Anyone with even the slightest shoe obsession knows that the right footwear can totally transform an outfit. I have a somewhat love-hate relationship with shoes (more on that later) — and because they’re really difficult to find in my size, I can’t always buy every bright High Street shoe I fancy. But somehow I always manage to have at least 10 pairs in my rotation.
Here’s my round-up of the shoe genres I’m loving right now — and the ones you should have in your current line-up.
10 Pairs of Shoes Every Woman Should Own:
1. Fashion trainers
These trainers aren’t just for the gym. Wear ’em with jeans, midi skirts, cut-off shorts… they pretty much go with everything.
Two I like: Lena Slip On Trainer, Whistles, £135; Mattitude High Top Trainers, Topshop, £80
2. Flat ankle boots
Whether they lace up, buckle or zip, a cool pair of comfy ankle boots are likely the most heavily worn shoe in your rotation — especially if you log tons of miles walking around the city.
Two I like: Everly Bootie, Jeffrey Campbell, £126.28; Wirasien, Aldo, £59.98
3. D’orsay flats
Just as pretty as heels, this fresh update to the ballet flat is perfect for dancing the night away.
Two I like: L.K. Bennett Hope Ballerinas, John Lewis, £155; Easy Does It Flat, Nordstrom, £37.86
4. Brogues
Transition these babies into spring/summer by choosing a pair with cut-out or eyelet details.
Two I like: Pull&Bear Metallic Cut Out Flat Shoes, Asos, £23.50; Neririen, Aldo, £34.98
5. Slip-on sandals
Call ’em pool sliders or Jesus sandals, but I couldn’t be happier that these easy-to-wear sandals are back in style.
Two I like: Malta Sandals, J.Crew, £78; Combined Flat Sandals, Zara, £29.99
6. Metallic heels
Nothing dresses up an outfit like a luxe metallic shoe. Consider silver your go-with-everything colour for spring.
Two I like: Gunning Metallic Courts, Carvela Kurt Geiger, £100; Metallic High Heel Strappy Sandal, Zara, £59
7. Chunky low-heeled sandals
These mini heels are easy to walk in, and they’re perfect for tall girls like me. I’ll be wearing this pale-pink Asos pair with all my summer dresses.
Two I like: Harrow Heeled Shoes, Asos, £30; Heartbreaker 2Part Heel Sandals, Topshop, £28
8. Mules
This vintage shape has a modern twist this season. I love them with boyfriend jeans or narrow cropped trousers.
Two I like: Nappa-Leather Mules, Gianvito Rossi, £520; Gwaydien, Aldo, £65
9. Loafers
Clearly I’m loving flats this season, and the classic loafer is another must-have style.
Two I like: Cleo Suede Loafers, J.Crew, £150; Soft Slipper, Zara, £22.99
10. Bright pointy-toe shoes
When it comes to courts, I’m partial to the pointy toe right now — and I’ll always choose a bold shade (or a sweet pastel) over a neutral.
Two I like: Ocaria, Aldo, £60; Golden Mid Heel Court Shoes, Topshop, £58
How many do you have?