HomeFashionI Did the Research: These 30 Shoes Go With Literally Everything
I Did the Research: These 30 Shoes Go With Literally Everything
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There's no part of my closet I'm pickier with than my shoes. As much as I Iove shopping for them, the reality is that I end up wearing my favorite few pairs over and over again and as such, I need every pair in my closet to really go the mile. The right footwear is arguably one of the key accessories to consider when getting dressed, so I tend to take my time vetting my options before making any purchases.
I recently sat down to do just that and dove into the best versatile shoes in existence. Whether it's a casual jeans-and-a-tee fit or something more elevated like a slip dress, I've done the legwork (AKA scrolled for hours on Instagram for styling inspiration), and I've come to the conclusion that the 20 shoe styles you're about to see here are the wisest investments you can make for your footwear collection.
Clean and classic, a pair of white leather court sneakers is such a wise investment.
Is any wardrobe complete without a pair? I suggest opting for a pair with a walkable heel (block heels are always a sure bet) and you'll always reach for them first.
Fans of French style are already well aware, but it really doesn't get any more timeless than a pair of pretty ballet flats, regardless of whether they're officially "trending" or not.
Speaking of French-girl style, another highly versatile pair you'll find in all their closets are simple leather slide sandals which they wear with everything from denim shorts to trousers to dresses.
Speaking from personal experience, structured knee-highs are one of the best shoe investments you can make. I wear mine multiple times a week, and I'm especially into them with mini skirts.
The holy grail of versatile shoes has to be neutral strappy heels. It doesn't matter as much the heel height, specific color, or style so much as long as they go with your style and wardrobe staples.
Talk about timeless. I don't think a pair of pointed-toe pumps will ever feel irrelevant. They're perpetually chic and polished—yep, even with jeans and a tee.
Loafers have skyrocketed in popularity in recent seasons, but make no mistake that the menswear-inspired flats deserve a spot on your forever wardrobe.
Some may disagree here, but I'm adding western boots to my list of versatile footwear. I've seen fashion folks wear theirs with enough cool ensembles including underneath dresses and with jeans tucked in to convince me of their utility.
Calling all minimalists: heeled thongs are the wear-everywhere shoes your closet needs. Whether you go for The Row or Mango, look for a simple black pair with thin straps for the most value.
Throwback sneakers are the shoe "trend" that's proven to be more of a basic than a fleeting seasonal style becuase their
Pointed-toe slingbacks add a ladylike finish to everything from jeans per the above outfit to cocktail attire.
Try the punk staple with tailoring for a cool contrast or lean into the tough vibe with jeans and a leather jacket.
Another go-to sneaker that the fashion set has confirmed to be ultra-versatile are Converse, or really any canvas high-tops.
There's a reason that espadrilles come back around every summer—they're just the "that girl" of warm-weather footwear.
"Dad" sandals with velcro straps and lug soles are trendy but surprisingly useful.
If you're looking for non-basic flats to wear with all your casual outfits, I suggest a pair of clogs with a lifted sole.
Wedding guest ensembles, cocktail attire, and date-night—ankle-tie heels are the sultry shoes you'll always look extra elevated in, no matter the occasion.
"Barbie" heels, AKA PVC platforms with a neutral sole, are made to look like they're not there at all making it impossible to clash with anything.
Meet the ankle boots you'll wear nonstop from October to April. Flat Chelsea boots, especially in black, are like the white T-shirt of footwear. Yep, they're a staple everyone needs.
If fashion people are wearing heels, there's a good chance they're square-toe mules.
Platform mary-janes will actually take you so far. French girls are really onto something with their classic shoes…
Any shoes that both make your outfits look more elevated and are actually comfortable to walk in are an immediate yes from me. Hence why my fellow editors and I are all fans of kitten heel sandals.
Shoutout to The Row's Ginza sandals for putting the Y2K shoes back on the map and proving just how many ways there are to wear platform flip-flops.
Since PVC are mostly clear, you know they'll hardly clash with anything you wear them with and therefore rank high on our versatility scale.
As I mentioned before, the more walkable, the better and block-heel mules are about as walkable as it gets before flats.
Yep, wedges are coming back and they're shocking us with how many ways there are to style them. Look for sleek and minimalist pairs in neutral tones.
Since metallic goes with nothing, it also goes with everything. That's the rule with metallic heels, which are a great staple to have in your closet because they'll go with almost any color or print.
The menswear-inspired shoes are a cool alternative to simple flats.
Part-sandal, part-flat, fisherman shoes are the 2022 staple fashion people are serving up plenty of styling ideas with.
Up next, the 21 items our editors added to their closets this month.
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