Strappy Sandals With Midi Skirts: What to Wear and Why

Strappy sandals work with a midi skirt because the open, light straps balance the skirt's length and show the ankle, which a hem below the knee can hide. Choose the sandal by the skirt: sleek and simple under a full skirt, more detailed under a slim one.

Below: how to pick heel height, which colors pair well, how to dress the look up for a wedding, and what to check for comfort.

Section 01

Which strappy sandals go with a midi skirt?

Start with the volume of the skirt. A full, tiered or gathered skirt already has a lot going on, so a thin-strap sandal in a neutral tone keeps the outfit calm. A slim satin or pleated skirt can carry more: metallic straps, beading or a wider ankle band.

Midi hems usually land somewhere between mid-calf and just above the ankle. The shorter the gap between hem and shoe, the more the sandal's strap lines matter, because that is where the eye lands.

Flat strappy sandals for casual days

Strappy sandals flat in tan, white or black suit a floral or cotton midi with a tee or linen shirt. They are the easiest option for walking, and a tall frame can wear them with an ankle-grazing hem without losing the line of the leg. Metallic or finely braided straps make flats dressy enough for dinner.

Block heels and kitten heels

An ankle strap block heel sandal adds height and stays stable on grass, cobblestones and long evenings. If you are petite, a heel of a couple of inches under a high-waisted midi lengthens the line from waist to toe. A kitten heel gives a little lift with a more delicate look.

Section 02

How high should the heel be?

Lower is kinder to your feet. Harvard Health says that for women, the most comfortable shoes are low-heeled but not necessarily flat, no higher than three-quarters of an inch. A strappy sandal with a low heel is a good everyday middle ground if flats feel too flat.

Taller heels have a cost. A podiatrist's take from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist notes that high heels and tight shoes put pressure on the ball of the foot and the nerve: the higher the heel, the greater the pressure. Save the tall pair for events where you will mostly sit or stand in one place.

Section 03

What makes strappy sandals comfortable?

Straps look light, but they do the holding. Check these before you buy:

• A snug heel with room for your toes. The same Wake Forest Baptist piece says sensible shoes fit your heel snugly, provide plenty of room for your toes, have a firm sole and arch support.
• Space at the front. Harvard Health advises at least a quarter- to a half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• An adjustable ankle strap, so the sandal stays put as your feet swell in the heat.
• Strappy sandals with a cushioned footbed. Podiatrist Gina Hild, DPM, says on the Cleveland Clinic site that "Footwear that offers cushioning plus heel and arch support can help you relieve and manage symptoms".

If you have foot pain, check with your podiatrist or doctor before choosing a pair. Hild also says "Shoes typically only last about six months or so depending on the activity level of the individual." A favorite pair that has gone flat underfoot is worth replacing.

Section 04

What colors work with strappy sandals and a midi skirt?

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd think about contrast first. A sandal close to your skin tone reads as an extension of the leg, so it lengthens. A contrasting sandal draws the eye to the foot instead.

• Nude, tan or taupe straps go with almost any skirt and keep a printed midi in charge.
• White or cream sandals look fresh with linen and cotton, especially in light colors.
• Black reads sharper. A black midi with black strappy heels is a clean evening outfit.
• Gold, silver or bronze adds shine to a plain skirt. Texture matters here: a satin skirt and a metallic strap both reflect light, so let one of them be quiet.
• Bright coral, yellow or turquoise sandals can pick up a color from a printed skirt.

Section 05

Matching the pair to your proportions

These are guidelines, not rules. Wear what feels good.

• Petite: a high-waisted, A-line or slightly fitted midi with a heeled sandal keeps the leg line long.
• Curvy: a defined waistband and a slight flare, with a block heel for stability.
• Tall: an ankle-grazing flowy skirt with flat sandals looks relaxed and balanced.
• Athletic: pleats, ruffles or tiers add softness, and beaded or embellished thin straps add detail.

For skirt ideas, see classic midi skirts or the layered midi skirt lookbook.

Section 06

Strappy sandals for a wedding

For strappy sandals for a wedding, pick a heel you can stand in for hours: a block heel with an ankle strap is steadier than a stiletto on lawns and gravel. A satin or chiffon midi with metallic or embellished sandals looks formal without effort. Flat sandals with metallic finishes or detailed straps also work for a daytime or garden ceremony.

Break the pair in at home first, since new straps can rub. For a soft, flowing option, look at tulle midi skirts.

Section 07

Outfit formulas to copy

1. Casual day: floral midi, white tee, flat tan sandals, crossbody bag.
2. Evening: satin midi, fitted cami, heeled metallic sandals, bold earrings.
3. Vacation: breezy printed midi, lace-up strappy sandals, straw hat.

Texture mixing helps. Satin with leather sandals feels dressy and relaxed at once, and cotton with woven sandals suits a boho look. For finishing touches, see accessories that match strappy sandals and summer midi skirt accessories. Heading to the shore? Try strappy sandals for hot beach days.

Section 08

Caring for sandals and skirts

• Condition leather or suede sandals at the start of the season.
• Steam the skirt instead of ironing to keep the drape.
• Store sandals in dust bags and hang skirts to avoid creases.

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