How to Pair All Your Skirts and Sandals for Spring 2023, According to Experts

Pairing strappy sandals with a boho maxi or flouncy miniskirt is a no-brainer outfit combo for spring and summer. Whether you love flats or chunky platform sandals, there's no time like the present to swap out your shoes for the warmer weather. But once you've found your summer sandal outfit groove, it can be difficult to break away from your familiar fave pairings, especially when it comes to sandals and skirts. Because they go so well together, it can be difficult to pair them in new and exciting ways, but that's what we're here for. To help you add some new warm-weather sandals-and-skirt looks into your wardrobe rotation, InStyle spoke to experts to determine exactly how to pair sandals and skirts for 2023.

A few of the ten pairings below might look aesthetically familiar because, happily, 2023 is the year of the throwback skirt and sandal outfit, according to Samantha Sutton, stylist and fashion expert. "Blame it on the continued reign of the Y2K aesthetic, but for spring this year, I’m loving longer-length skirts paired with platform sandals," she tells InStyle of a pairing spotted on the Max Mara and Fendi runways.

Not only is a chunky sandal and maxi skirt combination on trend, but it's also comfortable and delivers maximum fashion impact with minimal effort required. "A chunkier shoe will add a little something extra to your basic maxi or midi," adds Sutton, who also offers a solution for those not yet riding the throwback chunky platform sandal train. "A wedge slide is an easy yet elevated way to complete the look," she adds.

If heeled sandals aren't your thing, don't worry: You won't be cast off from the shores of spring fashion, adrift and trendless. We're all about a flat sandal, as is Erin Eagle, stylist and founder of A Style Set, who tells InStyle that there are plenty of low-to-the-ground and arch-supporting skirt-and-sandal pairings available this year.

"It's all about the buckle sandal in 2023," Eagle says, adding that this iconic, comfy sandal is "a perfect alternative to the already-trending classic slide, providing both comfort and style." When it comes to styling, Eagle recommends a higher hem and an athletic vibe, suggesting you "create a sporty, casual look with a black mini skirt, basic tee or tank, and Birkenstocks."

If you would never self-identify as Sporty Spice, Eagle has other sandal and skirts recommendations for you to try. "A great way to add a fun twist to your 'fit is to pair a denim skirt with a bright-colored or textured sandal," she explains. For longer-hemline-loving gals, Eagle suggests pairing midi and maxi skirts with platform sandals. "One of my favorite, easy-to-put-together looks is a cropped white tee and a leather jacket, paired with platform slides or flip flops," she says.

Ahead, you'll see find all the spring skirt and sandal fashion inspiration you'll need this year, curated with our fashion experts' styling tips in mind. Now, go forth and mood board.

A Khaki Midi with Flatforms

If you prefer your spring fashion streamlined and minimal, a khaki midi skirt paired with black and tan strappy platform sandals is just the ticket. If your aesthetic is more on the feminine and flirty side, simply swap out this platform style for a heeled sandal that wraps up the leg.
Shop Similar: Tory Bianco Tory Sandal, $160

A Satin Mini with Fuzzy Platforms

Satin has made its triumphant return as one of spring's most trendy textiles, but it can often read as formal. The silhouette of a satin mini skirt and a playful pair of fuzzy platform sandals give this '90s staple a fresh and fun vibe.
Shop Similar: JW Pei Lexi Faux Fur Platform Sandal, $129

A Printed Maxi with Cage Sandals

A colorful printed maxi is the perfect skirt to pair with a platform cage sandal, one of this year's biggest trends, which is itself an update on the classic fisherman sandal. "Fisherman sandals are back and better than ever with updated styles from designer brands," says Eagle. "I'm loving Miu Miu’s platform version."
Shop Similar: Melissa Megan Cage Sandals, $129

A Knit Mini with Y2K Sandals

For a look that's equally delightful to Gen Z, Gen X, and Millennials alike, step into a pair of Y2K-inspired strappy white platform sandals and pair them with a knit mini skirt. To really embrace the throwback vibes, you can opt to wear a full matching mini skirt set and add a butterfly clip or two.
Shop Similar: SCHUTZ Shaely Sandal, $148

Pleats and Woven Sandals

"A great way to add a fun twist to your 'fit is to pair a skirt with a bright-colored or textured sandal," says Eagle, and we couldn't agree more. We especially love the look of a woven sandal when styled with a pleated mini, maxi, or midi skirt.
Shop Similar: Mou High Eva Bio Sandal, $360

A Satin Midi with Sporty Wedges

Give your favorite vintage-inspired satin midi skirt a 2023 update by wearing it with a pair of athletic wedge sandals. The melding of athletic details and classically fashionable silhouettes creates a major fashion moment that's as trendy as it is comfortable.
Shop: Fendi Padded Leather Platform Wedge Slides, $995.

A Sleek Maxi with Flatforms

Add a casual vibe to your most sweeping maxi skirt by pairing it with a pair of minimal platform sandals. The secret to what makes this look so instantly elegant despite its stark simplicity is, according to Eagle, all about the height. As such, the higher the platform, the chicer the look.
Shop Similar: Jeffery Campbell Crybaby Platform Sandal, $125

A Crochet Maxi with Cage Sandals

When wearing a crocheted skirt with sandals that feature webbing or mesh, a winning combination to be sure, we recommend creating color contrast by going for a black and white or warm and cool color palette.
Shop Similar: Bottega Veneta Sporty Web Wedge Espadrilles, $890

Florals and Jelly Sandals

We're not suggesting you wear a corseted floral coat festooned with tulle (although if that's your speed, go forth), but we do love the flirty created by a pair of platform jelly sandals and a pastel floral print.
Shop Similar: Circus NY Ester Platform Sandals, $100