What makes or breaks a look quicker than a killer pair of shoes? They’re the queen of accessories, the cherry on top of every outfit—and sometimes, they can be just as important as your outfit itself. Shoes are the ultimate investment—if you do it right, you can wear them for years and years to come. You don’t need a million options; you really just need a few that you can wear with a wide variety of outfits. If you skip out on fast fashion and trendy pairs, you can instead choose timeless options that you know you’ll be just as excited to wear when you pull them out of storage next fall, too.
Build your ultimate shoe capsule wardrobe with these shoes, and you’ll never feel like you need another pair.
- Classic White Sneakers
A classic white sneaker has the ability to make any outfit look cool, polished, and effortless. You can wear them with just about anything, and they are appropriate for any season. Once you get a pair you love, it will be hard to put any other shoe on.
- Black Boots
Black boots can be paired with anything, from jeans and a T-shirt to a business-casual outfit for work. Opt for an ankle-high pair in the heel height you’re most comfortable in.
- Classic Loafers
The loafer came onto the scene a few years ago and now has us wondering how we ever lived without them. They immediately make an outfit look more sophisticated and put-together, and since they’re completely flat, are a chicer alternative to a ballet flat. If you’re a loafer newbie, a classic black pair is your best bet; if your closet is already stocked with loafers, get a pair in a fun color or print to spice up your basics.
- Slide Sandals
There is nothing better than having a chic slide sandal that you can slip on any time the weather’s warm without giving much thought to it. They are the upgraded, adult version of your Old Navy flip-flops.
- Knee-high boots
Over-the-knee boots go in and out of style as the seasons come and go, but a boot style that’s always a good choice? One that hits just beneath your knee. They can be paired with anything from your favorite Spanx leather leggings to a short skirt, and always add more to an outfit than any short boot could. Opting for a pair in either leather or suede will ensure that they’re timeless enough to be worn year in and year out.
- Neutral Heels
There is nothing worse than having an interview or wedding coming up and needing to run out the night before because you do not have heels to pair with your outfit. Having a pair of heels (that you can walk in) in a neutral color that you can wear to any and all heel-worthy events is a rite of passage as a woman, and it is better to get one pair you really love than a poor-quality pair you have to keep replacing.