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Click here to view the updated list and links of the 10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Have.
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)
One I finally realized how versatile ballet flats were for my lifestyle (work, play, errands, weekend, casual) I convinced myself to by a few quality pairs of them. Here are a few brands I live in (Tory Burch’s Reva & Vera Wang’s Lavender ‘Lillian’) and a few I dream to wear (Lanvin &Chloe). In all honesty, the price is worth it because they will last. Remember cost per wear.
2. Brown hue thong sandal
Perfect for summer to wear with ankle jeans, a skirt or a dress. One that I have been wearing the last two summers is a pair of Tory Burch’s Miller sandals (shown below).
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, 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 by all means you must add them to your wardrobe.
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 dream pair is one from Jimmy Choo.
5. Tall Stiletto 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. 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. (Cynthia Vincent’s Dylan boot – on sale!) And it 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 (a pair of flat boots that are not lacking in style).
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. Stuart Weitzman 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. Stella McCartney for an investment (currently sold out of her patent sling-back heels) or again, Nine West for frugal luxury or Kenneth Cole – both great choices.
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 classic black sandal or a something more conversational.
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.
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 I’m sure so many other options), 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. (Here’s a peek at a fabulous nude shoe/boots from Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik’s take on the bootie.
Now that we know what shoes we will need, here is my list of the 10 Wardrobe Essentials.
I am a new fan – I am loving this blog!
I am proud to say that I own all 10 styles of this list – but at the 9 West/Vince Camuto price point.
lexi920 – Welcome! So glad you stopped by. I too have many 9 West and Vince Camuto and they are great shoes – they follow the trends, but save my pocket book. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I completely agree! Fabulous post honey!!! Kori xoxo
blondeepisodes.com
Wow I am impressed I think I was able to check off each on my list has “having that”…..guess my shoe inventory is pretty healthy afterall…won’t tell my husband of course!
Only thing I would include (which I live in in the fall and winter) is a great pair or riding boots, they are so chic and looks great with just about any look!
Great post.
I have them all but the booties. Great list!
xoxo
SC
I cannot agree more with you! My philosophy: The more the better: I am a real shoe addict! I have like 70 pairs or so :))) I mostly wear high heels but every girl needs to have a pair of comfortable flats 🙂
XoXo
Plami
http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/
I miss some of these essencials!!
Great post!
Kiss,
Sara
Wow!!! LOVE the new blog Shannon!! Looks soooooo good 🙂
This post is fabulous!! Totally agree! Have been living in a variety of shoe boots for most of the winter and they are great for the spring transition too!!! 🙂
xx
I think this post is brilliant!! It shall be my ‘post’ pick for my ‘week in review’ on Friday 🙂 I don’t think there will be another post this week to match it, my love!!
Happy Tuesday! xo
I’m not a shoe gal, so often my shoes are the same/similar just in different colors. My essentials are very different. I don’t particularly like ballet flats so when I found a style I liked I bought them in as many colors as I could afford. I have black pumps, but I rarely wear them. And I’m pretty sure I will never wear kitten heels–it is either flat or high no in between.
Totally agree with your advice && it looks like I need to stock up on some more shoes… Time to go shopping! 🙂
http://livewonderfully.blogspot.com
Phew, I did much better than I feared I would! And I do have multiples of #1 🙂
Shopgirl – Thank you. So happy you stopped by. I appreciate your feedback. 🙂
Julie – I’m flattered! Thank you for choosing this post.
LovelyB – that’s exactly what I said after writing it! 🙂
The English Organizer – Having more than 1 ballet flat is key in my lifestyle – they truly bring style and comfort together in one shoe.
I love the Vera Wang Lavender Label Flats! Sadly I wore them so much I wore a hole through them. They are well worth it though.
Personally I am more of a flat no heel boot fan, but that is because I walk 3-5 miles a day in all my shoes. Heel are not great on cobblestone.
http://nesieandherpurplepuffin.blogspot.com/
Fabulous list and examples Shannon. You always find the best photos!
This is an amazing list, too bad I am in Brazil visiting for a few months so I could not make fit in my suitcase all the shoes I wanted to… so I am lacking half of this list… oh I miss them!
I really enjoyed this post. You write about this topic very well. There are many cherished moments in life, why not wear a beautiful dress! When looking back on special memories of your child wearing a gorgeous dress, it will make a fond memory.
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Totally agree with your suggestion… Very nice post and good information here… Thanks for posting that….
I am a huge fan of collecting shoes and sandals and loved reading your post!!
thetrendyfashion.com
Such a great and informative post. Thanks for sharing this post to us and keep posting.
There should be list for men’s essentials also.
Great list!
Would be great to see a list with shoe suggestions from each category at different price points. I think that investing in high quality high heels that reduce pressure on legs is really important because I wear high heels the most. I tried many different brands and found that Riches and Celebres (see http://www.retc.it) shoes were designed specifically as high heel pumps to create the most comfortable and beautiful pump that exists, and they don’t produce any other types of shoes (unfortunately). These pumps are truly incredibly comfortable and gorgeous (so elegant and sexy). I would love to find a brand that specializes in stiletto boots and makes them comfortable, durable and beautiful in the same way that Riches et Celebres makes high heel pumps.
Thanks for the list, very helpful, but almost all the links are faulty. Needs to be redone (or removed).
Nanci,
Thanks for stopping by! The list has been updated here https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/?s=10+essential+shoes+every+woman&cat=0
Nice pair of shoes out there love the nude heels and brown hue tough sandals.
i only have 3 out of mentioned style. but wished and hopefully will have the remaining styles too
Loafers and oxfords are also on my list. I snagged a beautiful pair of pony hair leopard print loafers from J.Crew on sale, and my brown leather Charles David oxfords are so very hip in the fall!
Love your list! Yep, I’ve worn them all during my long life. Now I’ve settled wearing the ballet flat in all colors by Margaux. It’s a splendidly comfortable shoe!! ~ Teresa