About eighteen months ago I created the original list of 10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Have, and it has continued to be one of the top style posts from the archives here on The Simply Luxurious Life. Knowing this, I wanted to take some time to update the links, do some more shopping for you no matter what your budget and share even more of my successful shoes and lessons since the original post went live. So, here it goes . . .
The right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to completing a look. Candace Bergen has said that no matter what one’s wardrobe costs, if paired with quality shoes, everything looks high quality. She makes a very sound point. As long as the clothes fit well and hair and make-up is done, the shoes can really take the entire look to the next level.
With all of that in mind, here are my ten essential shoes every woman should have in order to be stylishly pulled together no matter what the occasion. Feel free to share what your essentials are as well. I’m always looking for new ideas.
1. Ballet flats (nude, black, bright color or print)
Once I finally realized how versatile ballet flats were for my lifestyle (work, play, errands, weekend, casual, travel), I quickly convinced myself to by a few quality pairs of them. Here are a few styles from Tory Burch that I live in (Reva and Eddie ballet flats) and a few I dream to wear (Lanvin & Mulberry). In all honesty, the price is worth it because they will last. Remember cost per wear.
2. Brown hue thong sandal (a few details or embellishments)
Perfect for summer to wear with ankle jeans, a skirt or a dress. One that I have been wearing the last few summers is a pair of Tory Burch’s Miller sandals, and just this past summer I purchased Sam Edelman’s Sophie Wedge Sandals which contained a touch of coral around the toes that I love.
3. Classic black pump (pointed or round toe)
A black pump is perfect for work with a wrap dress, sheath, suit or trousers. Pointed toes tend to elongate your leg and work ideally with cropped pants, but either will do depending upon your outfit. Nine West offers classic styles at very reasonable prices, but if you’re able to invest in a pair of Christian Louboutins or Manolo Blahniks, you must add them to your wardrobe. One of my favorite pair of black pumps is a pointed toe Manolo pair that I found at a consignment shop. I’ve simply re-heeled them once ($10), and they look and function fabulously, all while containing a touch of history.
4. Nude heels
A treasure to be had. Whether with jeans, a dress of any color, or an outfit of any color, this is the pump you want to make sure you have in your closet. Choose a round toe or peep-toe, either way, I have a feeling you will fall in love. My most recent pair is from Diane von Furstenberg – Anette nude patent leather 4” pointed toe pumps, and what I love most about them is that I can wear them with nearly everything. My dream pair is one from Jimmy Choo.
5. Tall Boot (black & brown/tan)
Boots for fall and winter are a style must as we want to stay warm, but still want to look stylish and pulled together. Ideally, have a pair of stiletto boots as well as flat bottom ones as well. There are many ways to wear a pair of stiletto boots – with a dress/skirt, tuck a pair of skinny jeans inside (perfect day or evening) or wear with a pair of boot cut jeans (a dream pair by Jimmy Choo and a more feasible, yet still quite stylish pair from Nine West or Sam Edelman). And, as mentioned, doesn’t hurt to have a pair or two of flat boots for traveling and for those days when wearing heels just doesn’t suit your mood (take a look at these pair of flat boots that are not lacking in style). But don’t forget the option of a wedge heel either which is easier to wear than a stiletto but still offers a bit of height that helps elongate. I purchased these wedges last year for a great price ($99), and they were exactly what I wanted. For a bit more cash, Dana Davis makes a wonderful pair as well.
6. Espadrilles
Another shoe that is fun for summer, adds height without the wobble and is capable of being paired with capris, shorts or a dress is the espadrille. Tory Burch has a pair that would work very well with just about any wardrobe choice.
7. Kitten Heels
The height these shoes provide is perfect for those days when you know and want to look feminine, yet have tired feet from wearing sky-high heels all week. A brand that I’ve tried on and been impressed with while shopping at Nordstrom was Ivanka Trump’s. A very well-priced line of kitten heels in classic colors and leopard print as well ($119-$150).
8. Evening Heels (sandals or peep-toe, fun)
Going out is the opportunity to be exactly who you are without any rules, so let your shoes begin the fun. Choose a designer classic black sandal (frugal choice) or a more conversational sandal or pump .
9. Wellies and/or Uggs (an all-weather boot)
I tend to live in my Wellies during the spring as I’m out in the garden or visiting local nurseries picking out my annual plants for the yard. And the choices that are available make it all the more fun. Currently, I love my yellow boots, and am now saving for a navy pair.
10. Booties, Ankle Boots or Shoe/Boots
The shoe that I have fallen in love with recently has been the bootie. In black or nude (and so many other options – try leopard), this is a fun alternative for the fall and winter when you want to cover more of your foot, but have the feel of a fabulous heel. Sticking to a budget? Choose Vince Camuto or Michael Michael Kors. The sky’s the limit? Have a look at Maison Martin Margiela’s or Burberry’s.
Now that we know what shoes we will need, below are a few other style posts you might be interested in:
Images: (1) Jenna Lyons’ shoes (2) pinterest (3) pinterest (4) pinterest (5) pinterest (6) pinterest (7) Duchess of Cambridge during Olympics 2012 (8) source (9) pinterest (10) pinterest
Uggs? Good heaven, please don't. Wellies, al right, but oh god why Uggs? No no no, nobody on this earth need Uggs in their wardrobe. Just no.
ReplyDeleteWhile you may not like Uggs, I refuse to ruin my pumps or flats trouncing through the snow in the bitterly cold months. So Uggs (or similar styles) are my go-to choice to look as presentable as possible without ruining the investment shoes I love.
DeleteI have never worn more comfortable and warmer boots than Uggs! I agree, perhaps it is not a footwear you should wear to the office or when going out, but it definitely works well 'in-between' (i.e. on a way to work in winter) and when you want to feel warm and snuggly!
Deletegreat compilation! I would also say I'm totally a flats lifestyle person and live in them too. Loved your links to the gorgeous Lanvin flats!
ReplyDeleteHow are the Hunters working out? I wanted to buy a pair but I am worried that they will won't retain their glossiness after a while... thoughts?
ReplyDeleteGreat question. I have had mine for four years now, and I just recently polished them up with a little soap, water, cloth and elbow grease. The result - they look as good as when I first purchased them. These boots are very hardy and hold up very, very well.
DeleteI have to keep reminding myself that a key component to building a wardrobe is to SAVE for these items...not CHARGE these items. It is hard not to want to rush out to buy it all now.
ReplyDeleteGreat list Shannon, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your 10 essential shoe categories. With these 10 pairs of shoes, a girl is ready for any occasion. (I'd only add flip flops, esp. if one lives in hot climates. They are SO versatile for slipping on and off for quick trips or walks outdoors with the dogs. I also press them into service as my bedroom slippers)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I'd have to say adding a house slipper to my list is a must when taking the dogs outside during the winter to the yard. Thank you for the suggestion. :)
DeleteI love these! I have most of them already. I'm still trying to find a good red ballet flat (I don' t like shiny/metallic toe look that's popular at the moment). My husband actually picked out my nude shoes. My heals have to be at least 3/4 inch wide due to my back surgery. Leh Sigh.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you probably would appreciate this: My mother bought me a pair of black lace-up leather ankle boots in 1992. I STILL own them, and finally found a place to get it re-shod, as I wore through the soles. They were riding style heals and were my stable throughout my goth phase that lasted almost 6 years. So, that's a $200 pair of shoes that has lasted me 20 years.
lovely post...now off to buy more shoes!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week....
xo,
Kristi
Simple Everyday Glamour
Thank you for this great post, Shannon! I am looking to buy a pair of Tory Burch flats. Any idea where I could purchase them at a good discount? Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Tory Burch shoes are rarely found at a discount. And if they are, you might want to make sure they are actually Tory Burch. But on the flipside, trust me, her designs last for years.
DeleteLove this post! I try to keep my shoe collection to a minimum to save space, but definitely all of these are important. I'm slowly saving up for good quality new ones.
ReplyDeletewhat happens to grey? I love grey boots. don't they work for this season?? Eni
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Whatever color works with your wardrobe and style.
DeleteBallet flats are the way to go for me. They look great with jeans, skirts and mainly tights. I love'm!!! Jan :)
ReplyDelete+ converse :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful list! The only thing I would add is some comfy shoes to wear when working around the house or when you don't feel like dressing up just to be at home. They don't have to be pretty, but they get the job done. I love my Birkenstock Arizona sandals just for this purpose, though I would be mortified to be seen doing anything other than walking the dog or dusting the living room in them.
ReplyDeleteYou are so on target. I love your list. I went directly to several of your links, and found a perfect pair of shoes- classic black pumps- which I couldn't find anywhere for the longest time in any style that was really me. Your use of the word "simple" is what brought me here: being well-dressed is one thing, but shopping can be so overwhelming these days... and "overwhelmed" is the look most carefuly avoided! Thanks for your valuable service to the world of style. :)'Actually very excited about what I found here.
ReplyDeleteokay so I am a little torn on what color of hunter wellies to get, I am for sure getting a pair but don't know which color. I have recently fallen in love with the flame color, I could find a few outfits but then I don't know if I would get as much out of them due to their bright color as I would if I went with the black glossy ones. any comments on what u think
ReplyDeleteby the way great post!
I understand your quandary. Let me speak from my experience. My wellies are yellow. I wear them with jeans (tucked inside) and have worn them with white as well as navy dresses. They would also work well with black. With that said, I am excited to pick up a navy pair as well. If you choose a bright color, choose one that pairs well with the the main color choices in your wardrobe. Red would work lovely with denim, white and camel to start with. While black would look great with everything especially if you have a bright wardrobe, it ultimately comes down to what color choices you gravitate toward.
DeleteI hope this helps.
What are your thoughts about Pewter pumps? Would they be versatile and timeless?
ReplyDeleteLeila,
ReplyDeleteEverything depends upon your wardrobe and skin tone, but I think they could be very versatile and timeless. Choose a toe that is classic - round, peep or pointed and don't include too many embellishments if you want to carry over from year to year.
I have a pair of pewter sandals and a pewter peeptoe pump and they both get worn much more than the black... My wardrobe consists of mainly black, grey, navy, white and blush with small hints and statement pieces of red, teal and berry tones.
ReplyDelete