Wardrobe staples series: shoes
Shoes. I love shoes, do you? Love them or hate them, they are [usually] a necessary part of life — and while shoes have been unnecessary during #stayhome life, it’s true that shoes can make or break an outfit.
Shoes are a critical part of your wardrobe and they need to reflect your lifestyles — all of them. Are you a mom, a wife and a professional? Do you exercise, work in a job that requires a lot of moving/standing (e.g. a nurse)? Do you love to go out with your girlfriends or on date night with your partner? All of these activities form your lifestyles and inform the shoes you need to have in your wardrobe. In addition, where you live and the weather you experience is also an important consideration with shoes.
I used to live in a big city, be a child-free young professional and wear pumps, heeled booties and other beautiful office-appropriate shoes every day. Those days are over and now I’m a busy wife, mom, and business owner — I’ve transitioned my heel-based wardrobe to sneakers and flats. I still like to go out with my friends and husband, and need only a few pairs of cute heels.
There are some basic guidelines that apply no matter your lifestyle(s) — I use these guidelines for myself and my clients to ensure shoe staples are covered (nude + black) — and after the basics are covered, then the fun (prints + color) really begins!
Must have shoe staples
Nude/tan: flat, pump, bootie, boots, sandals — this color lengthens your legs and goes with everything. Add it to your wardrobe immediately! I have nude or tan in every type of shoe (except sneakers) and wear them ALL the time.
Black: see nude/tan and apply all the same rules — except that black doesn’t lengthen your legs unless you wear black tights/stockings — so keep this in mind, especially with strappy sandals because your leg will actually look shorter with a black horizontal strap (!) and no one wants that.
Print (e.g. animal / camo): prints like animal or camo are an elevated basic. They are usually neutral colors and paired with a simple look, add instant style. I have animal print sneakers, flats and sandals, and a pair of camo flats. I love that all of these shoes elevate any outfit.
Color: shoes with color is where you get to show off your personality and personal style. For me, my current go-to is pink sneakers. In the past, I’ve had red pumps. I love cobalt blue, too, and am currently on the hunt for a pair of cobalt loafers or driving shoes. Colored shoes are great for a monochromatic look or just to add a lift to a neutral look. Speaking of which, white is a color for shoe purposes — and white sneakers are on-trend right now — they are a super comfortable way to look really stylish!
What are your favorite shoes? Tell me below! If you need help figuring out your shoe staples, reach out — I can help.