From Ballet Flats to Trainers, These Are the Best Shoes to Wear With Full Skirts This Summer

Knowing which shoes to wear with your outfit is always one of fashion's biggest conundrums. Even as a fashion editor, styling certain pieces is no mean feat, and this is especially true for skirts. Although skirt trends varied on the S/S 24 runways, one common theme was full shapes, and subsequently, we're witnessing full skirts dominate retailers as of late—from boho styles to puffball silhouettes. However, there's a balance to strike so your outfit won't appear costume-like but modern and effortless. And as a seasoned skirt wearer, figuring out how to style full skirts has been somewhat of a trial-and-error process, but I've deduced a few key pointers.

Emmanuelle Koffi wears trainers and a full white skirt

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Essentially, the less cumbersome the footwear, the better. I think it's best to pair full skirts with streamlined footwear, but many styles fit this description, from trainers with a refined profile to strappy heels or rounded ballet flats. So if you're in need of styling inspo, look no further. Below are the four shoe styles that pair best with full skirts.

What Shoes Go Best With Full Skirts?

1. Ballet Pumps

Marilyn wears a full white skirt with ballet flats

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: The ballet flat phenomenon shocked the fashion world and now encompasses a host of flat styles from peek-a-boo mesh flats to Mary Janes and the more classic iterations we're most familiar with. You're bound to look stylish, whichever you choose.

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2. Minimalist Sandals

Rachael wears a white full skirt with sandals

(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Style Notes: The promise of summer is on the horizon, which means introducing barely-there footwear back into our wardrobes. Come July, (weather permitting, of course) they're my go-to for most of my looks. Frankly, there's no outfit that minimalist sandals don't complement, and when it comes to styling full skirts, they tick the fuss-free-footwear box.

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3. Retro Trainers

Francesca Saffari wears a maxi skirt with red trainers

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: You mightn't think it, but trainers (particularly those boasting a vintage lilt) pair extremely well with full skirts. The juxtaposition of a traditionally "feminine" silhouette with casual footwear makes for a magical pairing. Add a touch of colour to a white skirt outfit with a pair in a contemporary hue like burgundy.

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4. Heeled Sandals

Abi Marvel wears a full skirt and heeled mules

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: If you're looking for an option to elevate the elegant skirt even further, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better pairing than a heeled shoe. From mules to strappy sandals, adding some height will balance the proportions of the fullness.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.