Sorry, Sneakers and Ballet Flats—Cool Girls Know Summer Skirts Look Chicer With These Sandals
Straight from the 2000s.
This summer is all about nostalgia, with cool girls slipping on retro running shorts, beaded bags, and jelly footwear like it's the early 2000s. But there's one throwback trend that fashion people just can't get enough of: wedge sandals.
The chunky silhouette dominated Y2K Hollywood style, grazing the feet of Jennifer Aniston, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton. Everywhere you looked, you'd see the thick platform sole—ranging from short and subtle to tall and loud—complemented by a range of straps.
Now, the prior fashion relic is stronger than ever, kicking past front-runners like sneakers and ballet flats to the backseat. But knowing how to style this season's hottest shoe is just as important as securing your own version, lest you look dated.
Cool girls know summer skirts are the way to go, juxtaposing the delicate, flirty silhouettes with blocky, thick footwear. This combination takes the wrong-shoe theory to the next level, spurring on a domino effect of double-takes. Plus, summer wedges are versatile, easily dressed up or down.
Mastering wedge sandal styling with summer skirts is easier than you'd think—especially when I did the heavy lifting for you. Below, you'll find six must-try outfits, from sporty-chic aesthetics to refined co-ords. The only thing left to do is decide where to flaunt your It girl-approved look.
Pop of Color
Get the look: Polo shirt + A-line skirt + Colorful wedges
Effortlessly Walkable
Get the look: Oversized tee + Lace-trim skirt + Low wedges
Architectural Details
Get the look: Billowy blouse + High-low skirt + Curved wedges
Bold Platforms
Get the look: Grey tank + Plaid maxi skirt + Chunky wedges
Wild Prints
Get the look: Quarter-sleeve top + Mini skirt + Animal-print wedges
Barley-There Chic
Get the look: Puff-sleeve blouse + Scalloped skirt + Clear-strap wedges

Ruby Ford-Dunker (formerly Ruby McAuliffe) is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalist featured in InStyle, the New York Post, Brides, Teen Vogue, Page Six, Shape, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession or spotlighting beauty finds, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best matcha latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe.