Must have essential shoes styles for women to complete any look!
You know what they say, shoes can make or break your outfit. And it’s true! The right pair of shoes can elevate an outfit to the next level. Or vice-versa, turn it into a fashion disaster.
Shoes have the ability to set the tone of the outfit. An outfit with sneakers always gives a carefree vibe, while adding a stiletto pump to your look can easily step up the outfit.
In an ideal world, we’d all have walk-in closets full of shoes to complete any outfit. But in real life, all you need are a good selection of basic essential shoes that will work with your wardrobe.
In this post, I’m sharing 8 must-have shoes for a women’s wardrobe that can complete just about any outfit!
8 Essential Shoes For Your Wardrobe
1. Black Ankle Booties
Black ankle booties are my most worn shoes from between fall to spring. This essential shoe is a great wardrobe basic that’s easy to dress up or down. Plus, it looks good with just about everything from pants and jeans to dresses and skirts.
My favourite black ankle boot style is a pointed toe with a block heel. I find the pointed toe looks more refined and polish. And it creates lengthening illusion for longer looking legs. This is a great boot style for workwear looks and dressier outfits.
Great classic black ankle boots:
Lately, I’ve been loving the looks of square toe boots as well. They look great with wide leg pants and jeans that have been so popular this past season.
And if you’re up for jumping on the trend, platform boots are having a moment right now! And an easy way to give any outfit an updated look.
trendy black ankle boot styles
2. Mules + Loafers


batwing sweater | Levi’s Wedgie skinny jean
cream mules | envelope clutch
Loafers and mules are another staple shoe style for your wardrobe. They immediately make an outfit look more sophisticated and pulled together.
This is a must have shoe style. Since mules and loafers are a flat shoe, they’re comfortable and make a great elevated every day shoe.
Essential loafers and mules:
In my opinion, loafers and mules look more polished than a ballet flats – but these have been making a come back this year!
I typically go for a cream or neutral loafer for my outfits. Since I’m in black boots so often, I like having a lighter option. But you can never go wrong with a classic black or brown loafer. It’s is a great basic shoe for your wardrobe.
3. White Sneakers


sweater vest | faux leather leggings
Puma Cali sneakers
White sneakers are the perfect casual shoe that can give an outfit a more laid back and effortless look. It’s a basic shoe every girl needs and I’d say I spend at least 60% of the time in white sneakers, so it’s definitely a must have.
casual white sneakers
Sneakers are great for dressing down an outfit for a more carefree feel. For example, dressing down a suit with a pair of polished white casual shoe can look so modern. And adding a pair of sneakers to a date night dress can transform it into a brunch outfit!
4. Nude Pumps




When in doubt, a good nude pump will complete just about any outfit. It’s a classic shoe every woman should own.
Nude pumps go with a dresses that are just about any colour. They have the most amazing leg lengthening ability (especially with a pointed toe!)
Best essential nude pumps
This is one shoe that I recommend investing in because they’ll last you forever and will go with just about everything!
You’ve probably seen me wear these nude patent pumps everywhere and that’s because they just look good with everything from workwear to date nights. And P.S. I’ve had them for 5 years now!
5. Knee High Boots


Ever New sweater dress | Ever New coatigan
knee high brown boots
Knee high boots are a great essential shoe for the fall and winter. They’re a basic shoe to wear when you want to stay warm but still look stylish and pulled together.
Like with my ankle boots, I like my knee high boots with a pointed toe and a block heel. And since I already have black ankle boots I love, I like to go for a brown pair of knee high boots for some variety.
Essential knee high boots
If you’re looking for a trendy option, go for a pair of white boots or something with a platform heel. And if you’ll be doing more walking, go for a flat riding boot style.
6. Athletic Sneakers


Athleisure has become such a huge trend over the past year. So having a pair of athletic sneakers is a closet must-have as well.
Of course you’ll they’re great for workouts. But they’re also perfect for your casual and sporty outfits, and a great comfy shoe for just running errands.
Athletic sneakers for everyday
7. Ballet Flat


The ballet flat is back! It’s always been an essential shoe for women’s wardrobes. But it’s been a minute since it’s trendy! And I wrote a whole blog post about it here.
Wear them with dresses, trousers, just about anything where you want a little more comfort, but still look feminine and stylish.
must ballet flats for your wardrobe
8. Strappy Sandals


lilac top | tiered white skirt
strappy sandals with block heel
I know that summer is just about to come to an end. But I still believe having strappy heeled sandal is still an essential shoe that every woman should own.
I love wearing them for evenings and date nights, or even to add a little something to a casual outfit for brunch.
Neutral colours are great for going with everything, but metallics are good options to add a little more glam.
strappy heel sandals
With these 8 essential shoes, you should be able to complete almost any outfit!
Let me know comment below what shoe style you wear most!
More posts you might like:
- Best Places to Shop for Shoes Online
- What to Look for in Your Next Winter Boot
- Best Wardrobe Basics Made to Last
- Shop my style: Favourite shoes and boots
- 20 Ethical & Sustainable Clothing Brands You’ll Fall in Love With
- Stores like Princess Polly
- Best Places to Shop for Denim Online
- Layering Essentials for Fall and Winter
- The Perfect Everyday Rain Boot


Julie Ann lozada
November 19, 2022i have 7 out of 8 shoes in my shoe closet.
JULIE ANN LOZADA BLOG
INSTAGRAM: @julieann_lozada
Eileen
November 26, 2022That’s amazing! They’re all great basics!
Bonnie
October 8, 2022fashion looks, I like everyone, but prefer casual white sneakers, because it is comfortable on the commute
Maureen
September 17, 2022I have everything on your list minus the ballet flat! I love the one you featured with the black/brown colors. It’s perfect for all things fall!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Lovely
September 16, 2022What a wonderful list! Your white sneakers look cool.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Eileen
September 19, 2021Thank you!
Danielle
September 17, 2021I couldn’t agree more with all of them!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Eileen
September 19, 2021Thanks Danielle!
Margot
September 16, 2021Theses shoes are really the best basics.
I don’t have any nude high heels. I really need a pair.
And all your outfits are stunning !
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Eileen
September 19, 2021I wear mine so much! Nude heels are great to have!
Jennifer
September 16, 2021100% agree with these!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Eileen
September 19, 2021Thanks Jennifer!