6 Classic Shoe Styles Every Woman Should Own
If good shoes take you to good places, then great shoes that are designed in timeless silhouettes are bound to bring you to even better destinations. While it’s fun to splurge on the occasional trendy sneaker or mule to upgrade your style game, it’s also wise for you to invest in classic shoe styles that will fit right in with the items in your wardrobe. Ahead, we round up six must-have classic styles of women's shoes every woman ought to have in her ‘shoedrobe’.
1. Slip-on Sandals
(left) Castaner ‘Palma’ canvas espadrille slides; (right) Charles & Keith Buckle Double Strap Slide Sandals.
The 'stylish cousin’ to the flip-flop, slip-on sandals are as comfortable and easy to wear yet look slightly dressier shoe style. Rock up to a cafe in them without looking underdressed. For a luxe yet ethically conscious footwear option, consider Castaner’s ‘Palma’ slides, which are locally made in Spain using natural linen and cotton. If you prefer designs that bear modern touches, check out Charles & Keith’s double-strap sandals, which feature sleek gold-tone detailing.
How to style them: Slip-on sandals look best when paired with casual-cool ensembles, so wear them with natural-looking separates, such as a beige linen skirt or a pair of loose cotton trousers.
2. White Sneakers
(left) Reebok Club C double trainers; (right) Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers.
A must-have casualwear staple that deserves a permanent spot in everyone’s wardrobe. White sneakers are a fashionable, streetstyle-approved alternative to other classic forms of covered footwear, such as ballet flats and loafers. Hoping to rock a little colour on your feet? Opt for Reebok’s Club C double trainers, designed with cool lilac and iridescent details. For a pair that ‘ages’ beautifully over time, look to Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star high-top sneakers, which are made of lightweight and durable canvas.
How to style them: Keep them clean and pristine and you’ll have the perfect finishing touch to an otherwise dark muted ensemble. Alternatively, break them in and wear them with your favourite casual separates, such as denim jeans and A-line mini skirts.
3. Vintage Shoes
(left) CUCTOS Camilla Mary Jane Shoes Double Strap Square Toe Heels; (right) CUCTOS Vanessa Vintage Low Heel Strappy Sandals.
Vintage shoes have a long history and have influenced fashion for decades. With the continuous popularity of retro fashion, more and more people are wearing retro shoes to create their own unique style, and they have become an indispensable shoe style for modern women. Wearing a pair of favorite vintage shoes will make people look more elegant and confident. From sophisticated Roman style to playful Mary Janes, women vintage shoes can enhance any outfit.
How to style them: Pair them with a casual dress like a floral skirt, cover-up, or jumpsuit for a laid-back look. Plus, skinny jeans look great with Mary Janes!
4. Ankle Boots
(Left) Dear Frances ‘Spirit’ boot; (Right) By Far ‘Lara’ suede ankle boots.
These are silhouette-slimming shoes that help upgrade your style game while giving you a little height boost. Ankle boots are great, especially when you’re in the mood to dress up, be it for a movie date with your beau or for a day of shopping with your girlfriends.
Go minimal with Dear Frances’s ‘Spirit’ boots, which have become a cult favourite among fashion influencers. These shoe styles feature a leg-lengthening effect and are designed with a solid, block heel to provide added support for your heel area. For a more vintage-looking design, add By Far’s ‘Lara’ suede ankle boots to your cart. Made from lovely brown suede, these boots are a welcome addition for those who favour brown and beige-coloured clothing.
How to style them: Avoid tucking your trousers into your boots, as they’ll make your legs appear shorter. Pair them with a cropped pair instead, or flaunt your pins with your go-to high-waisted shorts.
5. High-heeled Pumps
(Left) Charles & Keith asymmetrical pumps; (Right) ASOS Design pointed high heeled court shoes.
Power pumps will have you walking with a spring in your step. Pumps may have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable at times, however, they are still an important style essential that will help you dress the part in more formal settings and occasions. Go nude with Charles & Keith’s asymmetrical pumps, which help you create the illusion of longer-looking legs. Alternatively, slide into ASOS Design’s jet black court shoes, which are made of low-maintenance, faux suede material.
How to style them: As they go with virtually everything in your wardrobe, go forth and experiment with different looks whenever you don this classic pair of heels. Wear them with a pencil skirt and button-down shirt for quick trips to the office, or with a maxi dress if you wish to appear taller and leaner.
6. Strappy Heels
(Left) Who What Wear ‘Perla’ mid-heeled sandals; (Right) Shein stiletto heeled sandals.
A flattering, pedicure-flaunting shoe design that looks good on almost every woman, strappy heels are worth investing in as they provide the comfort that comes from wearing flip-flops while giving you a much-needed height boost. We love Who What Wear’s ‘Perla’ mid-heeled sandals as they are a modern, stylish take on the '90s slingback heel. For a bolder and trendier version of this classic design, Shein’s stiletto-heeled sandals are a great option to consider.
How to style them: Strappy sandals look best with a dress or skirt with slit details, as they will also help you visually lengthen your frame. However, if trousers are more of your cup of tea, do cuff the hems of your trousers and flaunt your ankles in order to achieve a similar leg-lengthening effect.
Which of these classic shoe styles do you like best?
