10 types of shoes every woman should have

Few things in life will ever compare to the ecstasy of taking home a brand new pair of shoes and being greeted by the delicious fresh shoe smell as soon as you open the box. Even if you’re more of a “bags gal,” you can’t deny this. There’s a reason why Carrie was so hell-bent on her Manolos, and Cinderella was mad-keen on getting her glass slipper back. Shoes are inexplicably magical.

But as much as I love shoes – I often come across the same problem. I have ton of shoes ,but I always end up wearing the same ones over and over again. Or I will see a super cute pair of shoes, buy them, only to realize they are so hard to style and don’t go with anything in my closet.

So it became my mission to find out what shoes do I actually need? An everday shoe, a going-out shoe, a practical shoe – how many pairs do I need to make sure all my shoe-needs are met?

I’ve gone through all the possible scenarios and here are the 10 must-have shoe styles every woman should have on her roster. Of course there is room for expansion and you don’t need to feel limited to these 10 shoes, but with these styles in your closet you’ll always feel prepared for every possible occasion.

A good pair of heels is a girl’s best friend and is key staple in your footwear collection. Job interview? Girls night out? Date night? Heels can easily step up an outfit and give it that extra oomph it needs.

There are so many styles and variations, it’s not hard to fine one that will match your personality and lifestyle. My go-to choice is a classic, yet modern block heel. They’re comfortable, sexy, and understated. If you want more drama and more height, go for a stiletto pump. Versatile, classy, sexy, elegant, powerful… there’s nothing a pair of stilettos can’t do. You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of Louboutins. 

Wedding season or summer date night? You can never go wrong with a pair of minimalist strappy sandals. The fact that they are so versatile is a prime reason why they make my list. Wear them with a cute, summery wrap dress or with a pair of jeans and a cool baby-tee! Opt for color that you know you can incorporate easily into your wardrobe – black, white, or maybe even red!

One last tip: Don’t forget about heel height! While it might be tempting to buy those ultra-high stilletos – think about what you’ll want to wear more than once. Maybe opt for a chunky block heel or a heel with a little less height. But if you’re a queen of the sky-high heel – than go for it!

From beach to city, flat sandals are essential for girls on the go.  A classic pair of Birkenstocks or a pair of simple black flip flops go with pretty much everything, plus they’re comfortable! I personally prefer an easy slip-on sandal in leather or a chunky plateau to have just a little lift.

Loafers have risen above just being your average office shoe. They are another must-have shoe if you’re looking for something that you can wear with more than just one outfit. Wear them to the office or wear them for Sunday brunch – the loafer can easily be dressed up or down to fit your style needs. 

Ballet flats have really taken the spotlight in the last few years – and with good reason! Go for the classic rounded toe – or opt for the more modern square-toe (my personal favorite). Do yours with oversized bows and luxe embellishments this spring, and pair them with cozy leg warmers or edgy knee-high socks.

Another important shoe staple is a functional boot – a shoe that can handle rain or shine and the colder months as well.  My recommendation is to go with a boot that’s at least mid-calf and not higher than your knee.  It’s your go-to shoe whenever the weather is a little less than perfect. However there are plenty of functional boots that can be worn all year round! Go for a chunky platform boot with a good tread or an edgy biker boot!

One of the top must-have shoe styles is the white sneaker. Comfortable, practical, and versatile.They go with almost every outfit – a midi skirt, a satin slip dress, or just a pair of jeans. When in doubt, you know that a classic sneaker will always go with your outfit.

If white isn’t your fave, you can always opt for another neutral color like beige or black.

Every well-curated wardrobe should have a pair of OTK boots. Heeled or flat, a bold boot will always make a statement, whether you pair it with dresses, skirts, or jeans. Guaranteed show-stealers!

As a shoe lover – there is always going to be that shoe that I know isn’t practical or an everyday shoe… but I still can’t resist. And it’s okay! It’s shoe that you break out for special occasions or too add that little something to an otherwise boring outfit. It could be a pair of cowboy boots, a silver pair of knee-high boots, or pair of hot pink Mary Jane heels.

While high heels are nice – they aren’t always the best choice when I know that I’m going to be on my feet all day. Slingback kitten heels have taken the fashion world by storm and for good reason – they’re both comfortable and chic! If slingbacks aren’t your thing – you can always opt for a classic kitten heel pump. They will add that extra bit of chicness to your outfit without sacrificing your comfort.

Original text: Steph King

Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli