Almost every day I get asked about my shoes, which is why I started a weekly #TuesdayShoesday series. I’ve always loved shoes—accessories are the easiest way to add color and personality to an outfit. They’re often the first step people take when experimenting with a more colorful wardrobe.
Here’s a tour of my shoe closet and the ten styles I consider essential. You’ll notice I rarely choose neutral shoes on purpose. I find shoes are a simple way to introduce color—either by complementing or contrasting an outfit. The closest I come to neutrals are metallics and the occasional white pair.
No. 1 Ankle Strap + A Low Heel
This is probably my most-worn style. I feel more confident in a heel, but wearing very high heels every day isn’t practical. A low ankle-strap heel adds just enough height to elevate most looks while remaining comfortable for daily wear.
No. 2 Pointed-Toe Flat
When I choose flats, I almost always go pointed toe. Pointed-toe flats instantly make an outfit look more refined. I typically pair them with skinny or boyfriend jeans and reserve them mostly for weekends and casual days.
No. 3 Closed Toe + Mid-Height Heel
Full-length, wide-leg trousers often need a bit of elevation to create flattering proportion—this is where a mid-height heel comes in. It balances long silhouettes without sacrificing comfort, making it ideal for trousers and dresses that require a little lift.
No. 4 High Heel Sandal
I wear very high heels mainly for photos or events where I’ll be sitting. Since they’re occasional pieces in my wardrobe, I like to choose bolder materials and finishes—metallics, velvets, or statement textures—so they feel special when I do wear them.
No. 5 Classic Mule
Mules are endlessly versatile. They work with jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, and they transition seamlessly from day to night. They’re trendy but have enough staying power to be a smart investment if you want a reliable, stylish option.
No. 6 Metallic Oxford or Loafer
I’ve owned several pairs of silver loafers and slip-ons over the years. I don’t wear them daily, but they’re my go-to when I want to shake up a jeans-and-top look or add a little shine to a skirt or tailored outfit.
No. 7 Colorful Pump
Instead of the usual advice to own a nude pump, I recommend keeping a colorful pump. It’s just as classic and works well in professional settings, but it adds a welcome pop of color to otherwise straightforward outfits.
No. 8 Statement Ankle Boot
Statement ankle boots are staples for cooler months. I wear them with cuffed jeans and dresses—mine are often bright colors I wear frequently, like pink, or patterned “neutrals” such as leopard. They elevate casual looks and add interest to simple outfits.
No. 9 Embellished Shoe
An embellished shoe functions like a big, sparkly necklace for your feet. It turns a plain outfit into something special—pom poms, rhinestones, and other details make these shoes memorable and perfect for occasions when you want to make an impact.
No. 10 Slides
I’m not usually a flat sandal person, but I always keep one pair of slides for vacations or super-casual moments—like running to grab a pizza. They’re comfortable and convenient for low-key days when I want something easy on and off.
If you want to introduce more color into your wardrobe, start with shoes or a bag. Blush, rose, or bubblegum pink are among my favorites because they act like a near-neutral but still offer a soft pop. For bolder moves, try a bright blue or another vivid hue.
What shoe styles do you live in? My lineup may not be typical, but these ten styles cover most occasions for me. Share your favorites—I’m always curious what others wear!