The Trendiest Shoes to Pair with Your Midi Skirt Outfits

They might be flat, but there’s nothing one dimensional about a ballet shoe, and their hyper-feminine elegance brings a certain je ne sais quoi to any midi look. Ballet flats have made a confident return in 2025, updated with fresh details like “mesh panels, square toes, and delicate embellishments,” Katz says.

“They provide the perfect complement to midi skirts,” Katz adds, noting that they offer “a timeless yet contemporary finish that enhances rather than competes with your skirt’s silhouette.” It’s true: their low, streamlined profile also elongates the leg without sacrificing the look, according to Katz. 

The fashion stylist recommends C. Paravano’s square buckle velvet flats as a go-to for this look. He also singled out the Sophia Belt ballet flats from Repetto, a label that’s built a cult following of dancers, fashion insiders, and Pinterest boarders alike. There are many ways to ace the ballet flat revival, but when it comes to styling a midi in particular, these shoes are en pointe.

Nothing elevates an outfit — literally and figuratively — quite like a platform sandal. They channel the kitsch of early-2000s pop culture and the theatrical glamour of the ’70s, with just enough refinement to land them on the runways of Miu Miu and beyond. According to Katz, “Platform sandals are a midi skirt’s perfect match” because “they give you that extra height without killing your feet after an hour.”

The interplay of proportions also really makes the look work. “Their chunky, substantial shape plays off the soft flow of a midi skirt,” creating a contrast “that makes the whole look feel balanced and intentional,” Katz says. He recommends a playful style from FitFlop, or opting for metallic finishes, like these from Aerosoles, when you want to add a hint of color.

Kitten heels have been edging out sky-high stilettos recently — the latter increasingly relegated to the list of outdated shoe trends you don’t want to be caught wearing. Low to the ground but high on refinement, the kitten heel brings just enough lift to keep a midi feeling chic. 

Katz is particularly taken with the mule variation, calling it his go-to styling hack for midi skirts. “They elongate the leg beautifully while keeping comfort front and center,” he says, a rare combination of ease and elegance that makes them a standout for day to night transition outfits.

For those looking to experiment, try the sleek, geometric designs Jeffrey Campbell has to offer. Katz also cherry-picked these “fierce little heels” from Femme, in a dark burgundy color that was everywhere in spring 2024. These work especially well if your midi is in a deep chocolate brown shade.

When heels feel like too much and ballet flats feel too prim, a pair of stylish sneakers might just strike the right balance. The perfect pair styled with a midi can ground the look whilst still offering a cool, contemporary edge.

For 2025, Katz advised that “the most fashion-forward approach pairs midi skirts with sleek, minimalist sneakers,” like these trendy Puma sneakers, the successor to Adidas Sambas. Stars like Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and Jennifer Lawrence have all sported the retro style. If you’re drawn to color, Katz suggests Seavees for fun, wearable shades, and namechecks Dolce Vita’s cornflower blue pair as an easy way to breathe personality into a neutral midi.