As someone who can rarely be found in a pair of jeans at the best of times, you can only imagine my delight when skirts emerged as the defining silhouette of the summer. From sleek pencil styles revived at Calvin Klein and Chanel, the former of which are reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s mid ‘90s workwear wardrobe during her tenure as a publicist for the aforementioned New York-based designer, to pleated maxi styles seen at The Row and Toteme, there’s no shortage of cool shapes to covet. Still, the most desirable of all skirt styles this season is none other than the midi skirt.
Falling just below the knee, which is a length that has always held matronly connotations and can sometimes feel a tad awkward to style, the piece has constantly played a starring role in the balmy ensembles of prolific members of the celebrity style set. Proving the enduring appeal of this skirt trend is none other than supermodel-turned-movie-star Kaia Gerber.
Stepping out in Manhattan yesterday, she did so in a quintessentially off-duty look that strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and chic. Whilst attending an event for bodycare brand Uni—for the uninitiated, Gerber is the label's first-ever creative partner in residence—she wore a romantic, lace top that appears to be from Dôen with a slick, charcoal-coloured midi skirt and heeled ballet pumps from Repetto.
As a fashion editor, I can attest to this breezy, three-piece formula being a go-to uniform for chic dressers from Malibu to Le Marias. However, I’d argue that it really is the French-inspired shoe trend that does a lot of the heavy lifting in making this look appear unfussy yet elegant. Pumps have become one of the most sought-after shoe styles, with Phoebe Philo’s gathered iteration, which are punctuated by a razor-sharp heel and puckered ruching, and Dear Frances’ blissful mesh styles proving just how broad the category can be.
So, if you’re looking for a simple styling combination that will always bring that je ne sais quoi sophistication to your midi skirts, look no further than the array of stylish array of heeled ballet flats currently available to shop, so you can step into the rest of summer putting your best foot forward.
Shop Chic Midi Skirts and Heeled Ballet Flats:
Offset the satin skirt with this layered T-shirt styling hack.
If money were no object, this is the pair of heeled ballet flats that I'd be investing in.
Pair this with an oversized shirt for that understatedly elegant effect.
So simple, but so chic.
M&S is such a high-street faithful for elevated wardrobe basics.
Hailey Bieber has worn this exact pair on repeat this summer.
From New York to Paris, every It girl is wearing this shape.
This sand tone is a true neutral.