Like strawberries and cream or Aperol and sunshine, some things are just meant to go together. And as a stylist over over 10 years, my job is to decide what works best when it comes to clothes and accessories. I often get people ask me which boots to wear with certain jeans, but at this time of year, it's usually which shoes to wear with white skirts. Because let's face it, white linen dresses and skirts are all we plan to wear during the warmer months. The neutral base means you can wear quite literally any colour shoe with it, so this is down to personal preference, but for styles that look best, I'm here to help.
While a ballet flat will add a French woman spin to a mini or a chic finishing touch to a slip skirt, you can always rely on chunky loafers to toughen up the linen and cotton styles. And if you're a heels person, the thong kitten heel is here to give any skirt style a '90s spin this year. Considering most of us will likely already own a white skirt of some kind, here are the 5 shoe styles I would always style with them for summer.
1. Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: The ballet flat has held its place as the shoe of the year, and Francesca has shown how to style the chic shoe with a satin slip. Completing the polished ensemble, they would look equally as good with a white mini.
I love these with a matching tonal bag.
The double studded strap is fun.
These come in so many chic colours.
You can also style these with baggy jeans.
2. Thong Sandals
Style Notes: The humble flip flop has been elevated in recent years, leaning towards a slight platform or kitten heel. Aimee wears her flats with summer's key skirt style: the floaty A-line. If you have a white mini or midi instead, try switching it up to the heeled version.
A wear-all-day wedding guest option.
I can confirm these are so comfy.
Go monochrome with a black top and matching accessories.
To match your white skirt.
3. Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: Helping with unpredictable weather, the chunky loafer will still be your friend this season. Wear a pair with socks (just like Karina, above) and add the timeless duo to your favourite skirt. I love the billowing skirts seen all over Instagram recently.
Cream and white the perfect pairing.
I would wear these with grey ankle socks.
Love the silver detailing.
I really appreciate futuristic silver shoes with a crisp white skirt.
4. Slingback Heels
Style Notes: Along with courts, the slingback has had a resurgence. Sasha has given a whole new feel to a classic white mini and shirt by adding a classic black pair. With a white skirt as your base, any colour will work.
Mesh isn't just for ballet flats you know.
These are firmly on my wish list.
So pretty for a dinner date.
A stylish and affordable pair.
5. Trainers
Style Notes: There's no doubt a skirt worn with trainers always achieves that cool girl "I threw this on" look. Go for a pair with a hint of colour, just like Amaka to brighten up your otherwise neutral white skirt.
You'll wear these on heavy rotation.
No doubt these will sell out as quickly as the last collab.
The iconic Cortez is back.
An easy way to update a linen skirt.
