Over Ballet Flats? In NYC, Fashion People Prefer to Wear Miniskirts With This Sleeker Heel Alternative

Try it and you'll see.

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NEW YORK, NY - JULY 21: Natalie Portman is seen on the set of "Good Sex" on July 21, 2025 in New York City.
(Image credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images)

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.

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 21: Natalie Portman is seen on the set of "Good Sex" on July 21, 2025 in New York City.

(Image credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images)

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.

Kendall Jenner wearing a red mini skirt and black The Row patent leather loafers.

Image credit: @kendalljenner

Claire Most wearing a cardigan, green mini skirt, socks, and patent-leather loafers.

Image credit: @claire_most

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:

Eliza Huber
Eliza Huber
Associate Editorial Director

Eliza Huber is currently the Associate Editorial Director at Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2021 as a fashion editor after starting her career as a writer at Refinery29, where she worked for four years. During her time at WWW, she launched Go Sports, the publication's sports vertical, and published four (and counting) quarterly issues tied to the WNBA, Formula One, and more. She also created two franchises, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on new seasonal trends, up-and-coming designers, and celebrity style.