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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The No-Fuss Outfit Chloë Sevigny Wears When She Wants to Look Cool in NYC Without TryingIt's surprisingly chic.
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Sofia Richie Grainge Is Pregnant, and She Shared the News in the SRG Jacket I Know Will Sell Out FirstI give it until November 1.
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My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 ChicReplica Store Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
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This Is the Luxe Fall Shoe Trend Every Fashion Person Is Already Wearing on RepeatCount these inspo pics as proof.
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I'm Seeing This Quietly Chic Flat-Shoe Style Paired With Outfits Everywhere This FallThere are endless ways to wear it.
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Bella Hadid Just Put a Sexy Spin on the Runway Trend You'll See Everywhere in 2026Leave it to Hadid and Victoria's Secret Creative Director Adam Selman to reimagine a major ready-to-wear runway trend.
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Sorry, Thongs—Gigi Hadid Just Brought Back This "Dated" Rival at the Victoria's Secret Fashion ShowUnderwear lines and all.
