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Consider this your year-round rotation.
Just like curating the basics in your closet, editing your shoes to work with a versatile wardrobe is key. Even if the phrase “capsule wardrobe” sends chills down your spine, there are still shoe styles you can turn to over and over. These are your everyday options that work with multiple looks and are comfortable to wear anytime and anywhere. That doesn’t have to mean your shoes should be boring—staples are what builds an outfit and your shoes are the cherry on top! While we love a bold or dazzling shoe to make an outfit stand out, we also think it’s practical to have a shoe option that you can work into your wardrobe for multiple occasions.
But what makes a shoe an everyday staple? “Three factors make [shoes] wearable all day long: the material, heel height, and color. Suede, whether in boots or ankle boots, makes shoes incredibly versatile while still elegant and comfortable. For pumps with a kitten heel, I would recommend Nappa leather, which is also very soft,” says footwear designer Valentina Rangoni.
Think of these shoes as the workhorse of your closet; they compliment your looks without taking over. Ahead you’ll find six styles of shoes that you can wear every day that still lend lasting fashion to your wardrobe.
A Sleek Sneaker
Dress it up, dress it down. Wear it every single day, your feet will be comfortable. A sleek sneaker is a wardrobe must have and you can make it your own with whatever color sparks joy. You can wear them with maxi dresses, keep a suit casual with some vintage-inspired sneakers, or pair them with your favorite jeans and a tee. A classic white sneaker goes with pretty much everything or you could even opt for the bright red trend that is still going strong. If you’re going the colored sneaker route, find a pair with no more than two colorways. Otherwise, a multi-colored sneaker becomes harder to pair with multiple outfits.
Leather Boots
It should almost be a requirement to have a pair of leather boots in our wardrobes, they are endlessly versatile and comfortable to boot (sorry). “Simple suede boots, either plain or tube-style, with a mid-height heel, are the perfect shoes for multiple outfits. They pair beautifully with a satin skirt and a sweater in the same color to create a sophisticated daytime look,” advises Rangoni. You can also go for lace-up or zip boots in a neutral color to work with the majority of your wardrobe. Anything with a flat sole makes it easy to wear all day so the last thing on your mind is your aching feet.
“Boots are perfect in every way. A great-quality leather ankle boot is the ultimate transitional shoe that works across seasons. They’re timeless, versatile, and comfortable, making them a wardrobe essential,” says footwear designer Havva Mustafa.
A Sophisticated Heel
“Another option is a good pair of heels. This could be a low-heeled slingback with a pointed toe or a classic pump. There are so many variations available now—just make sure they fit well and are at a height that’s comfortable for you,” says Mustafa. A sleek pointed toe, maybe even with a slingback, kitten heels ensure comfort to wear all day and with multiple outfits.
Rangoni also suggests a kitten heel pump for versatility: “A pump with a kitten heel, for instance, has a cute yet highly wearable heel that makes it the perfect everyday shoe. Super elegant when paired with a maxi dress and a blazer, they’re also perfect with tailored trousers and an oversized shirt combined with a cardigan.”
Simple Slide Sandals
In the spring and summer months, we need something easy to slip on before heading out for warm weather frivolity. A slide sandal is comfortable and chic enough to pair with just about everything in your closet. Leather makes the shoe more durable and gives the sandal sophistication to dress up or down an outfit. Plus, it’s an easy way to show off your glossy pedicure.
Ballet Flats
It’s an exciting time for ballet flats, the revival of this classic flat has given us all permission to look cute and be comfortable. “Every type of ballet flat these days is THE shoe that every fashionista has in their wardrobe,” exclaims Rangoni. “I’d say this is the trendy yet casual shoe to buy. If I had to choose, I’d go for a Mary Jane ballet flat that adds that extra retro touch.”
The ballet flat is like the chameleon of footwear. It pairs just as easily with jeans or trousers as it does with dresses and skirts. For summer, they’re a great option if you want something a little more substantial than sandals. “Look for pairs with beautiful details or accessories to elevate the look,” says Mustafa when you need a flat to add some oomph to your outfit.
Loafer
A slim loafer in supple leather à la Gucci makes for a quiet luxury look, a chunky lug-soled loafer can give off a preppy punk attitude, or a classic Weejuns loafer blends seamlessly with everyday outfits. The variety of silhouettes this shoe comes in lends it to so many different personal styles.
“Loafers are incredibly adaptable. They look great with straight or wide-leg trousers, and they pair just as well with skirts. Plus, they’re super comfortable! If you don’t love flat shoes, you can find loafers with a bit of a heel for extra height,” says Mustafa. “Loafers are a must-have—they can be a classic penny loafer or have a bit of detailing like a small metal accessory, tassel, or fringe.”