Women in Paris Don't Wear Skirts With Flip-Flops—They Wear Them With This Classic Flat-Shoe Trend
Want to wear a skirt like fashion people in Paris? Style it with these anti-trend flats.
From L.A. to NYC, Ibiza, and the South of France, this summer's fashion scene sees many embracing the flip-flop trend. While it's popular among the style set in most major cities, those in Paris continue to lean into classic footwear, opting for ballet flats instead. A prime example is Karlie Kloss, who paired her flats with a pencil skirt.
Showing why ballet flats are the perfect complement to pencil skirts, Kloss was seen during Paris Couture Week wearing a chic warm-weather ensemble: black ballet flats paired with a zebra-print midi skirt and a black silk tank with lace trim. She completed her look with a black Chanel flap bag and retro sunglasses. The outfit was undeniably French girl coded.
Ballet flats and pencil skirts go well together because the sleek skirt silhouette is nicely balanced by the subtle elegance of the flats. In Paris, this pairing reflects a timeless approach to dressing, emphasizing sophistication, comfort, and refined simplicity. Kloss's outfit is a great reminder that the most stylish outfits are often built on classic staples rather than fleeting trends.
If you're looking for the simplest way to elevate your skirts from now until fall, opt for ballet flats over flip-flops. Read on to shop my edit of the best pairs below.
Shop Ballet Flats and Skirts
French women approve of red ballet flats.

Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself.