If there's one thing I look forward to every summer, it's sandal season. As soon as the weather creeps above 17 degreesºC (and stays there), I'm reaching for my rotation of sandals: barely-there flats, chunky pairs and leather flip-flops that have all been patiently waiting under my bed for their annual comeback.
There's something about the freedom of open-toe shoes that feels synonymous with the season itself: easy, breezy and just that little bit undone. A sandal can single-handedly change the energy of a summer outfit. Take a crisp shirt and structured skirt, add minimalist flip-flops and suddenly the whole look feels a touch more relaxed, like you could be heading straight from the office to a garden party without skipping a beat.
That said, I get that not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. For some, sandals can be tricky; too casual, too exposed or too hard to walk in. But I've found that one of the most common reasons people avoid them is simply because they're unsure how to style sandals. That's where summer skirts come in. From breezy linens to high-slit midis, skirts are the styling solution that makes sense for sandals, offering a balance of proportion and play that's easy to wear and genuinely stylish.
When paired together well, a skirt with sandals feels considered without trying too hard. A linen wrap skirt with chunky-soled sliders? Effortlessly chic. A sleek leather mini with a sculptural thong sandal? It's giving spring/summer 2025 runway. And that's the beauty of the pairing; you can create a completely different effect just by swapping one piece. It's a combo I've been leaning on for years, and this summer, more than ever, it feels like everyone's caught on.
And of course, fashion has always had its skirt-and-sandal devotees. Whilst Carrie Bradshaw's love for Manolos may be her lasting legacy, I often think of her strappy sandals and bias-cut midi combos when building my own summer wardrobe. More recently, I spotted an influencer in a slinky high-slit skirt and strappy ankle-tie heels in Cannes, which made me rethink just how impactful this duo can be, even for evening.
Below, I've rounded up five of the most on-trend sandal and skirt pairings I've seen everywhere lately. Whether you're into the ease of linen or the drama of a more ornate skirt, there's a look here that I think will convert even the most sandals-shy amongst us.
See the Best Sandals to Wear With Skirts
1. Chunky Sandals + Boho Skirt
Style Notes: This combination has quietly become the foundation of my off-duty wardrobe. Think floaty tiered skirts in gauzy fabrics anchored with substantial sandals that make the look feel purposeful, not precious. It's equal parts romantic and grounded, and the contrast is the charm. The A.Emery Jalen Sandals are one of the best chunky-soled sandals out there if you're after something refined yet chic. I love them with a lace-cotton midi and a simple tank top. Just add a leather crossbody and you're set for the day. The boho feel doesn't have to mean loud patterns either; tonal layering and subtle texture go a long way.
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The V-neck and flowy silhouette elevate this blouse from basic to staple. I have it, and it washes well and keeps its shape.
With a gentle A-line and softly crinkled finish, this is perfect for hot weather.
Minimalist yet impactful, these sandals feature soft leather straps and a sturdy footbed. So many Who What Wear UK editors have a pair.
A timeless saddle bag that lends just enough structure to an otherwise soft look. Roomy enough for sunnies, SPF and a paperback.
2. Linen Skirt + Birkenstock Bostons
Style Notes: Yes, Bostons are technically clogs, but for the sake of warm-weather styling, they earn their place on this sandal shortlist. Worn with a longline linen skirt and a bandeau top, it's giving quiet confidence in a Sofia-Coppola-meets-Celine sort of way. This outfit is my "I'm not trying but I definitely am" uniform. The natural fibres, the muted palette, the familiar silhouette; it's subtle but effective. The Bostons also add a touch of unexpectedness that makes the whole look feel slightly undone, in the best way.
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A staple I keep returning to. Lightweight and breathable, this bandeau cuts the fussiness of a more styled look.
A slight flare gives movement, whilst the high waist makes it ideal for tucking in oversized shirts or cropped knits.
An unlikely summer hero, but they just work. The soft footbed moulds to your feet and the suede adds texture to lighter summer fabrics.
The Loewe Puzzle is a modern classic. Its clean, directional shape contrasts beautifully with relaxed linen pieces.
3. Leather Skirt + Thong Sandals
Style Notes: This combo hits that high-low note I'm always chasing. The leather skirt feels structured and slightly subversive, whilst the thong sandals soften everything. It's a styling trick I spotted at Khaite this season, and I've been mentally re-creating the look ever since. A black leather maxi paired with a platform sandal is the kind of balance that's quietly powerful. You're making a statement, but not in a loud way. Bonus: you can take this from day to night with just a change of earrings and maybe a bolder lip.
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Leather in the summer? When you live in the UK, anything goes.
The ultimate basic.
A structured silhouette with a slight sheen.
Elegant, architectural and surprisingly comfortable. Just what you'd expect from The Row.
4. Ornate Skirt + Heeled Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Call it the anti-minimalist movement, but slightly ornate skirts are having a resurgence—see Ingrid Fagerli Edvinsen's black-silk-and-white-lace skirt above—and the easiest way to style them is with sleek heeled flip-flops. They make the outfit look deliberate without being too precious, and I like pairing something intricate with something simple to keep the focus where it should be. These flip-flops give just enough lift to elongate the silhouette without overpowering the skirt, and with a long-sleeved tee and a cord pendant necklace, you're ready for a summer dinner.
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Simple but effective.
One of the best lace-trim skirts I've seen.
I tried these on in-store, and I was shocked by how comfortable they are.
A summer bag, if I ever saw one.
5. Side-Slit Skirt + Ankle-Tie Sandals
Style Notes: There's something undeniably flattering about a high slit paired with an ankle wrap; it draws the eye and subtly accentuates the legs without revealing too much. The ankle tie brings a soft elegance that offsets the drama of the slit, making the pairing romantic without being saccharine. Ideal for dinner on holiday, it's a look I keep seeing on the Amalfi Coast corners of my feed.
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This is such a versatile piece. I've worn it with jeans and skirts alike.
A high-rise waist with a bold slit that still feels wearable. The lightweight fabric is a bonus on hotter days.
These have just enough height to feel elevated, but are still walkable. The ties are long enough to wrap up the calf or knot lower down on the ankle.
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