This Is the Summer Sandal Styling Trick Fashion People Swear

If there's one thing I look forward to every summer, it's sandal season. As soon as the weather creeps above 17 degrees (and stays there), I'm reaching for my rotation of barely-there flat sandals, chunky styles, and leather thongs 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 a little bit more undone. A sandal can single-handedly change the energy of an outfit. Take a crisp shirt and structured skirt—add a minimalist flip-flop, and suddenly the whole look feels a little 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 a tricky category: too casual, too exposed, 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 what to style them with. That's where 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, sandals and skirts strike the kind of harmony that feels considered without trying too hard. The right skirt can ground even the most delicate sandal, and vice versa. A linen wrap skirt with chunky-soled sliders? Chic without the effort. A sleek leather mini with a sculptural thong sandal? It's giving 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 personally 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. While 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 at 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 that I've seen everywhere lately—from the runways to the office kitchen queue. Whether you're into the ease of linen or the drama of a more ornate skirt, there's a look here that might just convert even the most sandal-shy among 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.

Shop the Look:

ZARA

Pleated Blouse With Elastic

The V neckline and flowy silhouette elevate this from basic to staple. I have this and it washes well and keeps its shape.

Free People

Gesibelle Skirt

With a gentle A-line and softly crinkled finish, this is perfect for hot weather.

A.EMERY

Jalen Leather Sandals

Minimalist yet impactful, these sandals feature soft leather straps and a sturdy footbed. So many of team WWW have apaair.

THE ROW

Slouchy Banana Leather Shoulder Bag

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 bandeaux shirt, it's giving quiet confidence, in that Sofia Coppola-meets-Celine sort of way. This outfit is what I like to call 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.

Shop the Look:

MANGO

Asymmetrical Strapless Top

A staple I keep returning to. Lightweight, breathable, and cuts the fussiness of a more styled look.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Mid Rise Linen Maxi Skirt in Oatmeal

A slight flare gives movement, while 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.

Loewe

Medium Puzzle Edge Bag in Soft Grained Calfskin

Adds a clean, directional shape that contrasts beautifully with the more 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, while the thong sandal softens everything. It's a styling trick I spotted at Khaite this season, and I've been mentally recreating 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? But when you live in the UK anything goes.

& Other Stories

Leather Midi Skirt

A structured silhouette with a slight sheen.

The Row

Ginza Leather and Suede Sandals

Elegant, architectural and surprisingly comfortable—the quality is what you'd expect from The Row.

4. Ornate Skirt + Heeled Flip Flops

Style Notes: Call it the anti-minimalist moment. slightly ornate skirts are having a resurgence—see: Ingrid's black silk and white lace combo piece above—and the easiest way to style them IRL is with sleek, heeled flip flops. It makes the outfit look deliberate without being too precious. 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. Add a long sleeved basic tee and and some rope jewellery and you're ready for a summer dinner.

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COS

Clean Cut Regular Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

ULLA JOHNSON

Rosine Lace-Trimmed Silk Crepe De Chine Midi Skirt

Toteme

Croco-Embossed Heeled Flip Flops Black

I tried these on in-store and was shocked by how comfortable they are.

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Small Leather Woven Santa Croce Tote Bag

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. It's a look I keep seeing on the Amalfi-coast corners of my feed. The ankle tie brings a soft elegance that offsets the drama of the slit. It's romantic without being saccharine, and ideal for dinner on holiday or just bringing that holiday energy home.

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Tailored yet light. I’ve worn this with jeans and skirts alike—it's a versatile piece.

ST. AGNI

Leather-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Blend Tulle Maxi Skirt

A high-rise waist with a bold slit that still feels wearable. The lightweight fabric is a bonus on hotter days.

A.Emery

Heidi Leather Sandals

These have just enough height to feel elevated but are still walkable. The ankle ties are long enough to wrap or knot low.