Hi and happy Wednesday! Today’s post we are talking about shoes! This post comes at the perfect time as I am re-watching Sex and The City for the 100th time. Maybe Carrie’s closet and shopping addiction inspired me but nonetheless, let’s talk shoes. When talking about essential shoes this is not a post focused on a specific season of the year. This is more of an overall understanding of what you should have ready to go in your wardrobe. Once you have this solidified that’s another piece of your foundation wardrobe you created.
Build this at your own pace and use discretion. You don’t need to spend a bunch of money or go into debt over this. Just focus on what you really need first and build from there. Shop the sales or shop offseason to maximize your investment. It’s never about just having a bunch of clothes, shoes, and bags, it’s about shopping smart. Okay, I’m off the soapbox and let’s get down to the good stuff.
Slip-on Shoes/Casual athleisure
This style of shoe I have worn a lot in my wardrobe. It’s very versatile and you can wear with almost any outfit. I got a cute pair from Steve madden about a year ago and wore them out! But I loved them because they were a nude color and looked cute with skirts, jeans, and shorts. An alternative pair would be a classic white trainer. I have a pair from Adidas the originals with the black stripes, and an all-white pair I snagged on sale from Zara.
Ballet flat or just flats
To be honest, ballet flats kind of turn me off because they can make an outfit look disheveled. But there has been a renaissance in the amount of style when it comes to flats, so I am coming around to them. I do however like flats as a shoe I can throw on to complete an outfit easily. Some brand to check out are Rothy’s, Gap, and Target 🙂
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are one of my favorites because they are so versatile and easy to style. I usually have 2-3 pairs in my closet and that is because I wear them to work all the time. In order to avoid wearing them to death, I have a few I can rotate through. What I have in my closet is a black pair and a brown pair that are flat. Then I have a maroon pair from Zara that has more of a tread sole that I usually wear when it is raining. There are endless possibilities but here are my picks!
The Classic Pump
Pointy toe, almond toe, or round toe, you need a go-to pair of pumps. I would choose a pair that is comfortable on and this includes that heel height. Maybe you don’t need sky-high heels and 3.5” inches are for you. Find yourself a heel that suits you and easy to wear. And you guessed it, purchase black or nude first.
Everyday sandals
What I would call “every day” would be sandals that are flat or with a low heel. The endless options can be overwhelming but typically I like to have a sandal that has a strap between my big toe and the rest of my foot, and gladiator style. I’m not a huge fan of the straps that go all the way up the leg, but more around the ankle.
Summer Wedges
Wedges are typically the first choice that I go to if I am looking for a shoe that can get me through the evening (or the day, depending on what you are doing). I have only purchased wedges when it comes to sandals. I feel like wedges are absolutely the go-to for any event happening outdoors, and rightly so. Start off with a more neutral color and/or pattern to build on like white, nude, black, neutral patterns. Then go for the teal wedges with the multi-color butterflies on them.
Classic Boots (Riding boots and OTK)
Riding boots have never gone out of style but the emphasis on having a pair is coming back. I no longer have a pair myself, but it is on my wish list. This is another versatile style of boots that can be worn with many different outfits. The style I am looking for is a block heel, kind of slouchy style. Also, OTK boots are still a hot item and a great staple pair of shoes. I feel like it was only 2 years ago that these babies took the fashion world by storm. I have a strong feeling that they are not going anywhere soon. I have a couple of OTK boots in my own closets and they have been a great staple item.
Loafers
This is the perfect alternative to the ballet flat or just flats in general. It gives an outfit more structure and more of a menswear vibe. A similar style is oxfords which is a style I fell in love with about 2 summers ago. I got out of my comfort zone and bought a metallic gold pair from Zara. I have been loving the different options out there. Definitely adds that extra oomph to the outfit!
Photography by Sean Baier
