Skip to content
Vanity Fair Fashion
Fashion

Knee-Length Skirts are Back—Amal Clooney Just Wore the Shoes That Make Them Look Chic, Not Stuffy

By Swedan Margen

Knee-Length Skirts are Back—Amal Clooney Just Wore the Shoes That Make Them Look Chic, Not Stuffy

If the autumn/winter 2025 runways were anything to go by, the knee-length skirt trend is officially back. Appearing in countless collections, this ’90s silhouette is quietly slinking its way onto the scene again, and gaining a whole new wave of admirers in the process.

Taking the sleek trend out for a spin, Amal Clooney styled the elegant silhouette during an engagement in the Philippines this week. Opting for a lace-trimmed black skirt that grazed just at the knee, the pencil skirt design added instant poise and polish. Still, in my experience, as timeless as knee-length skirts are, the wrong shoe pairing can make them lean a touch stuffy. Flats, for instance, can sometimes visually cut the leg and dull the overall effect. That’s why Amal’s choice of footwear struck me as particularly chic.

Amal Clooney poses for a photo wearing a black blouse with a black lace-trim skirt and black pointed-toe heels.

To complement her black skirt, she selected a glossy, pointed-toe heel—creating a streamlined, lengthened silhouette that felt modern rather than prim. It’s one of the most reliable formulas for making a knee-length skirt look elevated.

Finishing her look with a neatly tailored jacket and a white leather bag, Amal constructed the kind of effortlessly sophisticated outfit she’s become known for.

Inspired by her elegant approach? Read on to discover the chicest knee-length skirts and pointed-toe heels to shop right now.

Shop Knee-Length Skirts + Pointed Toe Heels:

Short Leather Mock Croc Skirt

Massimo Dutti

Short Leather Mock Croc Skirt

I'd easily believe you if you told me this was designer.

H&M, Pointed-Toe Court Shoes

H&M

Pointed-Toe Court Shoes

While I love these in the burgundy, they also come in a light cream shade.

Midi Pencil Skirt - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Be quick! This is on its way to selling out.

Heeled Shoes

These look so much more expensive than they actually are.

Layla Knee Length Skirt

Reformation

Layla Knee Length Skirt

While I love this in the simple black, it also comes in two other shades.

Vendome Slingback Pumps in Smooth Leather

Saint Laurent

Vendome Slingback Pumps in Smooth Leather

The sleek kitten heel adds a little height without sacrificing any comfort.

Asos Design 90s Midi Skirt in Check

Asos

90s Midi Skirt in Check

Style this with knee-high boots or pair with a pointed-toe heel.

H&M, Pointed Leather Court Shoes

H&M

Pointed Leather Court Shoes

Shop these while they're on sale.

Uo Joni Awkward Midi Skirt

Urban Outfitters

Midi Skirt

Wear this with a t-shirt for a casual effect or style it up with an elegant blouse.

Patent Leather Heel Shoes - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Mango

Patent Leather Heel Shoes

The slingback detailing adds light support as well as a sleek point of interest.

Rush Stitch Skirt

Mark my words: the slate grey colour trend is going to be one of the season's favourite shades.

Leather Mules

Style with a knee-length skirt, otherwise pair these with casual jeans.

More Fashion

Knee-Length Skirts are Back—Amal Clooney Just Wore the Shoes That Make Them Look Chic, Not Stuffy - Vanity Fair Fashion