressy all at once?
So, now that we’re all in agreement that denim skirts are well worth the investment, the only thing left to discuss is what to wear them with. Thankfully, we’ve already taken care of that, so if you’re looking for the tops and jackets that’ll work with your skirt, you’ll find them here. But just as important as the clothes is the shoes, and if you’ve bought a denim skirt but don’t know how to style it south of your ankles, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve sifted through socials, scoured the new-in sections of some of our favourite brands, and conducted a quick (but thorough) editor poll to determine the best shoes to wear with denim skirts, so that’s one less thing for you to have to think about in the morning. So whether you’ve bought a maxi, midi or mini denim skirt, consider this your definitive guide to getting the shoe styling right. You’re welcome.
Treat a maxi length skirt in much the same way you would a dress, and avoid heavy, chunky styles that gather too much bulk around the ankle (you’ve already got a lot of fabric to contend with). Spring is the official start of sandal season, so a strappy, mid-heel is the obvious choice for a warm-weather style that you won’t trip over.
Flip flops are no longer reserved for the beach, and a polished, leather style elevates the humble flip to chic new levels (thank you, The Row). This comfy flat is now a mainstay in every fashion persons wardrobe, and it looks particularly good with an ankle skimming skirt.
2022 was a great year for trainers, and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2023. From cult classics to new viral hits, an easy trainer makes denim maxi skirts feel instantly cooler and adds the sporty edge that always compliments denim.
Honestly, I struggle to think which outfits a loafer doesn’t work with. This elegant slip-on is one of the quickest ways to take an outfit from “thrown on” to “put together”, and if you already wear them with your reliable jeans, the same pair will look just as good with pencil-skirt-cut midi.
Play up the tailored look of a denim midi by adding an elegant slingback heel. After the game-changing success of Prada and Miu Miu’s kitten heel styles, the move towards the formally “dated” shoe has been huge, and the formal silhouette is the key to nailing the ultimate high/low look.
With the 90’s renaissance still dominating the runways, it was only a matter of time until we saw the return of the wedge. Unlike the chunky, ultra-high styles of the Noughties, the pared-back, understated wedge is reigning supreme, perhaps in-line with the “quiet luxury” look. As the midi length skirt hits mid-calf, it can make legs look shorter, so a subtle wedge is the perfect way to add a little extra lift.
The mini skirt makes your legs your best assets, and creating the illusion of your longest leg all comes down to the shoe. The mule shows a lot of skin, and the barely-there look gives the impression that your legs go on, and on. Just ask Carrie Bradshaw.
Of all of the denim skirts on the market, the mini is the easiest to dress up for evening, by far. Make casual denim feel party ready by adding a high-heel sandal that grabs attention. Where ankle boots would cut you off at the calf and a thigh-high boot could swamp you, the high-heel sandal is perfect for spring and summer evenings spent al fresco (just mind the grass).
For Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, and French women everywhere, the ballet flat has been a style staple for decades, and if they aren’t being worn with straight-leg jeans, you can guarantee it’s with a mini skirt instead. Echo the Sixties silhouette of a micro mini and flats by pairing your denim with these adorable pumps. You’ll end up wearing them on repeat until winter rolls around.
