8 Essential Shoes Every Women Should Own

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 look. But in real life, all you need are a staple 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. With these 8 shoes, you should be able to complete just about any outfit!

8 Essential Shoes For Your Wardrobe

1. Black Ankle Booties

Black ankle boots are my most worn shoes spring, fall and winter. 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 refined and polish while creating a lengthening illusion for longer looking legs.

This is a great boot style for workwear looks and dressier outfits, as well as every day making it a must have shoe style for women.

best classic black ankle boots:

Square toe boots have been trending as well! They look great with wide leg pants and jeans that have been so popular this season. The have that same polish look with a bit a modern touch which I love.

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

Loafers and mules are another staple shoe style for your wardrobe. They have the ability to make an outfit look more sophisticated and pulled together.

This is a must have shoe style for every women in my books. Since mules and loafers are a flat shoe, they’re comfortable and make a great elevated every day shoe.

My style preference is for the mule. I find it is more leg lengthening showing a little more of the ankle. But the loafer is definitely more practical for day to day.

I really love the loafers and mules from Everlane! They’re quite fairly priced and very well made. I have a few pairs of shoes from Everlane and they’ve held up amazing and always look so timeless.

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 the last couple seasons.

During the spring and summer, 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

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.

best 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!

I’ve been loving the sneakers from VIVAIA! They are sustainable brand where the shoes are made from recycled water bottles. Their shoes are super lightwight and often made from a knit material which is great for the summer.

The Adidas Samba have also been a popular option for this season. I’ve been seeing them on all the TikTok and Instagram girls!

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! So go ahead and splurge on those Louboutins – as long as you wear them!

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. Naturalizer shoes are known for their comfort!

5. Knee High Boots

Knee high boots are a great essential shoe for the spring, fall and winter. They’re a basic shoe to wear when you want to stay warm, while still looking stylish and pulled together.

You can wear them with skirts and dresses, with denim and trousers tucked in or over top. Definitely a must have shoe for any woman’s wardrobe.

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. But a classic black boot is always a great option as well.

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

Athleisurewear has become such a huge trend over the past couple year. So having a pair of athletic sneakers is a closet must-have as well.

Of course they’re great for workouts. But also perfect for your casual and sporty outfits, and a staple shoe for comfort and running errands.

I love my Nike trainers and have several pairs. But On, a company founded in Switzerland has been revolutionizing the way of running with their new sneakers, and I’m also loving their fun designs!

Athletic sneakers for everyday and working out

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 this classic shoe with dresses, trousers, just about anything where you want a little more comfort, but still look feminine and stylish.

must have ballet flats for your wardrobe

For an everyday ballet flat, I highly recommend the Everlane Italian Day Leather Flat. It has such a classic shape and looks so chic with everything. It’s a real quality shoe too, so it be a great basic shoe for your wardrobe for years to come.

And if you’re into designer shoes, the Chanel cap toe ballet flat is great investiment piece as well. I got myself a pair from therealreal.com and they elevate just about any outfit!

8. Strappy Sandals

Whether it’s summer or not, I believe having a pair of strappy heeled sandals is still an essential shoe that every woman should own.

They’re a must have shoe to wear with dresses for evenings and date nights, or even to add a little something to a casual outfit for brunch.

Neutral colours are a classic option and go with everything, but if you’re looking to make a statement, metallics can add a little more glam.

best 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!

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