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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Leopard Print Is Fine, But This Is the Unexpected Shoe Print Fashion People Are Already Wearing on RepeatControversial yet chic.
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PSA: Fashion People in NYC and Italy Are Wearing This "Dated" Flat-Shoe Trend With Denim Skirts and DressesGwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway are on board.
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I Wear Chic Flats Almost Every Day—26 of the Best Finds FromReplica StoreMost are majorly on sale right now.
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Wait, Is the Forgotten Skirt Trend Everyone Used to Wear With T-Shirts Making a Comeback?A major throwback to throw on.
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The 2025 WNBA All-Star Looks Everyone Is Talking AboutFrom Skylar Diggins to Angel Reese, see this year's best orange carpet ensembles.
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These Unexpected Under-$50 Sandals Are Winning the Great Summer Flip-Flop DebateMorgan Stewart has made a case for them.
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24 Chic Under-$100Replica Store Anniversary Sale Finds That Are Taking Over My Fashion-Editor Text GroupLongchamp, Levi's, Madewell, and more.
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Yeah, You *Have* Been Wearing Athletic Shorts With the Wrong Shoes This Whole TimeHere's the *right* way.
