Every woman’s wardrobe is completely unique – we all have different style and preferences when it comes to what we wear. That being said, there are certain pieces that every woman needs, regardless of her style. Building your wardrobe from the ground up and starting with the basics is a really good practice that will leave you with a well-rounded, classic wardrobe for years to come. To start building a capsule wardrobe, it’s a good idea to take a cue from Drake and start from the bottom – with the shoes! I am breaking it down for you and showing you all the classic shoes that every woman should own.
Nude Heeled Sandal
This is a must in any wardrobe. If you’re going to get any one of these styles, make it this one! A shoe closet is simply not complete without a nude heel in it. Essentially, the point of this shoe is to make your legs look as long as humanly possible. Opt for something that nearly disappears against your skin tone and adds height without detracting any attention from the rest of the look. If it wasn’t clear by my choices, I love a sandal that has an ankle strap and a simple silhouette. This allows the shoe to transition easily from day to night, casual to formal. Pair this shoe with a cocktail dress, boyfriend jeans, black cigarette pants, or an A-line skirt. I really can’t think of anything that these shoes wouldn’t pair well with.
Black Pump
Everyone is always talking about the little black dress that every woman needs. I totally agree with the fact that this is a classic but no one talks about its counterpart – the black pump! This is just such a classic that is never going out of style. If it has stood the test of time since Audrey Hepburn’s day, trust me, it’s not going anywhere any time soon. When you’re searching for the perfect black pump, you need to think about a few things. Do you prefer patent or classic leather? What heel height is comfortable for you? What toe shape is most flattering on your legs? The best thing to do is go into a store and try on basically every black pump they have. Compare it to fitting into Cinderella’s glass slipper – when it’s perfect, you’ll know. If they’re comfortable and make you feel good, buy them!
Basic Sandals
Especially during the spring and summer, a basic sandal is a must-have. From running errands to going on a casual dinner date, your sandals are going to be your go-to shoe of the season. I usually like to purchase a new pair every year or every other year because I end up wearing them out after so much use. You can definitely have a bit more fun with these – look for a sandal with a lace-up detail or a metallic finish to spice up your wardrobe. Since it’s a flat shoe already, you can afford to be a bit more ostentatious without overwhelming the look. As long as you keep the color palette muted, you will be able to get a lot of wear out of your basic sandals during the warmer months!
Comfortable Flats
As a girl who has loved high heels since before I could walk (seriously – check my first birthday party home video), I have always thought it was way less fun to shop for flat shoes. But occasionally, I give into my reasonable side and realize that flats are a necessary evil and I will be glad to have them in my closet when I need them. Whether I am going grocery shopping or sightseeing in a new city, flats are always the shoe I can count on to get me through the day. My favorites for years have been the Tory Burch Jolie flats – they are so comfortable from the very first wear and they only get better with time. I have worn them for a full day of walking in NYC and my feet were still 100% by the end of the day. Find the flats that are most comfortable for you and hold onto them for dear life. There is nothing like being the only woman who is comfortable at girls’ night because you opted for a cute pair of flats.
Do you own all of these styles? What is your go-to shoe?
Mari says
My favorite topic! Good advice, may need to check out the flats soon, my feet have not been the same since my gorgeous wedding shoes, worth wearing but very unhappy toes.
Lauren Jaclyn says
Uh oh! We may need to invest in a good pair of flats for you!
Those shoes were worth it, though.
Thanks for reading!
Xx, Lauren Jaclyn