I like ballet flats as much as the next person who walks a lot, but even the biggest fan of the iconic heel-less shoe style needs to switch it up now and then. No, I don't want to trek around the city in stilettos, nor do I want to lace up my sneakers when I'm wearing a cute outfit. I want in-between shoes, and for that, I always choose loafers. Specifically, patent leather loafers, which give off a formal vibe that pairs perfectly with miniskirts—aka my favorite summer bottoms. The duo is my go-to when I want to look chic and elevated without sacrificing comfort (or having to wear pants or a long skirt in NYC's 90-degree heat).
Apparently, I'm not alone. On Monday, Natalie Portman, who's currently in Manhattan filming Lena Dunham's new romantic comedy Good Sex, was spotted wearing my favorite skirt-and-shoe pairing for warm weather, paired with a Prada pussy-bow blouse, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, and a Jacquemus bag. Specifically, she wore a classic black miniskirt with a stylish pair of patent-leather loafers, finishing off the ensemble with gold Jacquemus earrings and a to-go iced coffee.
On Natalie Portman: Oliver Peoples Avelin Acetate Butterfly Sunglasses ($578); Prada Pleated Sablé Shirt ($2250); Jacquemus The Calino ($1115) and Les Créoles Rond Carré Earrings ($189)
The styling combination is a classic. It'll never go out of style and always looks chic, no matter what color skirt you pick or style of loafers you prefer. Classic pennies? No problem. More unique options à la Portman? Go for it. Chunkier soles? Why not? Kendall Jenner and content creator Claire Most even wore their loafers with white socks, another never-fail dressing hack.
To make re-creating this elegant ensemble even easier than it already is, I went ahead and rounded up some of my favorite miniskirts and patent-leather loafers, ranging from designer options by Liberowe and Prada to more affordable takes by Lioness and Reformation. What are you waiting for? Start shopping.
Shop patent leather loafers and miniskirts:
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Cooler Fall 2025 Outfits Start With the Trendy Loafers Hailey Bieber Just Wore to Lunch With JustinNo boring neutrals here.
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FYI: If You Wear This Dated Sneaker Trend in Fall 2025, Make Sure It's With Baggy JeansBecause Gwyneth Paltrow says so.
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Stylish Women All Over Milan Are Suddenly Swapping Out Their Classic Pumps for This "Dated" Shoe TrendSpotted on Shailene Woodley.
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Yes, Fashion People Are Still Wearing Leggings, But Only This Specific Style (and Not With Sneakers)The comfy-chic pairing we spot on every L.A. and New York It girl.
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Not Black, Not White: The Very 2025 Sneaker Color Trend Fashion People Are Wearing to the Airport RNSpotted on Emily Ratajkowski at JFK airport.
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Breaking: Meghan Markle Just Endorsed Wearing Navy With This Über Rich Shoe Color (It's Not Black or White)Both her halter dress and classic heels are still available.
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I'm a Gen Z Fashion Editor—This Is the NYC-Approved Fall 2025 Outfit Trend I'm Copying Bar for BarTessa Thompson knows the key pieces.
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Not Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Amelia Gray Just Wore the Flat-Shoe Trend in Italy That's Everywhere This FallSpotted at Milan Fashion Week.
