Happy Thursday, ladies! We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series. Over the past two weeks, we’ve covered 5 Essential Bottoms & Tops. This week, I’m focusing on essential shoes.
If you’re a long-time follower of the blog, you’ve heard this spiel a million times before, but the purpose of this series is to help you build a classic wardrobe that will never go out of style. You may add to it; you may subtract—but not these items. Today, I’m deep diving into:
- pumps
- booties
- knee-highs
- sneakers
- pointy-toe flats
For each category, I’ve pulled in several inspirational outfits as well as some of my picks from my favorite retailers.
The Summary
Today, we’re getting back to wardrobe basics with a focus on essential shoes every woman should own
For each category, I’ve pulled in an inspo-outfit
Also, for each category, I’ve pulled in a few items from my favorite retailers
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Own
1. Pumps
If you only owned one pair of shoes, it would have to be black pumps. They go with everything and are the perfect partner with suits or jeans.
And just like their hard-working sister, the black pump, nude pumps go with everything. When in doubt about what shoe to wear, I always reach for nude. Dress them up for work or down for the weekend. Didn’t I tell you they work hard for their money?
Similar outfit
Board: Tweed Blazer (Endless Rose) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots) | Seamed Pencil Skirt (Ann Taylor) | Macia Slingback Pumps (DKNY)
Shop the Board
The Pumps
Board: Macia Slingback Pumps (DKNY) | Thanley Pointed Toe Pump (Vince Camuto) | Drado Peep Toe (Cole Haan) | Vienna Pointed Toe Pump (Sam Edelman)
Shop the pumps
2. Booties
There are so many styles to choose from. So pick the ones you love most. My favorites are combat boots and suede booties. But don’t forget moto boots or Chelsea ones.
Similar Outfit
Board: Veronica Bootie (Frye) | Eyelet Hem Mockneck Pullover (Talbots) | Mixed Stitch Longline Cardigan (Topshop) | Addison Recycled Wool Blend Scarf (rag & bone) | High-Rise Skinny Jeans (Madewell)
Shop the board
The Booties
Board: Dusty Cap Toe Combat Boot (AllSaints) | Rover Zip Bootie (rag & bone) | Audrick Platform Chelsea Boot (Dr. Martens) | Veronica Bootie (Frye)
Shop the booties
3. (Over) Knee-High Boots
I love a fab pair of riding boots in brown or black. But over-the-knee boots just take your outfit to the next level.
And don’t forget rainboots! They’re a must-have for those rainy days when you don’t want to risk ruining your favorite pair of shoes. Hunters are my favs.
Similar Outfit
Board: Millia Cardigan (French Connection) | Wool Blend Duster (Madewell) | Maia Denim Skirt (Banana Republic) | Hudson Waterproof Boot (Bos. & Co.) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots)
Shop the board
The Knee-Highs
Board: Hudson Waterproof Boot (Bos. & Co.) | Drina Leather Knee High Boot (Sam Edelman) | Original Rainboot (Hunter) | Meyer Knee High Riding Boot (Franco Sarto)
Shop the knee-highs
4. Sneakers
If you are headed to the gym or just a walk around the block, you will want to have a pair of comfy running shoes on hand. But they also look great with jeans. Nike and new balance are my favorite brands.
And you absolutely cannot go wrong with a pair of white tennis shoes. These babies are still on-trend and comfortable. What are you waiting for? I’ve been wearing Keds since I was a kid.
Similar Outfit
Board: Perfect Shirt (Talbots) | Hooded Puffer (Joules) | The Relaxed Taper Jean (Banana Republic) | Ribbed Cashmere Oversized Crewneck Sweater (J.Crew) | 237 Sneaker (New Balance)
The Sneakers
The Sneakers
Board: 237 Sneaker (New Balance) | Peris Platform Sneaker (Eileen Fisher) | Triple Decker Glitter Sneaker (Keds x Kate Spade) | T Monogram Good Luck Trainer (Tory Burch)
Shop the sneakers
5. Pointy-Toed Flats
Some women look at pointy-toed shoes and think they are uncomfortable. But if you choose the correct size this shouldn’t be an issue. Pointy-toed flats elevate your outfit and are the perfect choice in lieu of ballet flats.
Board: Cocoon Sweater-Blazer (J.Crew) | Hill Pointy Toe Flat (Zodiac) | Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater (J.Crew) | Le Garcon Ankle Boyfriend Jean (FRAME) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots)
Shop the board
The Pointy-Toed Flats
Board: Beeta Pointy Toe Flat (Calvin Klein) | Ganet Pointy Toe Flat (Vaneli) | Ayla Pointy Toe Mule (Linea Paolo) | Hill Pointy Toe Flat (Zodiac)
Shop the pointy toed flats
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Kelly shared a new brand she’s fallen in love with. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Introducing Sézane
About The Author
Couldn’t agree more on shoes, (as well as accessories can make or break an outfit). Unfortunately, retailers, even the one that started as a shoe store, (Nordy I mean you) only offer narrow widths in very limited selections. For example, go their website and search under booties, size 8, medium width, black. No other limitations. You will see 2055 styles of shoes to view. Change the width to narrow and you’ll see 77. Yup, just 77 styles, not even 5% of what is offered. I’m aware that there are cost constraints for stores to carry all products in all sizes, but they could offer “shipped directly from manufacturer”. Personally, I’m willing to wait a bit longer for shoes that I don’t need to use an insole liner to hopefully take up the extra width. This only works in some cases as the heel in a medium shoe is also wider than a narrow width which makes heel slip a problem. Thanks for keeping us fresh and up to date.
I have the same challenge. Marmi shoes sells Vaneli. Munro shoes offers narrow as does Walking Cradles. I’ve had success with all three but it is still a struggle for me as well.