10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Have

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The right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to completing a look. Candace Bergen has said that no matter what one’s wardrobe costs, if paired with quality shoes, everything looks high quality.  She makes a very sound point. As long as the clothes fit well and hair and make-up is done, the shoes can really take the entire look to the next level. 

With all of that in mind, here are my ten essential shoes every woman should have in order to be stylishly pulled together no matter what the occasion. Feel free to share what your essentials are as well. I’m always looking for new ideas.

1. Ballet flats (nude, black, bright color or print)
One I finally realized how versatile ballet flats were for my lifestyle (work, play, errands, weekend, casual) I convinced myself to by a few quality pairs of them.  Here are a few brands I live in (Tory Burch’s Reva & Vera Wang’s Lavender ‘Lillian’) and a few I dream to wear (Lanvin & Chloe).  In all honesty, the price is worth it because they will last.  Remember cost per wear.

2. Brown hue thong sandal
Perfect for summer to wear with ankle jeans, a skirt or a dress. One that I have been wearing the last two summers is a pair of Tory Burch’s Miller sandals (shown below).

3. Classic black pump (pointed or round toe)
A black pump is perfect for work with a wrap dress, sheath, suit or trousers. Pointed toes tend to elongate your leg, but either will do depending upon your outfit. Nine West offers classic styles at very reasonable prices, but if you’re able to invest in a pair of Christian Louboutins by all means you must add them to your wardrobe.


4. Nude heels
A treasure to be had.  Whether with jeans, a dress of any color, or an outfit of any color, this is the pump you want to make sure you have in your closet.  Choose a round toe or peep-toe, either way, I have a feeling you will fall in love.  My dream pair is one from Jimmy Choo.

5. Tall Stiletto Boot (black & brown/tan)
Boots for fall and winter are a style must as we want to stay warm, but still want to look stylish and pulled together.  There are many ways to wear a pair of stiletto boots – with a dress/skirt, tuck a pair of skinny jeans inside (perfect day or evening) or wear with a pair of boot cut jeans. (Cynthia Vincent’s Dylan boot – on sale!) And it doesn’t hurt to have a pair or two of flat boots for traveling and for those days when wearing heels just doesn’t suit your mood (a pair of flat boots that are not lacking in style).

6. Espadrilles
Another shoe that is fun for summer, adds height without the wobble and is capable of being paired with capris, shorts or a dress.  Stuart Weitzman has a pair that would work very well with just about any wardrobe choice.

7. Kitten Heels
The height these shoes provide is perfect for those days when you know and want to look feminine, yet have tired feet from wearing sky-high heels all week.  Stella McCartney for an investment (currently sold out of her patent sling-back heels) or again, Nine West for frugal luxury or Kenneth Cole – both great choices.

8. Evening Heels (sandals or peep-toe, fun)
Going out is the opportunity to be exactly who you are without any rules, so let your shoes begin the fun.  Choose a classic black sandal or a something more conversational.

9. Wellies and/or Uggs (an all-weather boot)
I tend to live in my Wellies during the spring as I’m out in the garden or visiting local nurseries picking out my annual plants for the yard.  And the choices that are available make it all the more fun.  Currently, I love my yellow boots.



10. Booties, Ankle Boots or Shoe/Boots
The shoe that I have fallen in love with recently has been the bootie. In black or nude (and I’m sure so many other options), this is a fun alternative for the fall and winter when you want to cover more of your foot, but have the feel of a fabulous heel. (Here’s a peek at a fabulous nude shoe/boots from Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik’s take on the bootie.


Now that we know what shoes we will need, here is my list of the 10 Wardrobe Essentials.

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