Kaia Gerber walking in Manhattan wearing a charcoal midi skirt and heeled ballet flats.
Skirts have officially dethroned denim as the defining silhouette of the summer. Top fashion houses are reviving classic shapes across the board.
Chanel and Calvin Klein have brought back sleek pencil styles reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s mid-90s workwear, back when she served as a publicist for the New York designer. Meanwhile, The Row and Toteme continue to champion sweeping, pleated maxi designs.
Yet, one specific cut is dominating street style right now: the midi skirt.
The Midi Skirt Solution
Falling just below the knee, the midi length has a history of looking matronly and can feel notoriously awkward to style. However, the celebrity style set has unlocked the exact formula to make it work seamlessly.
Model-turned-actress Kaia Gerber recently showcased the perfect blueprint.
Kaia Gerber walking in Manhattan wearing a romantic lace top and dark midi skirt.
Gerber stepped out in Manhattan for an event with bodycare brand Uni, where she serves as the label’s first-ever creative partner in residence. Her off-duty ensemble struck a flawless balance between comfortable and elevated.
She paired a romantic lace top, appearing to be from Dôen, with a sleek charcoal midi skirt.
The Parisian Shoe Formula
This breezy, three-piece uniform is currently a go-to for stylish dressers from Malibu to Le Marais. The real secret weapon, however, is the footwear.
To anchor the look, Gerber wore French-inspired heeled ballet pumps from Repetto. These shoes do the heavy lifting, stripping away any stiffness from the knee-length skirt while bringing a distinct je ne sais quoi.
Pumps have rapidly become the most sought-after shoe style on the market. Phoebe Philo’s gathered leather iterations, featuring razor-sharp heels and puckered ruching, set a high bar for luxury. Meanwhile, brands like Dear Frances prove the versatility of the shoe with their blissful mesh styles.
Essential Midi Skirts and Heeled Flats
If you want to recreate this unfussy sophistication, look no further than these top picks to put your best foot forward this season.
Reformation Lydia Skirt
A flowing satin Lydia Skirt by Reformation.
The Reformation Lydia Skirt offers a flawless satin drape. Offset the elegant fabric by layering it with a simple, casual T-shirt.
Phoebe Philo Leather Pumps
Black gathered leather pumps by Phoebe Philo.
If budget is no obstacle, Phoebe Philo’s leather pumps remain the ultimate luxury investment for heeled ballet flats.
Sézane Magalia Skirt
A model wearing the textured Sézane Magalia Skirt.
Sézane’s Magalia Skirt brings effortless texture to the mix. Pair it with an oversized button-down shirt for an understated, elegant effect.
Massimo Dutti High-Heel Ballerinas
Black high-heel ballerinas by Massimo Dutti.
Massimo Dutti delivers high-heel ballerinas that are simple, structured, and incredibly chic.
M&S Jersey Knee Length Pencil Skirt
A simple jersey knee-length pencil skirt from M&S.
For an elevated wardrobe basic, the M&S Jersey Knee Length Pencil Skirt provides a streamlined fit at a highly accessible price point.
Reformation Inez Pump
The classic Inez Pump by Reformation.
Reformation’s Inez Pump has already earned a major celebrity stamp of approval. Hailey Bieber has kept this exact pair on heavy rotation all summer.
Khaite Lyle Crepe Midi Skirt
The minimalist Lyle Crepe Midi Skirt by Khaite.
Khaite’s Lyle Crepe Midi Skirt features the exact silhouette currently dominating street style. From New York to Paris, every fashion insider is wearing this shape.
A close-up styling detail showing the perfect pairing of a dark skirt and sleek shoes.
