{the basics} 10 ESSENTIAL SHOES

 

The 10 essential shoes every woman should own no matter what their individual style.

 

 

 

 

1. NUDE PUMP- Nude pump is great shoe to wear with just about anything and everything. Literally the ultimate neutral.

For Work: wear with a Black, Brown, Grey and/or Blue suit for the office

For Weekend/After Work: pair with jeans, cute shirt and blazer. They also look fabulous with a day dress and perfect for the luncheon.

Try:

VINCE CAMUTO Pumps - Caelyn High Heel-Shoe $85 via Bloomingdale's US

SERGIO ROSSI KALIKA PATENT LEATHER PUMPS: NUDE $595 via Intermix

2. BLACK STRAPPY HEELS- This should be an absolute staple in every woman's closet. Obviously for cocktail and fancier affairs but also great to dress up an everyday outfit. I particularly love an ankle strap black heel for their versatility in wearing for both casual and cocktail.

For Everyday Outfit: I love the look of pairing them with rolled up jeans and a tucked in blouse with belt. (see how cute they look in this photo below).

Source: styleontheline.com via Rozlind Power on Pinterest

Try:

Steve Madden Realove $80 via Piperlime

Alexander Wang Antonio Leather Ankle Strap Sandals $495 via Saks Fifth Avenue

 

3. FLATS- For work, casual, weekends, whatever your life incorporates you need a fun pair of flats and when I saw fun, I mean a stand out color. I personally like to go with a grey or silver for versatility. You can wear grey with just about anything you can wear with tan, beige, black or brown.

The only thing I DO NOT think looks great with round-toe flats is slightly flared pants, trousers etc. Stick with straight pants, or skinny pants only for round-toe flats. You should wear is pointy-toe flat with a more flared trouser but make sure the pant length is correct.

Try:

Aldo Paide in Silver Metallic $70 via Piperlime

Elizabeth & james Merri Croc-Embossed d'Orsey Flat $325 via Neiman Marcus

4. BLACK PUMP- Every woman MUST HAVE a pair of black pumps. A pointy pump is a more classic look but now round toes seem to be just as popular. Either one you choose you definitely need a pair in your closet.

Wear with: suits, pants, dresses, shorts,

 

Try:

Lizzie Pointy Toe Heel in Black $188 via Coach

 

B Brian Atwood Black Leather Pumps $325 via Saks Fifth Avenue

 

5. FLAT SANDAL- Flip flops are purely for the beach, pool or running errands. A nice pair of flat sandals will just pull your casual afternoon look together. Sometimes if you wear flats with chunky or thick straps it can break your leg line. To stay safe I like to choose a thinner strap sandals.

Wear with everything and anything during the hotter months.

Try:

DV by Dolce Vita Archer Sandals $69 via Piperlime

Rachel Zoe Gwen Snakeskin Sandals (available in Black and Natural) $195 via Shopbop

6. WEDGE SANDAL- A wedge sandal with a cork heel at that! Great look for any age woman. I tend to like tan, beige but any color that works best with your wardrobe is fine.

For Work: If you plan on wearing these for both work and play then I would get a wedge sandal without the cork heel. But wearing them with linen pants and a button down shirt works perfectly well.

For Weekend/After Work: Short shorts, capri pants, maxi dresses, jeans, you name it wedges will work well with.

Try:

Diane von Furstenberg Opal Black Lacquered Wedge Sandals $295 via Shopbop

Manolo Blahnik Pepewe Patent Elastic Wedge Sandal $725 via Neiman Marcus

7. RIDING BOOT-  If you are like me then you will most likely need (want) a flat riding boot and then a high-heel over the knee boot. Or you are totally a flats kinda girl or only heels. Regardless what kind of woman you are and what climate you live in a pair of riding boots or to-the-knee boots are a must for your wardrobe!

Source: wikifashion.com via Rozlind Power on Pinterest

Check out my past post "The Search for the Perfect Boots" for examples

10. ANKLE BOOTS- Wear wide-leg pants over the ankle boots or show them off with skinny pants. Great for every age! No more trying to fit your pant leg over your bulky boot! I love knee-high boots or even higher but I live in Houston and I am always dying of heat when I where my boots. Ankle boots are the perfect boot for warmer climates. They even look adorable with a dress or skirt for a downtown street chic look, my favorite of course!

Source: outfitidentifier.com via Rozlind Power on Pinterest

Source: carolinesmode.com via Rozlind Power on Pinterest

Try:

I really Love ZARA for Booties and Ankle boots. Oh and don't be afraid to be a little daring with them like an open toe style (shown above).

9. SUNDAY/WEEKEND SHOE- I have to say initially I thought TOMS looked stupid and  even though they were donating shoes to kids, on the more expensive side for how they look. BUT I broke down and bought some and since then I have bought another pair, even my mom is wearing them now. WHY? because they are so damn comfortable and easy. Great to travel with!

Try:

Toms 'Classic' Canvas Slip-On $43.95 via Nordstrom

10. ATHLETIC SHOE- Are an essential, but they don't have to be boring. I always get the brightest, almost neon color athletic shoes annually. Go to a fitness store that will actually fit your shoe to your foot for what you need, i.e. cross-fit, running, etc. Worth the time and money.