Black Midi Skirts Are Classy, But These 5 Anti-Trend Shoes Make Them Look Extra Polished

White midi skirts may get a lot of attention in the summer months, but I think black midi skirts might be even chicer. Just as versatile, the black hue is more synonymous with evening wear, which makes it feel polished by proxy. In fact, it's become the piece I reach for whenever I want to look elevated with minimal effort.

Now that it's summer, a black midi skirt in lightweight texture—think linen, cotton and satin—is the easiest way to ensure you look chic in the face of high temperatures. I've been wearing mine on repeat and, in doing so, I have found five anti-trend shoe styles that make my black midis feel even more sophisticated—something I didn't think possible.

Below, I've identified what I think are the five best shoes to wear with black midi skirts for summer 2024 and beyond.

THE 5 BEST SHOES TO WEAR WITH BLACK MIDI SKIRTS

1. BLACK MIDI SKIRT + MARY JANES

Style Notes: The mary jane shoe trend has blossomed this summer, and for good reason. With a comfortable flat footed finish and elegant design, the reliable shoe trend is a day-to-day staple. Styling well with a black midi skirt, a simple mary jane will compliment the feminine nature of the pretty skirt trend with ease.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BLACK MIDI SKIRTS + MARY JANES:

Reformation

Lucy Skirt

£198

This also comes in a fresh white shade.

Reformation

Bethany Ballet Flat

£268

These comfortable flats are structured enough to style all day.

Nobodys Child

Black Box Pleat Midi Skirt

£69

Style with strappy sandals or wear with a pretty mary jane.

& Other Stories

Mary Jane Leather Ballerina Flats

£110

The leather composition gives these an elevated edge.

2. BLACK MIDI SKIRT + HEELED MULES

Style Notes: To give your favourite black midi an elevated edge, look to the seasons favourite heel trend. With a '90s inspired silhouette, the heeled mule trend is sleek, minimal and comfortable—and perfect for pairing with a flowing midi skirt.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BLACK MIDI SKIRTS + HEELED MULES:

Doen

Tiered Sebastiane Midi Skirt

£273

This is on its way to selling out.

Reformation

Wilda Kitten Mule

£298

Style with denim or wear with a billowing black skirt.

Albaray

Black Woven Mix Full Skirt

£65

This features subtle pockets for a comfortable finish.

Manolo Blahnik

Maysale 50 Buckled Suede Mules

£595

These classic heels are a fashion persons favourites.

3. BLACK MIDI SKIRT + LOAFERS

Style Notes: In my opinion, the midi-skirt length is the most versatile of the lot—styling well with heels, flats and everything in between. To give your look a grounded finish, style with autumn's favourite shoe trend and opt for a classic leather loafer. Adding a smarter finish to the elegant skirt trend, a sleek leather loafer imparts a polished effect in a comfortable way.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BLACK MIDI SKIRT + LOAFERS:

Free People

Make You Mine Half Slip

£88

This also comes in five other shades.

Sezane

Albane Loafers

£175

Style with white socks or go without.

& Other Stories

Smock-Waist Midi Skirt

£87

The smock waist design makes these comfortable enough to style all day.

H&M

Loafers

£28

These are destined to sell out ahead of autumn.

4. BLACK MIDI SKIRT + FLIP FLOPS

Style Notes: The summer season calls for sandals and my current favourite are classic black flip flops. Styling well with just about everything, they've become my new black midi skirt go-to—imparting a casual and relaxed energy onto the elegant skirt trend.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BLACK MIDI SKIRTS + FLIP FLOPS:

& Other Stories

Satin Midi Skirt

£67

A silky slip skirt is a capsule wardrobe staple.

A.Emery

Morgan Satin Thong Sandals

£140

The satin composition sets these apart from the rest.

Rixo

Crystal Skirt

£175

Style with a elegant blouse or pair with a cotton tee.

Ancient Greek Sandals

Saionara Sandals

£125

I always come back to Ancient Greek Sandals for their elegant summer shoes.

5. BLACK MIDI SKIRT + BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Ask any fashion person and they'll tell you that ballet flats are a wardrobe non-negotiable. Playing up to the pretty nature of the black midi skirt trend, a sleek ballet flat pairing is a combination you'll come back to time and time again.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BLACK MIDI SKIRTS + BALLET FLATS:

Daisy Street

Shirred Waist Cotton Midi Skirt in Black

£28

The shirred waist detail ensures lasting comfort.

A.Emery

Briot Leather Ballet Flats

£205

The light cream shade is so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.

Toteme

Cotton Midi Skirt

£310

Style with a tonal black top or contrast with a white blouse.

& Other Stories

Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats

£110

These also come in a classic black shade.